Arrests of Alabama Newspaper Publisher and Reporter Spark Concerns

The publisher and a reporter of Atmore News in Alabama were arrested and charged with revealing grand jury evidence in an article, causing concerns among press freedom advocates. The charges were brought by the Escambia County district attorney based on an article that reported on the local school board's handling of federal coronavirus relief funds. The case is complicated by the publisher's dual role as a member of the school board, and she was also indicted on ethics violations. Press advocates argue that newspapers have the right to publish information about grand jury investigations as long as they obtain it legally. The National Press Club has called for the charges to be dropped, emphasizing journalists' responsibility to report on matters of public interest.