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New Mexico governor signs tax credit legislation for local newspapers · Federal judge: Pentagon violating court order to restore reporter access · Maryland enacts first-in-the-nation Local News for Maryland Communities Act · Hearst exec: Yes, newspapers are still a good investment · AP says it will offer buyouts as part of pivot away from newspaper journalism · Houston Chronicle reinvents subscriber experience with new media products · Nearly two dozen Iowa newspapers threatened after publisher announces closure · Paxton Media Group acquires nine titles from Community Newspapers, Inc. · Save the date: SLC and Family Owners are headed to Washington, D.C. · Hearst launches 'Hearst News,' a proprietary national programmatic advertising network · New Mexico governor signs tax credit legislation for local newspapers · Federal judge: Pentagon violating court order to restore reporter access · Maryland enacts first-in-the-nation Local News for Maryland Communities Act · Hearst exec: Yes, newspapers are still a good investment · AP says it will offer buyouts as part of pivot away from newspaper journalism · Houston Chronicle reinvents subscriber experience with new media products · Nearly two dozen Iowa newspapers threatened after publisher announces closure · Paxton Media Group acquires nine titles from Community Newspapers, Inc. · Save the date: SLC and Family Owners are headed to Washington, D.C. · Hearst launches 'Hearst News,' a proprietary national programmatic advertising network ·

newspapers.org

Advocacy

April 2026

The Local News for Maryland Communities Act (SB 459) establishes a first-in-the-nation, revenue-neutral framework to strengthen and sustain local news organizations across the state. The legislation was passed by the Maryland General Assembly and signed into law, creating a structural support model that doesn't rely on new spending — it redirects existing resources toward local news infrastructure.

Whether you're in Maryland or not, this is worth paying attention to. It reflects years of consistent advocacy work at the state level — and signals that legislators are increasingly receptive to the argument that local news is essential public infrastructure. The model is being watched by advocates and legislators in other states. This is what sustained advocacy produces.

If your state association isn't already in conversation with legislators about similar approaches, this is a good moment to start. The Maryland bill offers a concrete template — and a proof point that the argument works.

Read the full story on newspapers.org

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Carmage Walls Commentary Prize entries are open

$20,000 in awards. Expanded categories. Open competition format.

Deadline: May 31

Executive Development Program

Executive Development Program applications accepted

Leadership program for newspaper professionals ready for broader responsibility.

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SLC 2026

Senior Leadership Conference

Washington, D.C. · Timely conversations for senior executives and Solutions Partners.

Sept. 28–30, 2026

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Washington, D.C. · The annual gathering for family newspaper owners, one day ahead of SLC.

Sept. 27–28, 2026

Watch This

Maryland just became the first state in the country to pass legislation like this. It won't be the last.

The Local News for Maryland Communities Act establishes a first-in-the-nation, revenue-neutral framework to support local news organizations across the state. Whether you're in Maryland or not, this is worth paying attention to.

newspapers.org · Advocacy Read more here

From AN

Carmage Walls is open and the prize money just went up.

$20,000 in awards this year — more money, expanded categories, open competition format.

This year's Carmage Walls prize is bigger than ever — $20,000 total in awards, expanded categories that reflect the evolving world of opinion journalism, and an open competition format where entries are judged on quality and impact, not circulation size. If you're writing commentary that matters in your community, this is the recognition it deserves. Entries are open now. Deadline is May 31.

Enter now at member.newspapers.org

member.newspapers.org · Deadline May 31

Hearst is buying more newspapers — and the exec making those decisions is worth listening to.

While others are pulling back, Hearst's Jeff Johnson is actively acquiring daily newspapers in Texas and making the case that the business still works. His investment thesis is worth reading closely. It lines up with what the Roadmap Study confirmed — local-first coverage, community trust, and editorial relevance are the durable assets.

newspapers.org · Industry

Washington in September. There's no better place to be right now.

Senior Leadership Conference runs Sept. 28–30, Family Owners a day ahead on Sept. 27–28. With so much happening at the federal level, being in D.C. this fall isn't optional — it's strategic. More details on registration and programming coming soon.

newspapers.org · Save the Date

A federal judge ruled the Pentagon is violating a court order to restore press access. The implications go beyond Washington.

The Defense Department was ordered to restore journalist access and did not comply. A federal judge had to intervene. This is an important press freedom moment — and one that resonates well beyond the Pentagon. It's the kind of story that helps readers understand why an independent press matters.

newspapers.org · Press Freedom

Know someone ready for the next level? Point them at the Executive Development Program.

Applications are open now through May 31. The EDP is designed for newspaper professionals who are ready for bigger roles and broader responsibility. If you're a publisher or senior leader, this is worth a conversation with your rising talent.

newspapers.org · Apply by May 31

Nearly two dozen Iowa papers are at risk after their ownership company announced it's closing. The details here matter.

Mid-America Publishing Corporation is closing in April, and a significant number of community papers are caught in the middle. The situation is a real-world reminder of why sustainable ownership structures, succession planning, and financial resilience matter — not as policy talking points, but as practical realities for local publishers.

newspapers.org · Industry

New Mexico signed tax credits for local newspapers into law. It's a model worth replicating.

SB 151 and HB 2 direct tax credit support straight to local newspaper operations. This is exactly the kind of targeted policy we've been advocating for. If your state association isn't already in conversation with legislators about similar approaches, this is a good moment to start.

newspapers.org · Advocacy

State Advocacy Coalition

Advocacy Win

New Mexico governor signs legislation providing tax credits to local newspapers

New Mexico has taken a practical step to strengthen local news across the state. Through SB 151 and HB 2, state leaders have adopted a targeted approach that directs support straight into the places where local news is produced. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed the legislation, recognizing the essential role independent local newspapers play in communities statewide.

Read the full story

Also Leading

Advocacy

Maryland enacts first-in-the-nation Local News for Maryland Communities Act

SB 459 establishes a revenue-neutral model to sustain local news — a potential template for other states.

Press Freedom

Federal judge finds Pentagon is violating court order to restore reporter access

The Defense Department is in violation of an earlier order to restore journalist access to the Pentagon.

Industry

Hearst exec: Yes, newspapers are still a good investment

While others pull back, Hearst's Jeff Johnson is buying and growing newspapers, including major dailies in Texas.

Ownership

Venetoulis Institute and Block Communications announce agreement for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Post-Gazette, founded in 1786, will remain in operation under the nonprofit behind The Baltimore Banner.

Industry

AP says it will offer buyouts as part of pivot away from newspaper journalism

The AP is offering buyouts to U.S.-based journalists as part of an acceleration away from its newspaper-focused model.

Acquisition

Paxton Media Group acquires nine titles from Community Newspapers, Inc.

PMG picked up nine community papers in the Murphy and Franklin regions of western North Carolina and north Georgia.

Acquisition

Nearly two dozen Iowa newspapers threatened after publisher announces closure

Multiple Iowa newspapers received notice from Mid-America Publishing Corporation that it will close in April.

People News

Hank Stuever joins The Times-Picayune and The Advocate

Hank Stuever joins The Times-Picayune and The Advocate

Named managing editor for enterprise journalism at Georges Media Group.

Longtime Paddock Publications executives to retire

Longtime Paddock Publications executives to retire

Two senior leaders at the Daily Herald publisher step down after long careers.

Ford Turner joins The Center Square as Pennsylvania state capitol reporter

Ford Turner joins The Center Square as Pennsylvania state capitol reporter

Veteran journalist joins the newsroom covering government and politics from Harrisburg.

From the Roadmap Study · 2026

Research Signal

Access full study

65%

of readers want local news to be their newspaper's primary focus

Local Media Roadmap Study · America's Newspapers / Coda Ventures · 3,000 adults

Reader Preference — Content Mix

Local News Coverage

65%

Trust in Local Papers

71%

Gen X Growth Opportunity

58%

Lifestyle & Community

35%

Why It Matters

Readers are telling you what they want. The answer is local news.

When 65% of your audience says they want more local coverage, that's a publishing strategy — not just a preference. Local newspapers that lean into accountability reporting, community storytelling and hyperlocal coverage are building the content mix readers are asking for. Lifestyle still matters. But local news is the franchise.

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