Detroit-based Crain Communications Inc. cut staff across much of its group of industry and city-focused publications late last week, including a half dozen from its Automotive News editorial team.

Publications hit by the cuts included those that cover business issues in cities, such as Crain's Detroit Business and Crain's New York Business, as well as industry-specific publications, like Automotive News, Modern Healthcare and others, according to several people familiar with the cuts.

While it appears at least 20 people were laid off companywide, the sources said, Crain leadership had not shared how many people were impacted and at which publications. Crain executives didn't respond to requests for comment.

The layoffs at Automotive News hit both editors and reporters, and at least two

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