UPDATE: More details are now coming to the surface about the deep cuts to TBD’s workforce. Erik Wemple tells the Washington City Paper that he will be remaining at the operation, which will transition to a “niche site on arts and entertainment” and be part of “a big new presence on WJLA.com.” According to anonymous sources quoted by City Paper editor Michael Schaffer, “half the staff,” including all of TBD’s sportswriters and “most of, if not all” of its news staff will be let go. Wemple responded to our request for comment by stating that “it’s clearly a rough day here at TBD.”

Incredibly depressing news for many in the local media sphere today: the Washington Business Journal reports that Allbritton Communications will be laying off a majority of TBD employees. According to WBJ, “all but a handful” of current TBD staffers will be losing their jobs, while the rest will be eligible to apply for eight positions after a reshuffling.

Two weeks ago, TBD was “taken over” by WJLA/ABC 7, the local television arm of Allbritton’s Washington media empire. At that time, TBD editor Erik Wemple told DCist that the move shouldn’t immediately affect staffing levels. “We have a good staff to play with here, and everyone is engaged here on what we consider important stories,” affirmed Wemple. Wemple did not offer comment when contacted by WBJ for their story — we’ve reached out to Wemple for comment as well, but have not yet heard back.

Several TBD staffers have taken to Twitter in response to the news, many affirming that they will be looking for new jobs.