NOTUS to Rebrand as ‘The Star’ in Expansion to Local, Sports News NOTUS, the Washington-based political news site backed by Politico co-founder Robert Allbritton, will rebrand as “The Star” in June as part of a strategic shift to expand its coverage of local and sports journalism. The decision was confirmed by the publication’s editor in chief, who spoke to the New York Times about the rebranding, which follows the Washington Post’s recent layoffs and reduced focus on local and sports reporting. The rebranding comes after NOTUS hired several journalists following the Post’s decision to cut hundreds of staff, end most of its sports coverage, and scale back its local focus. Tim Grieve, NOTUS’s top editor, emphasized the need for a publication that bridges the gap between political Washington and “normal” Washington, as the Post retreats from covering broader community and regional issues. The rebranding will be supported by a $30 million investment from Allbritton, a billionaire whose father once owned the Washington Star in the 1970s. This funding will also enable the launch of subscriptions later this year, alongside reliance on advertising revenue. The investment reflects Allbritton’s long-term vision for the nonprofit Allbritton Journalism Institute, which he initially funded with a $20 million grant to train young journalists by pairing them with experienced D.C. correspondents. NOTUS’s expansion plans include hiring several former Washington Post reporters, such as congressional correspondents Paul Kane and Kadia Goba, as well as economics reporter Jeff Stein. The publication currently employs 45 staffers in its newsroom but expects to more than double its workforce to 95 journalists by the end of the year.#washington_post #the_star #notus #robert_allbritton #d_c
NOTUS Rebrands as 'The Star' to Expand Local and Sports Coverage NOTUS, the Washington-based political news site founded by Politico co-founder Robert Allbritton, is set to rebrand as "The Star" in June as part of its strategic expansion into local and sports journalism. The decision was confirmed by the publication’s editor in chief, who shared the news with the New York Times, citing the need for a platform that bridges political coverage with broader, everyday news about Washington. This shift follows the Washington Post’s recent layoffs of hundreds of journalists, the end of most sports coverage, and a reduced focus on local reporting. The rebranding marks a significant step for NOTUS, which launched in 2023 through the nonprofit Allbritton Journalism Institute. The publication has already hired several reporters in response to the Post’s staff reductions, including notable Washington Post journalists such as congressional reporters Paul Kane and Kadia Goba, as well as economics reporter Jeff Stein. These hires are part of a broader effort to expand NOTUS’s coverage of Congress and the White House, areas the Post has scaled back. The rebranding is backed by a $30 million investment from Allbritton, a billionaire whose father once owned the Washington Star in the 1970s. The funding will support the publication’s growth, with plans to launch subscriptions later this year and rely on advertising revenue. Allbritton’s nonprofit, which trains young journalists by pairing them with experienced D.C. correspondents, was initially funded with a $20 million grant. NOTUS’s newsroom has grown from 45 staff members at the start of the year to an expected 95 journalists by the end of 2026.#washington_post #the_star #notus #robert_allbritton #allbritton_journalism_institute
Emmitt Smith has message for George Pickens amid Cowboys contract standoff The Dallas Cowboys' ongoing contract negotiations with wide receiver George Pickens have become a focal point of the offseason, with the franchise tag looming as a potential sticking point. Pickens, who made a significant impact in his rookie season with Dallas, was tagged earlier this year, and initial expectations were that the team would reach a long-term agreement. However, talks have stalled, leaving Pickens in a precarious position. The franchise tag, which would force him to play the 2025 season under a one-year deal worth $27 million, has raised concerns about his satisfaction and future with the team. Cowboys legend Emmitt Smith, who once faced a similar contract dispute with owner Jerry Jones in 1993, has stepped in to offer guidance to Pickens. Smith, a Hall of Fame running back and one of the most iconic players in franchise history, spoke with journalist Joseph Hoyt of The Dallas Morning News, sharing his perspective on the situation. Smith emphasized the importance of taking the tag and playing the season out, arguing that the opportunities in Dallas are unparalleled. "Take the one-year deal," Smith said after learning of Pickens' $27 million tag. "The grass isn’t always greener on the other side." Smith’s advice extended beyond the financial terms, focusing on the broader context of Pickens’ career and the unique environment the Cowboys provide. He highlighted the state-of-the-art facilities at The Star, the potential for growth within the organization, and the importance of considering life beyond football. "You’re better at The Star," Smith told Pickens. "Look at The Star, see the facilities that we have, look at what you have the opportunity to build here. Come on. Think about life beyond the game.#dallas_cowboys #emmitt_smith #george_pickens #jerry_jones #the_star
