Reporter Michael Patrick Leahy says he will continue to exercise his 1A rights after court hearing

Tennessee Star editor-in-chief Michael Patrick Leahy on Monday said he will continue exercising his First Amendment rights after what appeared to be a successful hearing where he faced contempt charges.

"I just love the state of Tennessee," Leahy said as he exited court Monday. "We are delighted to have the opportunity to continue to exercise our First Amendment Rights."

Tennessee Chancery Court Judge l'Ashea Myles had ordered the hearing with Leahy to determine whether his outlet, Star News Digital Media, violated any court orders by publishing the writings of Audrey Elizabeth Hale, who shot and killed six people, including three children, in a Christian school in March 2023.

Myles did not issue a final decision at the hearing.

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