editor

The Pentagon on Friday fired the editor-in-chief of Stars and Stripes, as well as its publisher and a reporter, the editor said. He said he was dismissed for insubordination after an interview he gave that objected to potential censorship by the U.S. military.

Erik Slavin, editor-in-chief of the military newspaper that is partly funded by the Pentagon but has a long legacy of editorial independence, told The Associated Press that he and the others had received notices of separation.

The moves come at a time when the Trump administration, in its second term, has been increasingly aggressive and combative toward the news media — including sharply curtailing Pentagon access for the press corps that covers the Defense Department. Trump or other parts of the executive branch have also, in policy and in the courts, grappled with the Wall Street Journal, the Associated Press and The New York Times — in addition to using the FCC to target broadcast networks.

Slavin said he was being fired “for stating in a CBS interview that hypothetical censorship of news for service members would constitute a red line.” He said he stands by the principle “that Stars and Stripes must remain editorially independent.”

Earlier this week, publisher Max Lederer announced his retirement effective at the end of September. He too received a separation notice, according to Slavin, as did Middle East reporter Lara Korte, who was cited for the same CBS interview as Slavin. Neither Lederer nor Korte immediately responded to requests for comment.

Lederer made his announcement a few weeks after the Pentagon installed a new deputy publisher, an active duty service member, under Lederer at the newspaper without his prior knowledge. Three Democratic senators on Thursday wrote to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, asking why the new deputy — Navy Capt. William Urban — had been installed.

It was unclear whether Urban would now become the new publisher. In an email message to the AP, Urban said, “I am currently the Military Deputy to the Publisher. I can’t comment on what my role will be in the future.”

The retirement of Lederer, who had been at Stars and Stripes for three decades and publisher since 2007, comes as Hegseth’s Pentagon moves to exert editorial control and eliminate what it asserts are “woke distractions.”

Lederer, the second full-time civilian in the position, wrote in a staff memo that it had “become clear that my philosophy of leadership, and my understanding of the value and mission of Stars and Stripes, differ in fundamental ways from the direction the leadership of the Department of Defense has for the organization.”

In April, the Pentagon fired Jacqueline Smith, ombudsman for the newspaper, whose job had been to safeguard editorial independence.

Noveck writes for the Associated Press.

THE gorgeous Mediterranean village where I’ve camped for 50 years has just been dubbed ‘France’s Favourite Village’ and I am furious!

Bormes les Mimosas beat 13 other exceptionally pretty rural villages in a national TV competition watched – and voted on – by millions of French each summer.

It took the top spot because of its fabulous year-round colours – the hilltop medieval village is swathed in bright yellow mimosa flowers, bursting bougainvillaeas, majestic cypress trees and swaying palms.

The terracotta-roofed historic stone buildings tumble down the hillside,  a labyrinth of cobbled streets and tiny lanes filled with restaurants, boutiques and artist galleries.

And Bormes drew even greater praise for its wild, pristine coastline and immaculately maintained beaches.

Why am I so angry? The village that takes the top spot sees an immediate spike in visitors – often up to 40per cent more – and I’ll be having to fight for the spots at my favourite bars and restaurants when I visit this summer!

Bormes has been a part of my life since I was just seven years old when my family took a chance on an overnight stay at Camp du Domaine, a campsite right on the coast in the shadow of the hilltop village of Bormes.

For our family, it was love at first sight. Unlike the manicured lawns and strict rows of English campsites, Camp du Domaine was gloriously rustic.

Pitches were squeezed haphazardly between umbrella pines and plane trees, tumbling down to a gorgeous swathe of soft, golden sands.

Back then facilities were minimal – a shop, restaurant and shower blocks. But it was a paradise for us kids – we could roam on our bikes, head off on adventures, make friends and explore while my parents soaked up the Mediterranean sunshine.

And over the last 50 years, I’ve returned every year, bringing my own family on annual holidays and creating even more memories.

In my 26 years as The Sun’s Travel Editor, I’ve chatted to Virgin’s Richard Branson on the rooftop of his Caribbean island home, watched flamingos soar over the salt flats of Chile’s Atacama desert and ticked off every major European capital, Mediterranean hot spot and US city.

But nothing can beat the moment I step out of the shower block of my South of France campsite on my own family holidays.

This summer, we’ll pitch our two touring caravans right on the beach for two weeks. These days, my grown-up kids prefer their own space to the tents of their childhood!

The campsite has of course changed over the last 50 years – now there are three restaurants, a tennis club where the bar puts on nightly entertainment, and a gorgeous salon and spa with indoor and outdoor pampering treats.

The tent and caravan pitches at the top of the campsite near the original Chateau have been replaced with pretty – but pricey – bungalows with flower-filled terraces between them.

And some of the caravan pitches now come with their own little cabins containing your own private shower and toilet as well as a kitchen with fridge, microwave, hob, sink and even a dishwasher!

Our campsite sits right next to La Faviere – the port and marina of Bormes les Mimosas and within a five-minute stroll along the palm-tree lined boardwalk, we can enjoy the many restaurants and bars.

Over the last few years, the local authorities have spent huge amounts of time and money bringing back natural plants to recreate the sand dunes and flora and fauna I remember from my childhood.

Now the vast swathe of sandy beach hosts sports tournaments and festivals while the marina – with yet more great restaurants – hosts some stunning yachts and seriously swanky boats.

In summer, there’s a weekly food market in La Faviere every Saturday that is the perfect place to pick up local specialities from dried meats and olives to fresh baguettes and fougasse (a stuffed bread similar to a focaccia).

Twice a week – on Monday nights in La Faviere and Tuesday in the village of Bormes itself in the hills you will find markets selling everything from local pottery to raffia bags.

By day, we love enjoying a casual lunch on the beach at Plage Meynial right by the water’s edge and a two minute walk from the campsite.

By night, my go-to restaurants include Mimosa in La Faviere overlooking the port that has caught the eye of the Michelin guide for its modern Provencal cuisine. Cote Palmier is also great for pizzas and grills under the shade of mature plane trees.

In Bormes village itself, La Tonnelle is a quirky option, its interior decorated with traditional toys. Le Jardin is the stand-out for posh cuisine with set menus from £50pp. For great views, book a terrace table at Le Terrasse de l’Osteria for good value Mediterranean food from around £30pp.

But for the best pizza in the area, it has to be the little red vintage van that sits on Route de Benat, the road to our campsite. It’s been cooking up woodfired specialities for as long as I can remember.

Order in advance – and pick up yourself – and you’ll be rewarded with crispy, thin bases and sublime toppings. My favourite is L’Alsacienne with a creamy creme fraiche white sauce, thinly sliced onions and bacon.

You’re also spoilt for choice when it comes to enjoying a glass of classic Provencal rose – the surrounding areas are home to a host of world-class vineyards, many of which offer tastings and tours.

And then of course there’s that glorious coastline. Scuba diving trips depart daily from the port at La Faviere while you can rent standup paddle boards, kayaks, jet skis and more to take to the waters.

Rent a boat and you can discover little coves along the coastline – although don’t stray too close to the impressive Fort de Bregancon, the ancient island fortress is the official summer residence of the French president.

Of course, it’s no wonder that French political royalty spend their summers in beautiful Bormes. I’ve always done the same.

I just hope its new title as the Favourite Village in France doesn’t mean too many others discover its captivating secrets!

GETTING THERE: Fly to Toulon-Hyeres – half an hour drive from Bormes – on Tuesdays and Saturdays this summer with British Airways Cityflyer from London City Airport. Fares from £300 return this August. See britishairways.com.

STAYING THERE: Four night stays at Camp du Domaine in July range from £126 for a non-electric pitch to £630 for a two bed bungalow. See campdudomaine.com.