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U.S. Block to close Toledo Blade December 31 if unsold

9/9/2026

12 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

U.S. Block Communications will close the Toledo Blade on Dec. 31 if no buyer is found.
President and COO Jodi Miehls said the paper’s financial losses are unsustainable.
Union members rejected a contract 46-25 that would halve severance, cut seniority and allow AI outsourcing.
Workers said they would welcome new owners committed to local news.

History

Historical Context

Founded in 1875, the Chicago Daily News was bought by Field Enterprises in 1959 and folded on March 31 1978 after a 103-year run, with many reporters, including Pulitzer winner Mike Royko, joining the Sun-Times. Decades later, Block Communications’ plan to close the Toledo Blade by Dec. 31 echoes the same financial pressures that ended the Daily News, underscoring the long-term erosion of Midwestern community journalism.

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Story summary

U.S. Block Communications will close the Toledo Blade on Dec. 31 if no buyer is found.
President and COO Jodi Miehls said the paper’s financial losses are unsustainable.
Union members rejected a contract 46-25 that would halve severance, cut seniority and allow AI outsourcing.
Workers said they would welcome new owners committed to local news.

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