DCist shutdown, WAMU moves forward with local news and programming

WASHINGTON - Local news site DCist shut down after covering news, city politics, arts, events, culture, and curiosities in Washington, D.C. for over six years. 

DCist is part of WAMU 88.5, the Washington region's public media and NPR member station. But recently, when attempting to visit DCist's website, a message pops up alerting the end of the publication. 

The WAMU Union shared in a post on X formerly known as Twitter, that management laid off 15 vital people to the organization. "These individuals are the lifeblood of our journalism. Our hearts are broken. We can’t believe we are losing our colleagues and friends."

A newsroom staffer told FOX 5 they received an email around 3:45 p.m. on Thursday, February 22nd advising staff to not come into the office on Friday, February 23 due to the cancelation of previously scheduled events. The staff received a short email on Friday morning around 9 a.m. announcing the "structural change."

Several current and former contributors to DCist have taken to X, formerly known as Twitter, to express their frustration with the new change. 

This is a developing story. Stay with FOX 5 for updates and more information.