Historic Blizzard Forces Boston Globe to Suspend Print Edition for First Time in 153 Years
A record-setting snowstorm has compelled the management of The Boston Globe to cancel the printing of its daily newspaper, marking an unprecedented event in the publication's 153-year history. This decision, announced on Tuesday, 24 February 2026, comes as severe weather conditions, including heavy snow and strong winds, prevented staff from safely accessing the Globe's printing plant in Taunton, Massachusetts.
Unprecedented Weather Disruption
According to the National Weather Service, parts of Bristol County, where the printing press is located, recorded up to 32 inches (81 centimeters) of snow by Monday night. This blizzard has not only disrupted operations but also set new snowfall records in the region, with nearby Rhode Island's T.F. Green International Airport in Warwick receiving nearly 38 inches (96.5 centimeters), breaking a previous record from 1978.
Historical Context and Modern Relevance
This suspension is the first time the Globe has halted daily production since its founding in 1872, though labor strikes did cause temporary stoppages in the 1950s and 1960s. In contrast, during another major blizzard in 1978, the newspaper managed to print a few thousand copies, but delivery was severely hampered by snow piles that blocked trucks within a mile or two of the building.
The incident highlights the declining reliance on print media in the digital age. A 2025 survey by the Pew Research Center found that only 7% of U.S. adults often get their news from printed newspapers or magazines, compared to 56% who prefer smartphones, computers, or tablets.
Impact on Subscribers and Future Plans
The Globe has assured print subscribers that Tuesday's edition will be delivered on Wednesday, weather permitting. This disruption underscores the challenges faced by traditional print media in an era dominated by online news consumption, while also demonstrating the resilience required to adapt to extreme weather events.
