Boston Globe Halts Print for First Time in 153 Years Due to Blizzard

Record-setting snowstorm prevents staff from safely reaching printing plant.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The Boston Globe has called off printing its daily newspaper for the first time in its 153-year history due to a major blizzard that dumped over 32 inches of snow in parts of Massachusetts. The newspaper's printing plant in Taunton was inaccessible to staff, forcing the Globe to forgo its print edition for Tuesday. This marks the first time the Globe has halted daily print production since its founding in 1872, with previous disruptions only occurring during labor strikes in the 1950s and 1960s.

Why it matters

The decision to suspend print operations highlights the declining reliance on physical newspapers in the digital age, with a 2025 survey finding only 7% of U.S. adults often get news from printed sources compared to 56% who use digital platforms. However, the Globe's move also underscores the logistical challenges traditional media outlets can face during extreme weather events that disrupt normal operations.

The details

The National Weather Service reported that parts of Bristol County, where the Globe's printing press is located, received 32 inches of snow by Monday night. The blizzard also set records in nearby Rhode Island, with the T.F. Green International Airport in Warwick receiving nearly 38 inches. Globe management said the severe weather and road conditions prevented staff from safely reaching the printing plant to produce Tuesday's edition.

  • The blizzard hit on Monday, February 23, 2026.
  • Parts of Bristol County, Massachusetts recorded 32 inches of snow by Monday night.
  • The T.F. Green International Airport in Warwick, Rhode Island received nearly 38 inches of snow, setting a new record.

The players

The Boston Globe

A major daily newspaper based in Boston, Massachusetts that has been in operation since 1872.

National Weather Service

The federal agency responsible for weather forecasting and issuing weather-related warnings in the United States.

T.F. Green International Airport

An international airport located in Warwick, Rhode Island that recorded a new snowfall record during the blizzard.

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The takeaway

The Boston Globe's decision to suspend its print edition for the first time in over 150 years underscores the declining reliance on physical newspapers in the digital age, as well as the logistical challenges traditional media outlets can face during extreme weather events that disrupt normal operations. This incident highlights the need for news organizations to have robust contingency plans in place to ensure they can continue serving their audiences even in the face of unexpected disruptions.