Arrests and Ethics: Alabama Newspaper Publisher and Reporter Spark National Attention

The publisher and a reporter of an Alabama newspaper, Atmore News, were arrested for publishing an article that revealed information about a grand jury investigation into the local school system. The charges include revealing grand jury proceedings, violating state ethics law, and using a school board position for personal gain. Press-freedom advocates have called for the charges to be dropped, emphasizing the importance of journalists' role in covering matters of public interest. The arrests have raised concerns about press freedom and the chilling effect it may have on journalism.