NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedAugust 21, 2026Miami-Dade
Pentagon fires Stars and Stripes editor and reporter for opposing military interference
The Department of Defense terminated the editor-in-chief and a senior reporter at Stars and Stripes on Friday. The dismissals followed public statements from the staff members opposing potential military interference in the news outlet's editorial independence.
Read the full story at WPLG Local 10 – Main FeedWhy It Matters
The firing 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.
- A top reporter at Stars and Stripes was also fired.
- The reason cited for the terminations was insubordination.
- The staff members had publicly opposed Defense Department interference in the outlet's editorial independence.
- Stars and Stripes has a historical mandate for editorial independence.
Who's Mentioned
organizationStars and Stripes“Military news outlet”personLara Korte“Former reporter for Stars and Stripes”organizationPentagon“The Department of Defense entity that initiated the firings.”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”personPete Hegseth“Defense Secretary”personMax Lederer“Former publisher of Stars and Stripes”personMark Schoeff Jr.“National Press Club President”