NOTUS Transforms into The Star Amidst Washington Post Cuts

NOTUS, a political news website based in Washington, D.C., is set to relaunch as The Star in the first week of June 2026. This transition comes in response to significant staffing reductions at The Washington Post, which laid off over 300 journalists in February 2026, leading to a substantial contraction of its metro section and the cessation of local sports coverage. Tim Grieve, the editor-in-chief of NOTUS, emphasized the need for a publication that addresses both political and local news, stating, “There was a need for a publication that really focused on both political Washington and ‘normal’ Washington, as The Post retreats on that front.”

New York Times

Founded in 2023, NOTUS was established with a $20 million grant from Robert Allbritton, co-founder of Politico, and is affiliated with the Allbritton Journalism Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to training young political journalists. The name NOTUS stands for News of the United States, reflecting a connection to the presidency. The recent layoffs at The Washington Post, aimed at addressing annual losses exceeding $100 million, have created a void in the Washington media landscape, prompting NOTUS to accelerate its expansion plans.

New York Times

With the relaunch, The Star plans to significantly increase its newsroom staff from approximately 45 to 95 journalists by the end of 2026. The publication aims to broaden its coverage to include local news and sports, alongside its existing focus on Congress and the White House. This strategic move is part of a broader trend in the media industry, where other outlets like The Atlantic and The New York Times have swiftly hired former Post reporters, and new initiatives such as The Baltimore Banner and City Cast DC have emerged to fill the gaps left by The Post's downsizing.

New York Times

While the expansion of The Star is seen as a necessary response to the changing media landscape, some critics argue that the reliance on funding from a single billionaire could compromise journalistic independence. Concerns have been raised about the potential influence of Robert Allbritton on editorial decisions, which may affect the perceived objectivity of the publication.

New York Times

Tim Grieve has articulated a vision for The Star that prioritizes comprehensive coverage of both political and local issues, aiming to serve a diverse audience in Washington. The publication's leadership believes that the current media environment presents a unique opportunity to establish a robust news source that addresses the needs of the community.

New York Times

As The Star prepares for its relaunch, it will be crucial to monitor its impact on the Washington media landscape and its ability to attract both readers and advertisers in a competitive environment. The success of this initiative may set a precedent for other media organizations navigating similar challenges in the wake of industry-wide transformations.

New York Times