Economy

Toledo Blade files state notice for December 31 closure, 116 layoffs

Toledo, Ohio • October 27, 2026 • By Press Pass USA

Editorial illustration: a historic newspaper printing press room

Editorial illustration — Press Pass USA

The Toledo Blade filed a formal notice of closing with the state of Ohio on October 23, outlining plans to cease publication on December 31, 2026, and permanently lay off 116 employees during the two weeks after that date, unless a buyer steps in.

Owner Block Communications Inc. announced September 8 that the newspaper would close at year's end unless a buyer could be found. The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) filing with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services describes the layoffs as permanent, with no bumping or reemployment rights for the affected workers.

The notice says “effects bargaining, severance pay and/or possible sale of the Company” are the steps being taken “to mitigate or avoid the closure.” The affected workers are represented by three unions: the Toledo Newspaper Guild (CWA Local 34043), Teamsters Local 20 and IBEW Local 8.

The Blade published its first edition in December 1835 and today publishes print editions on Thursdays and Sundays alongside its e-editions and online content. Block Communications, a 122-year-old privately held company headquartered in Toledo, had earlier this year announced a similar shutdown plan for its other major newspaper, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette — which was then sold to the Vernoulis Institute for Local Journalism. The Blade has not found the same last-minute rescue.

Sources: The Monroe News (Oct 27, 2026); Editor and Publisher / 13abc WTVG (Oct 27, 2026).