NEW YORK (AP) — In a significant development for local journalism, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette revealed on Tuesday that it has secured a buyer just weeks before its anticipated shutdown. The storied newspaper, whose history dates back to 1786 as the first publication to establish itself west of the Allegheny Mountains, faced the prospect of closure, which would have left Pittsburgh without a city-centered newspaper.

The ownership transition comes as Block Communications announced the Venetoulis Institute for Local Journalism, known for publishing the digital platform Baltimore Banner, has agreed to purchase its assets. While financial details of the deal remain undisclosed, the Post-Gazette confirmed that the new owners plan to maintain a twice-a-week print schedule for the newspaper—on Thursday and Sunday—while also operating a website throughout the rest of the week.

Originally slated to cease operations on May 3, the rescue of the Post-Gazette highlights the importance of sustaining local news sources in communities across America, particularly as many face challenges in the rapidly changing media landscape.}