Sioux Falls Mayor Declares April 9 as Local News Day

The proclamation aims to reconnect residents with trusted local journalism.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:35pm

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A detailed, photorealistic painting of a lone newspaper stand on a city street, with warm sunlight casting deep shadows and creating a contemplative, nostalgic mood.A symbolic gesture to highlight the vital role of local journalism in fostering community connection and civic engagement.Sioux Falls Today

In a ceremony at Sioux Falls City Hall, Mayor Paul TenHaken officially declared April 9 as Local News Day. The proclamation is part of a broader effort to highlight the importance of local journalism and encourage residents to engage with trusted community news sources.

Why it matters

Local news outlets have faced significant challenges in recent years, with many struggling to maintain readership and advertising revenue. This proclamation is an attempt by the city to raise awareness about the vital role local journalism plays in keeping communities informed and connected.

The details

During the event, Mayor TenHaken emphasized the need for residents to support their local news providers, whether that's through subscriptions, donations, or simply sharing articles on social media. He noted that strong local news coverage is essential for a healthy democracy and helps foster a sense of community.

  • The proclamation was made on April 9, 2026.

The players

Paul TenHaken

The mayor of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, who issued the proclamation declaring April 9 as Local News Day.

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What they’re saying

“Local news is the lifeblood of our community, and we must do all we can to reconnect Americans with trusted local news sources.”

— Paul TenHaken, Mayor of Sioux Falls

What’s next

The city plans to host a series of events and initiatives throughout the month of April to further promote the importance of local journalism and encourage residents to engage with their community news sources.

The takeaway

This proclamation by the Sioux Falls mayor is a symbolic gesture, but it highlights the broader challenges facing local news outlets and the need for communities to actively support and engage with trusted journalism that serves their local interests.