The Peoria Journal Star's parent company will merge with Gannett to create the nation's largest newspaper chain.
Shareholders of New Media Investment Group and Gannett approved the merger Thursday. Gannett operates USA Today, and local newspapers across the country. New Media is an investment firm that owns Journal Star parent company GateHouse.
The Poynter Institute reports the merger is likely to come with more layoffs for workers at both companies.
The Journal Star, Pekin Times, and other Central Illinois GateHouse papers have faced several waves of staff cuts over the past few years.
The Peoria News Guild responded to the news Thursday on social media with just two words: "The horror."
The merger is expected to be finalized next week.
