The new DCist line-up: Rachel Kurzius, Lori McCue, Rachel Sadon and Natalie Delgadillo (photo courtesy WAMU)

We're huge fans of DCist, and when the site was suddenly shut down last year, we feared for the state of real local, citywide news coverage. Happily, WAMU, the NPR affiliate out of American University, bought the news site and is getting ready to relaunch it this Monday, June 11th. They're throwing a party on Thursday, June 14th at Blind Whino SW Arts Club, and you're invited!

Tickets are only $20 and come with drinks and the chance to hobnob with DC's local news mavens. Hey, Drew from Petworth News will be there! Snag your tickets on EventBrite >

If you can't make the party you can still support the relaunch by backing DCist on Kickstarter and get some sweet DCist swag! Backing amounts are pretty low, so it's easy to support them ($12 gets you a cool DCist sticker to show off your support!) Check out all the ways you can help >

The reborn DCist will continue its tradition of providing citywide journalism, coverage you can't find anywhere else and complementing the coverage of Washington Post or the Washington City Paper. Rachel Sadon, who was Editor-in-Chief of DCist when it was abruptly shut down, will continue in her leadership role under WAMU's new ownership. Also helping to keep DCist on top of things is Associate Editor Rachel Kurzius, Arts & Food Editor Lori McCue, (who wrote up a great article about Drew and DC bloggers for the Washington Post) and staff writer Natalie Delgadillo.

"We care deeply about what’s happening in Petworth," said Rachel Sadon, "Whether it’s the latest restaurant to hang its shingle up on Kennedy Street or the kerfuffle over bike lanes in Sherman Circle, and we can’t wait to get back to covering the neighborhood (and the rest of the District!) with curiosity, humor, and a critical eye."

Jam to DC’s DJ Beauty and the Beatz and challenge fellow DCist fans in a game of cornhole or giant Jenga. When you get hungry, order savory treats from local food trucks or hit up the DCist themed sweets. You can water down with our signature cocktail and refreshing D.C.-based beverages. Commemorate your launch party experience by taking home a handcrafted, custom poster by the live-screen printing artists of Soul and Ink.

For tickets and more information about the Launch Party, visit the Eventbrite page.