Reporter challenges ruling over sources in anthrax case

WASHINGTON (AP) - A federal appeals court appears reluctant to uphold a contempt order against a reporter who refused to identify her sources.

Former USA Today reporter Toni Locy is appealing a judge's order requiring her to pay up to $5,000 a day out of her own pocket until she gives up her sources. She has been drawn into a lawsuit by former Army scientist Steven Hatfill, who came under FBI scrutiny in the 2001 anthrax attacks. He says the government violated his privacy by talking to reporters.

Locy has said she can't remember who at the Justice Department discussed Hatfill with her, so the judge ordered her to identify all her sources who discussed any aspect of the anthrax case.

Appellate judges on Friday questioned whether the order went too far or whether Hatfill even needs the information.