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The Port Arthur News began in 1897. It is now one of the longest existing businesses in Jefferson County.

We have changed with the community over the years but have remained consistent with our mission: to keep the citizens of Port Arthur and Mid-County informed and up-to-date with news and information that impacts them.

As Southeast Texas and the nation navigate this difficult time in our history, businesses big and small face the daunting task of providing essential services to the public during a changing landscape.

The COVID-19 pandemic has crystalized our community’s changing reading dynamics, while also highlighting how to best connect our advertising partners with our large readership.

Between Jan. 1, 2019, and March 31, 2019, there were 753,030 page views at panews.com.

That total jumped by 484,140 (or 64 percent) between Jan. 1, 2020, and March 31, 2020, when panews.com recorded 1,237,170 page views.

Our community is reading us more than ever, but also more in a different medium. It’s time for us to answer that call.

As such, we have made the decision to decrease our print publication days in our weekly schedule by removing the Tuesday and Thursday editions.

Starting next week, we will publish only three days every week on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

Pre-paid subscribers will have their subscription automatically extended to receive the number of editions they originally paid to receive.

We will now update more to our website at panews.com every morning, seven days a week. As always, breaking news will be posted to our website whenever developments occur.

As our growing readership continues to switch to a digital format, we will soon launch a regular podcast and video series.

In 2020, our well-read Greater Port Arthur The Magazine will also expand from publishing once every two months to coming out once a month.

We are also not reducing our workforce throughout this process but reallocating resources to better serve our readers and customers.

We are, no doubt, living through challenging times but appreciate your understanding and look forward to continuing to be your community news resource.