NOTUS to Rebrand as ‘The Star’ in Expansion to Local, Sports News NOTUS, the Washington-based political news site backed by Politico co-founder Robert Allbritton, will rebrand as “The Star” in June as part of a strategic shift to expand its coverage of local and sports journalism. The decision was confirmed by the publication’s editor in chief, who spoke to the New York Times about the rebranding, which follows the Washington Post’s recent layoffs and reduced focus on local and sports reporting. The rebranding comes after NOTUS hired several journalists following the Post’s decision to cut hundreds of staff, end most of its sports coverage, and scale back its local focus. Tim Grieve, NOTUS’s top editor, emphasized the need for a publication that bridges the gap between political Washington and “normal” Washington, as the Post retreats from covering broader community and regional issues. The rebranding will be supported by a $30 million investment from Allbritton, a billionaire whose father once owned the Washington Star in the 1970s. This funding will also enable the launch of subscriptions later this year, alongside reliance on advertising revenue. The investment reflects Allbritton’s long-term vision for the nonprofit Allbritton Journalism Institute, which he initially funded with a $20 million grant to train young journalists by pairing them with experienced D.C. correspondents. NOTUS’s expansion plans include hiring several former Washington Post reporters, such as congressional correspondents Paul Kane and Kadia Goba, as well as economics reporter Jeff Stein. The publication currently employs 45 staffers in its newsroom but expects to more than double its workforce to 95 journalists by the end of the year.#washington_post #the_star #notus #robert_allbritton #d_c
NOTUS Rebrands as 'The Star' to Expand Local and Sports Coverage NOTUS, the Washington-based political news site founded by Politico co-founder Robert Allbritton, is set to rebrand as "The Star" in June as part of its strategic expansion into local and sports journalism. The decision was confirmed by the publication’s editor in chief, who shared the news with the New York Times, citing the need for a platform that bridges political coverage with broader, everyday news about Washington. This shift follows the Washington Post’s recent layoffs of hundreds of journalists, the end of most sports coverage, and a reduced focus on local reporting. The rebranding marks a significant step for NOTUS, which launched in 2023 through the nonprofit Allbritton Journalism Institute. The publication has already hired several reporters in response to the Post’s staff reductions, including notable Washington Post journalists such as congressional reporters Paul Kane and Kadia Goba, as well as economics reporter Jeff Stein. These hires are part of a broader effort to expand NOTUS’s coverage of Congress and the White House, areas the Post has scaled back. The rebranding is backed by a $30 million investment from Allbritton, a billionaire whose father once owned the Washington Star in the 1970s. The funding will support the publication’s growth, with plans to launch subscriptions later this year and rely on advertising revenue. Allbritton’s nonprofit, which trains young journalists by pairing them with experienced D.C. correspondents, was initially funded with a $20 million grant. NOTUS’s newsroom has grown from 45 staff members at the start of the year to an expected 95 journalists by the end of 2026.#washington_post #the_star #notus #robert_allbritton #allbritton_journalism_institute
3 injured after Metrobus crashes into D.C. restaurant Ambar - The Washington Post A Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority bus collided with a restaurant in Washington’s Shaw neighborhood on Saturday morning, resulting in three individuals being injured, as reported by the D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department. The incident occurred in the early hours of the day, with emergency responders arriving at the scene to provide medical assistance to the affected individuals. Authorities have not yet released details about the cause of the collision, though initial investigations are underway to determine whether the accident was the result of mechanical failure, human error, or other contributing factors. The restaurant, named Ambar, is a local establishment known for its cultural significance to the Shaw community, though no further information has been provided regarding the extent of property damage or the status of the business following the incident. Emergency personnel confirmed that the crash occurred at a location where the bus was traveling along a designated route, and no additional details about the vehicle’s speed or the conditions of the road were disclosed. The D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department emphasized that the injured individuals were transported to nearby medical facilities for treatment, though the severity of their injuries remains under review. Local officials have expressed their condolences to the victims and their families, while also urging residents to remain vigilant about public transportation safety.#washington_post #washington_metropolitan_area_transit_authority #dc_fire_and_emergency_medical_services #ambar #shaw_neighborhood
US Military Using Tomahawk Missiles at Rapid Rate Sparks Pentagon Concern The U.S. military has launched over 850 Tomahawk cruise missiles in the past four weeks of conflict with Iran, according to a report by the Washington Post. The high rate of missile usage has raised alarms among some Pentagon officials, prompting internal discussions about increasing the availability of these precision-guided weapons. The report, based on information from individuals familiar with the situation, highlights the strategic implications of the rapid depletion of the missile stockpile. The Department of Defense and the White House have not yet commented on the report, and Reuters was unable to confirm the details. The situation underscores the intensity of the military operations in the region, with the U.S. relying heavily on Tomahawk missiles for targeted strikes. These weapons, known for their accuracy and range, have been a key component of the U.S. military’s response to Iranian targets. The report also notes that the pace of missile consumption has outstripped initial projections, raising questions about the sustainability of current operations. Pentagon officials are reportedly evaluating ways to expedite the production and deployment of additional Tomahawk missiles to meet the escalating demand. This development comes amid broader concerns about the long-term strategic impact of the conflict, including the potential for further escalation and the need to balance military objectives with resource constraints. The situation reflects the complex challenges of modern warfare, where precision weaponry plays a critical role in achieving tactical goals while minimizing collateral damage. However, the rapid use of such advanced systems also highlights the logistical and financial demands of sustained military engagement.#iran #pentagon #washington_post #us_military #tomahawk_missiles
Cherry Blossom Watch Update: March 24, 2026 The cherry blossoms are nearing peak bloom and are currently in stunning condition. This week offers an ideal opportunity to experience the blossoms without the usual crowds. Visitors are encouraged to plan their visits strategically to avoid the busiest times. Peak bloom predictions for 2026 vary slightly among sources. The National Park Service anticipates peak bloom between March 29 and April 1, while the Washington Post forecasts it to occur from April 3 to 7. NBC StormTeam4 predicts the period will span March 30 to April 5. These estimates provide a general timeframe, but the exact peak bloom date may shift based on weather conditions. For those planning to visit, it’s important to note that the blossoms will remain in full bloom for several days after peak bloom is officially declared. However, the flowers are most vibrant 2 to 3 days after reaching peak bloom, when they begin to develop a subtle pink hue. This period is often considered the best time to witness the blossoms at their most striking. The weekend of March 28–29 is expected to be a prime time for viewing the cherry blossoms. By this point, the flowers will likely have reached the peak bloom threshold, with 70 percent of the blossoms open. While the peak bloom date marks the official start of the peak period, the blossoms will continue to open in the days following the announcement. This means there will still be a significant number of flowers in bloom even after the peak is declared. Crowds and traffic are expected to be heavy during this weekend, particularly around the Tidal Basin. The article strongly advises against driving to the area, as parking will be extremely difficult and traffic will be chaotic.#washington_post #national_park_service #tidal_basin #nbc_stormteam4 #canopy_by_hilton
Rep. Jim Clyburn Announces Re-election Bid for 18th Term Democratic Representative Jim Clyburn of South Carolina, 85, announced Thursday he will seek re-election to his congressional seat, marking his 18th term in the House. The announcement was made at a gathering with supporters at the South Carolina Democratic Party headquarters in Columbia, where Clyburn emphasized his commitment to continuing the work of advancing the nation’s goals. Clyburn, who has represented the state’s 6th Congressional District since 1993, stated he would sign the necessary paperwork to run and pledged to launch a “very vigorous campaign.” He framed his decision as a response to the Constitution’s call for a “more perfect union,” asserting that he remains “very well-equipped” and “healthy enough” to pursue this goal. “If I were not up to it, I would not do it,” he said, adding that after extensive consultations with his three daughters, they reached a unanimous agreement that he should remain in the race. The announcement comes as the Democratic Party continues its push for generational change. Clyburn, who served as the third-ranking Democrat in the House from 2007 to 2023, was the top-ranking African-American lawmaker in Congress during that period. His leadership role ended in 2023 when he stepped down as House Democratic whip, and he briefly served as assistant leader before focusing on his re-election bid. Clyburn’s decision to run follows the retirements of former Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California and former Majority Leader Steny Hoyer of Maryland, who both announced their exits from Congress in recent months. With their departures, Clyburn has become the last of the previous generation of House Democratic leaders to seek re-election.#south_carolina #washington_post #rep_jim_clyburn #south_carolina_democratic_party #house_democratic_whip
DC Theater Arts Commits to Supporting Local Theater Amid Crisis The recent closures of the Kennedy Center and the dismantling of The Washington Post’s arts and culture team have left the theater community in DC reeling. For those deeply involved in the arts—artists, writers, critics, and supporters—these losses are more than institutional setbacks. They represent the displacement of colleagues, friends, and people who have dedicated their lives to nurturing this craft. The emotional weight of these events is undeniable, but the community is now faced with a critical question: who will step forward to carry the torch? For many in the theater world, the passion for this art form began with a transformative experience: the raw, unfiltered connection that happens when people gather to share truth through performance. Over the years, this community has thrived on mutual support, with artists mentoring one another, critics offering vital feedback, and writers amplifying the voices of creators. These interactions are not just metaphorical—they are the lifeblood of theater, enabling it to endure despite the challenges of a world that often undervalues artistic pursuits. DC Theater Arts was founded with the belief that this kind of collaboration is essential, especially during times of uncertainty. The organization has always aimed to highlight the diverse landscape of theater in the DMV, from major institutions to smaller, independent productions. However, the recent upheavals have only reinforced the need for such a platform. The publication is now doubling down on its mission to support local artists, playwrights, and the stories being told across the region, regardless of scale. The organization’s commitment extends beyond coverage.#washington_post #dc_theater_arts #kennedy_center #dc_theater_community #dmv_theater
With Washington Post Local diminished, other news sites step up their D.C. coverage The recent layoffs at The Washington Post have significantly reduced its local news coverage, prompting other outlets to expand their efforts in the D.C. metro area. The Post’s Local section, which had long been a cornerstone of local reporting, was among the hardest-hit by cuts that left it with just a dozen journalists. This decline has created a void that smaller news organizations are now trying to fill. The 51st, City Cast, and The Baltimore Banner are among the outlets that have announced plans to increase their D.C. coverage. These organizations, along with others like The Washington Informer and El Tiempo Latino, have long provided localized news in the region. However, the Post’s departure from the scene has intensified the need for alternative sources. The Post’s layoffs, which affected over 300 journalists, disproportionately impacted union members of color, according to preliminary data from the Guild. The cuts have left the Post unable to maintain its previous level of investigative reporting, which had covered critical issues like anti-violence initiatives and the impact of federal officers on Southeast D.C. neighborhoods. Local news leaders argue that while the Post was once the dominant force in D.C. journalism, smaller outlets now face significant challenges. “The Post was always the thousand-pound gorilla in local reporting,” said Andrew Beaujon of Washingtonian. “Smaller outlets don’t have the resources to take on big investigative stories.” Without the financial backing of a major media organization, these outlets struggle to sustain the same level of coverage. Despite these challenges, some organizations are pushing forward.#washington_post #the_51st #city_cast #washington_informer #el_tiempo_latino
