In the December 18 blog "Westword: All About Us," publisher and Village Voice Media Chief Operating Officer Scott Tobias offered a relatively sunny assessment of the paper's health, particularly in comparison with daily newspapers in major metropolitian areas. But today, the forecast is far less positive.

At a meeting that concluded moments ago, Westword editor Patricia Calhoun announced three editorial layoffs: assistant calendar editor Amber Taufen and staff writers Adam Cayton-Holland and Lisa Rab. Given the relatively modest size of Westword's staff, these moves represent a major hit that will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the paper moving forward. But right now, such thoughts pale in significance to the impact on our talented friends and colleagues.

Look for more coverage of this developing story in the coming days. -- Michael Roberts

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