September 4, 2026 · Information Integrity, Press & Democratic Norms

Confirmed

Judge Refuses to Block the Pentagon From Firing Three Stars and Stripes Journalists, Saying Editorial Independence "Is Not at Stake"

On September 4, 2026, U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden refused to block the Pentagon from firing Stars and Stripes publisher Max Lederer, editor-in-chief Erik Slavin and Middle East reporter Lara Korte. The three had...

August 28, 2026 · Information Integrity, Press & Democratic Norms

Confirmed

Pentagon Agrees to Pause the Firing of Three Stars and Stripes Journalists Until a Sept. 4 Hearing

The Pentagon agreed on Aug. 28, 2026 to keep three Stars and Stripes employees on administrative leave for another week so a court could consider their wrongful-termination suit. Editor in Chief Erik Slavin, Middle East...

August 21, 2026 · Information Integrity, Press & Democratic Norms

Confirmed

Pentagon Fires the Editor, Publisher and a Middle East Reporter at Stars and Stripes After They Defended the Paper's Independence on CBS

The Pentagon on Aug. 21 moved to fire Stars and Stripes editor-in-chief Erik Slavin, retiring publisher Max D. Lederer Jr. and Middle East reporter Lara Korte. Slavin said he was dismissed for insubordination after...

August 18, 2026 · Information Integrity, Press & Democratic Norms

Confirmed

Stars and Stripes Publisher Retires After 30 Years, Saying His View of the Paper's Mission Differs 'Fundamentally' From the Pentagon's

Max D. Lederer Jr., publisher of Stars and Stripes since 2007, announced his retirement on Tuesday, effective September 30, ending a three-decade career at the news organization amid Pentagon efforts to expand oversight...