Stars and Stripes is a U.S. military-focused news outlet reporting troops, policy, and defense issues with editorial independence.
The USS Abraham Lincoln has been deployed since November and has spent more than 250 consecutive days at sea supporting US operations in the war with Iran. Families and lawmakers have reported shortages, plumbing failures and worsening mental health; the Navy and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have called those reports misrepresented while a relief carrier is en route.
The editor-in-chief Erik Slavin and other Stars and Stripes staff have received separation notices amid moves to tighten editorial control at the Pentagon-funded paper. Publisher Max Lederer and Middle East correspondent Lara Korte were also affected. The Pentagon says the paper must better reflect military realities while preserving independence.
The Pentagon has released its biennial report showing 33% of active-duty personnel reported unwanted sexual contact in fiscal year 2025, up from 25% in 2023. Reports to authorities have increased, while total incidents declined. Harassment among women and men has fallen, amid ongoing questions about leadership changes.