Stars and Stripes Journalists Sue

Stars and StripesStars and StripesU.S. military newspaper publisher Max Lederer, editor-in-chief Erik SlavinESErik SlavinAmerican journalist (born c.1970s) and reporter Lara Korte sued the Pentagon, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and other top officials in federal court in Washington, D.C., seeking to block their firings. The Pentagon fired the three on Aug. 21 and cited insubordination. The staffers allege the dismissals violated their First Amendment rights and retaliated against statements defending the military outlet’s editorial independence. Their complaint says officials increased oversight of Stars and Stripes after critical coverage.