Philadelphia's conservative newspaper, the Bulletin, published its last issue on Sunday and staff were today told of the papers eminent closure on Monday afternoon, Philly.com reported Monday.

Publisher Thomas G. Rice told staff Monday the newspaper could not afford to continue publishing, according to employee statements.

Sports section layout coordinator, Meredith Cunningham, told Philly.com that staff had not been paid on time for a number of months and were not paid for last week's work.

Rice began the Bulletin in 2004 after purchasing the paper's name publishers of the Philadelphia Bulletin, which closed in 1982.

The Bulletin was regarded as a strong conservative voice in the area, and included columns from Chuck Norris, Oliver North and Patrick J. Buchanan. An unusual aspect of the Bulletin was its decided lack of advertising.