The Washington Post announced big layoffs that will greatly shrink its newsroom. The paper has cut its sports section, most of its foreign coverage, and its books division. These moves came as the paper faces falling subscriptions and financial pressures. Executive Editor Matt Murray called the layoffs "painful but necessary" to adapt to today's changing media world. He said, "We can’t be everything to everyone." The Post will now focus on politics, national affairs, investigations, and national security. Sports reporters were told they would no longer cover events like the Winter Olympics. The sports section, once home to famous writers like John Feinstein and Michael Wilbon, was eliminated. The paper's Book World Sunday section was also cut. Foreign bureaus suffered heavily. Cairo chief Claire Parker and other Middle East correspondents lost jobs. A journalist in Ukraine was laid off "in the middle of a warzone." Former Executive Editor Martin Baron blamed owner Jeff Bezos for the cuts, calling it "near-instant, self-inflicted brand destruction." Bezos has remained silent, offering no comment. The Post’s subscriber numbers have dropped after controversial editorial decisions. The staff union warned the layoffs would hurt the paper’s future. Meanwhile, rival The New York Times has grown its newsroom and subscribers by investing in new products. Founded in 1877, the Washington Post is famous for its historic Watergate coverage. Many see these layoffs as a sad turning point for the iconic paper.