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NewsWPLG Local 10 – PoliticsAugust 21, 2026Miami-Dade

Pentagon fires Stars and Stripes editor and reporter following disputes over editorial independence

The Department of Defense terminated the editor-in-chief and a senior reporter at Stars and Stripes on Friday. The dismissals followed public opposition by the staff members regarding potential Defense Department interference in the outlet's editorial operations.

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Why It Matters

The action impacts the leadership and editorial autonomy of Stars and Stripes, a military-funded news organization with a mandate for independent reporting.

Key Facts

  • The Pentagon fired the editor-in-chief of Stars and Stripes on Friday.
  • A top reporter at Stars and Stripes was also fired on Friday.
  • The stated reason for the terminations was insubordination.
  • The employees were fired after speaking publicly against Defense Department interference in the outlet's editorial independence.

Who's Mentioned

organizationStars and Stripes“Military news outlet”personLara Korte“Former reporter for Stars and Stripes”organizationPentagon“The federal agency that terminated the employees.”personWilliam Urban“Navy Captain and newly installed deputy publisher”personErik Slavin“Former editor-in-chief of Stars and Stripes”organizationDepartment of Defense“Federal agency overseeing the military”personSean Parnell“Spokesman for Pete Hegseth”personPete Hegseth“Secretary of Defense”personMax Lederer“Former publisher of Stars and Stripes”organizationNational Press Club“Professional organization for journalists”personMark Schoeff Jr.“President of the National Press Club”