Join CFSA in Supporting Local News and Empowering our Community
April 9 is Local News Day, a National Day of Action to connect communities with trusted local news. Whether through subscriptions, engagement, or advocacy, investing in local news ensures that accurate, unbiased information remains available to everyone.
CFSA’s work with the Local News Initiative has awarded $500,000 in grants directly to local news outlets over the last two years. Reliable local information helps people make decisions that matter, from updates about local schools to local elections or public safety.
Add your voice to this National Day of Action. When communities are informed, they are stronger and more connected.
Here are a few ways we can support Local News Day on April 9:
- Support the local news outlets directly by subscribing to their content, donating, or signing up for a monthly contribution. Many of the local outlets are nonprofits that provide trusted news to the community with no paywall. Subscriptions are a way for them to continue providing credible information about what is happening in your community. Below are some of the Southern Arizona outlets doing just that with links to donate or subscribe. You can find more info on all our local news grantees and links to their work here.
- AZ Luminaria – subscribe and support here
- Tucson Spotlight – subscribe and support here
- Somos Tucson – subscribe and support here
- Tucson Sentinel – subscribe and support here
- Support the Local News Initiative in its work to give grants to local news outlets across Southern Arizona. Donate towards those grants here.
- Follow local news outlets’ work! Go here for a list of the Local News Initiative’s 2025 grantees along with links to their websites, social media, and newsletters. Check them out, follow, share and find other trusted news outlets doing great work to share with our community.
- Sign up as a Local News Day supporter and help show why trusted local news matters to every community.
In an era of information overload, local news cuts through the noise, spotlights issues, and elevates community voices. Like AZ Luminaria’s solutions-focused reporting that helps readers hold elected officials accountable, such as uncovering a plan to close five libraries without community input. Their timely coverage amplified public outcry and prompted county officials to table the plan. As well, their reporting on the University of Arizona’s financial crisis exposed state legislation that would strip faculty of power. The governor vetoed the legislation, the chair of the regents stepped down, and the university president was removed.
In the Tucson Sentinel’s more than 15 years of watchdog reporting, they have done numerous investigations that have led to immediate changes in government policies, including the removal of a FOIA exemption for the Border Patrol and shifts in school district policies. In that span, they’ve exposed millions of dollars in errors in FEC reports, broke news of undisclosed deaths in Tucson police custody, and shed light on the attempt by a state senator to flout a criminal speeding ticket, which gained national coverage thanks to their digging by reporters who live in our community.
These are just a few examples of the important work local reporters do every day. Supporting local news strengthens civic trust, ensures accountability, and empowers communities. Join the national movement that keeps your support local to help our community stay informed, make smart choices, and solve everyday problems.