WASHINGTON (AP) — Washington Post publisher Will Lewis says he's stepping down, days after the Post cut a third of its staff.

Hal Hershfelt & Kate Wiesner talking to media today from Spirit preseason. Asked what's needed to take the next step & lift a trophy. Hershfelt emphasizes "consistency," while Wiesner says the team took lessons specifically from the championship game that they want to apply for 2026.

THREAD: I'm lucky to cover my childhood club as part of my job. However, the reality is I have to fight for it. For many outlets, you have to justify covering sports, including soccer. You hope your coverage brings fans in and convinces managers. To continue, we need your help. (1/2)

I remember my father bringing this edition of the Post home with #DCU players holding the MLS Cup in front of supporters on the front page. I still have the MLS Cup gamer & photos cut up in a binder somewhere. It was the start of my love for sports journalism. Today sucks. #SaveThePost

Crestfallen and f$&@ furious about the closure as we know it of @postsports.bsky.social by an indifferent, compromised owner and a failing publisher — a dept of Povich and Boswell, Wilbon and Kornheiser, Gildea and Sheinin, of poets, authors, Hall of Famers and Pulitzer finalists. A terrible day.

Scoop w/ @pathurtado37: DOJ Solicitor General John Sauer directed Trump's EDNY US attorney Nocella to abandon his office's FIFA bribery convictions. Nocella tried pushing back but wasn't given a meeting. Now US may need to return millions in penalties. news.bloomberglaw.com/us-law-week/...

One of my favorites forever. How she turned from the best striker in NWSL into a 5 year run as the best left back on the planet regardless of gender is what we should be studying in classrooms and soccer fields for the rest of eternity. THANK YOU, Crystal. Thank you.

#SaveThePost, Jeff Bezos.

Need this in my fútbol more!

Emma Hayes on Croix Bethune: "I think it's been the best camp I've seen from Croix, in terms of her approach, her application. ... I can feel that Croix is going to take another level in her game." #USWNT

Cleaner version of Hayes & Rodman with no graphics

“Being outside in this weather is definitely not something you need to do.” D.C.'s Department of Human Services is reaching out to the city's homeless community, providing them rides to its hypothermia shelters before and during these winter storms. My latest for @wtopnews.bsky.social:

As my D.C. journo colleagues/friends have pointed out, Trinity Rodman's record deal wouldn't have happened without the Spirit community. While sports continue to be dictated by balance sheets, it's a nice reminder of where women's soccer's soul lies. @theathletic.com www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...

Roughly sketching out *how* for Spirit w/a $2M+ annual deal for Rodman in the #NWSL's salary cap: Adjusted 2026 cap is expected to be ~$3.7M per league source. Rodman: $1M HIP, then roughly a $1M+ cap hit. The Spirit also have allocation money that they can use to offset the cap for any player.

One thing i did pick up on the presser with Haley is that the team will be flying to Florida for preseason to escape the impending snow dump the DMV is about to get.

Forward Trinity Rodman agrees to new 3-year deal with the Washington Spirit of the NWSL

From a league source, got a little more background on the difference between Rodman’s original vetoed contract and the one that got the deal done - HIP rule helped, and Rodman is actually making significantly more in year one under this structure than the backloaded original idea

BREAKING: Forward Trinity Rodman re-signs the @washingtonspirit.com, the only professional women's soccer team she's ever played for, after a long negotiation process. Owner Michele Kang says Rodman signed a 3-year deal to stay in D.C. Stay with @wtopnews.bsky.social for more. #ThatsTheSpirit

Thankfully, our partners at @americansocceranalysis.com carry shots, key passes, goals, assists, xG, xA, advanced passing data, and possession value data for the entire #NWSL going back to 2016 (players and teams). For the USL Super League, too!

This really sucks, grateful for what FBref has done for soccer

Adding more fire power to the attack 🔥 The club has signed veteran forward Brittany Ratcliffe through the 2026 NWSL season. Help us welcome Brittany to Seattle! 👏 Read ➡️ rgnfc.com/3LmveCo

RELEASE: The @washingtonspirit.com send midfielder Heather Stainbrook on loan with Dallas Trinity FC of the Gainbridge Super League for the 2026 calendar year. Forward Tamara Bolt will return to D.C. for preseason following her 2025 loan with Dallas.

You finally kicked the flu or a nasty winter virus — but your house may still be full of germs. I spoke with a doctor from @medstarhealth.bsky.social on how to best clean up your home to reduce the risk of getting sick again. My latest for @wtopnews.bsky.social:

“We never dreamed about being where we are right now.” Women's hockey takes over D.C. Sunday as the @thepwhl.com brings its "Takeover Tour" to Capital One Arena. Players are excited to play in the @capitals.bsky.social home arena. More on @wtopnews.bsky.social.

ICYMI: The @washingtonspirit.com will play the first match to open the 2026 @nwslsoccer.com season at D.C.’s Audi Field. Here’s what you need to know about the schedule for the upcoming year. #ThatsTheSpirit Read more at @wtopnews.bsky.social:

Denver Summit FC announced today the signing of defender Natalie Means, a collegiate standout from Georgetown University, to a two-year deal through the 2027 season

Sources have told me that DC Power will reschedule their USL Super League match against Dallas Trinity. I have not heard a date for that match, but it's worth noting they play at home 3/17 and at Spokane 3/21. Spirit-Thorns will go ahead as announced today, with an 8pm kickoff broadcast on Amazon.

The Croatian national team have announced Episcopal High School in Alexandria, VA as their training base for the 2026 World Cup. #FIFAWorldCup hns.team/en/news/3050...

Updated with #NWSL statement that reads, in part: "We disagree with the NWSLPA's assertions challenging the NWSL's ability to implement the HIP Rule. The NWSL has fully complied with the CBA and federal law and we will defend those positions in our collectively-bargained grievance process."

Inbox: The @nwslplayers.bsky.social has officially filed a grievance challenging NWSL's High Impact Player rule.

Spirit announces a new signing: Canadian defender Élisabeth Tsé from Le Havre in France. Three-year deal with option for 2029. It will be interesting to see how the Spirit maneuvers this international spot situation: We're up to 12 players for eight slots.

🚨 TRADE! Narumi Miura is on the move! The Japanese international has been traded from the Washington Spirit to the Utah Royals for $180K in allocation money. See our Transfer Tracker for all #NWSL updates! ➡️: equalizersoccer.com/2025/11/24/n...

Boris Enow's departure from D.C. United was a free transfer triggered by the club's failure to make the MLS playoffs, per source. Beitar Jerusalem announced his signing Dec. 24. DCU had paid $2 million+ for him 18 months ago.

“He had that spirit. He was just too good for us.” Aaron Marckell Williams, the pedestrian killed in Wednesday's multivehicle crash in Northwest D.C. is being remembered for his chill personality and love of photography. My latest for @wtopnews.bsky.social: wtop.com/dc/2026/01/d...

RIGHT NOW: On Saturday, the Arlington National Cemetery will be cleaning up all the wreaths left behind on service member's graves for the holidays. Learn how you can volunteer for "Wreaths Out," how to access the cemetery and why bringing a pipe is important. wtop.com/arlington/20...

UPDATE: @dcunitedofficial.bsky.social officially announces the departure of Boris Enow to Beitar Jerusalem. No fee was disclosed. “This move provides us with roster flexibility as we continue to build out our squad for 2026 and beyond,” said Erkut Sogut, #DCU managing director of soccer operations.

Free agent Trinity Rodman and four @washingtonspirit.com players head to U.S. women's national team for its annual January training camp and a pair of matches against Paraguay and Chile. #USWNT wtop.com/sports/2026/...

FC Cincinnati acquiring MLS rights to Kristian Fletcher, the U.S. youth intl whose contract option was declined by D.C. United, per two sources. Cincy close to completing deal with 20-year-old forward, who’s recovering from ACL injury. DCU expected to receive $ from Cincy.

Exclusive: According to @sport.theguardian.com sources, Manchester City are in advanced talks to sign the United States midfielder Sam Coffey from Portland Thorns. The 27-year-old has been granted permission to fly to Manchester. www.theguardian.com/football/202...

Sources: DC Power FC in advanced talks to sign forward Alyssa Walker, who yesterday parted ways with Carolina Ascent. DC Power looking for a complementary striker to play with Gianna Gourley and Walker could fit that role. Walker scored gamewinner in 3-2 win against DC Power on October 4th.

DCU signs forward Gabe Segal, a 24-year-old Bethesda native, ex-Stanford standout and Köln prospect selected in MLS re-entry draft last month following one season with NYC and two with Houston (34 league matches, 7 starts, 6 goals). Spent time in DCU preseason camp years ago.

The number of girls playing flag #football in U.S. high schools has more than doubled in the last school year. This spring, Loudoun County, Virginia, will look to meet that demand with a new recreational flag football league. Read more at @wtopnews.bsky.social:

“These are structures that are part of American heritage.” A nonprofit is pushing back on an emergency proposal to demolish historic buildings on the site of the Department of Homeland Security headquarters in Southeast D.C. My latest for @wtopnews.bsky.social:

Beitar Jerusalem released footage of midfielder Boris Enow being presented to fans. This comes after the Israeli club announced a deal with DC United for his transfer. Fee is reported to be over $500K. #DCU has yet to comment. Enow came to DC in 2024 after a $3 million transfer. bit.ly/4qrc118

As @dcunitedofficial.bsky.social continues reshaping its roster for the upcoming season, its former DP finds a new home. Striker Christian Benteke signs with Al Wahda from the UAE. Photo via his Instagram page. www.instagram.com/p/DS-W7lLko1...

Thank you, Courtney! 💛 Wishing you the best of luck back home in Utah! You will always be a part of the Spirit family!

Update on Courtney Brown from Spirit Communications team: "the Spirit and Courtney Brown agreed to a mutual contract termination prior to her signing with Utah."

Late to the party, but confirming the Angels have agreed to a settlement with Anthony Rendon that ends his tenure after six years. The Nationals had a choice after 2019: Give $245 million to Strasburg or Rendon. Hard to say they made the wrong choice?

D.C. United finalizing contract for Japanese left back/wing Keisuke Kurokawa, 28, from Gamba Osaka in J1 League, per sources. Deal through 2028-29, plus an option year. Kurokawa's move to MLS/DCU first reported by Sponichi/Sports Nippon.

NEW: After opting in the final year of her contract, the Washington Spirit says it has signed Gabby Carle to a new 5-year deal. “DC is a special place and it’s where I want to be.”