The Boston Globe will not publish a print edition on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, marking an unprecedented decision in the newspaper’s 153-year history. The decision, driven by a severe blizzard blanketing Latest England, impacts both subscribers and single-copy sales, though the Globe continues to publish news online.
The storm created dangerous conditions for the newspaper’s staff, making it nearly impossible for printing and delivery personnel to safely commute to the production facility in Taunton, Massachusetts. “We’re not confident that even if we got a crew in tonight, that we could get the papers on our trucks safely. We weren’t confident that that last mile would be doable,” said Josh Russell, vice president of print operations at Boston Globe Media. Monday’s delivery was also significantly affected, with only 25 percent of papers reaching subscribers.
Whereas Tuesday’s print edition will be delivered to subscribers on Wednesday, single copies will not be available at retail locations, according to Jamie Nee, the Globe’s executive director of sales strategy and fulfillment. This marks the first time the Globe has suspended daily print production since its founding in 1872, though production was halted during labor strikes in the 1950s and 60s.
Historic Storms and a Legacy of Resilience
The decision to halt printing comes despite the Globe’s history of attempting to maintain publication even during extreme weather events. During the historic Blizzard of 1978, the newspaper managed to print a limited run of approximately a few thousand copies on February 7th, though delivery was severely hampered by impassable roads. Staff were even forced to spend the night at the Morrissey Boulevard newsroom, finding furniture to sleep on as the storm raged on. The Globe moved its headquarters to 53 State St. In downtown Boston in 2017.
The current situation, however, presented a different set of challenges. Chris Johnson, executive director of manufacturing at Boston Globe Publishing Services, recounted his own difficult commute on Monday, becoming stuck multiple times despite driving a four-wheel drive pickup truck. He described the conditions as making the operation “just not going to work,” citing an unacceptable level of risk.
Challenges Facing the Print Industry
The decision at the Boston Globe reflects broader challenges facing the newspaper industry. Paul Tash, former chief executive and chair of the Tampa Bay Times, noted the difficulties of maintaining print operations during severe weather events, recalling instances of delayed deliveries and even suspended editions during his 47 years with the paper. However, the Tampa Bay Times ultimately managed to continue printing. Tash also acknowledged the industry-wide pressures of declining readership and advertising revenue, leading many newspapers to reduce their print schedules. The Tampa Bay Times now publishes a print edition only two days a week.
Despite these industry trends, the Boston Globe has managed to sustain a seven-day print product while remaining one of the few profitable newspapers in the country. The dedication of its staff, particularly the press workers who commute from across the state, was highlighted by Dan Stenstrom, the superintendent of the pressroom, who has been with the Globe since 1985. “They have a dedication to the process,” Stenstrom said, adding that despite the unusual circumstances, “they know they’ll be in there tomorrow.”
In 2016, the Globe experienced significant delivery issues for several weeks after switching to a new distribution partner, prompting staff volunteers to personally deliver papers to subscribers while leadership worked to resolve the problem.
While print readers will miss their Tuesday edition, the Globe’s digital platforms remain active, providing continuous news coverage.
Looking Ahead
The Boston Globe’s decision underscores the increasing impact of extreme weather events on critical infrastructure and the challenges of maintaining traditional media operations in a changing climate. As the blizzard continues to impact the region, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of the community and restoring normal operations as quickly as possible. Readers can continue to access the latest news and information from the Globe online.
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