Appeals court rules for reporter in public records case

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Tennessee Court of Appeals ruled on Friday that the state does not have the right to withhold ordinary public records just because they become part of a criminal investigation.

The Friday ruling overturned a lower court's decision and clarified when the criminal investigation exception applies to public records requests.

The lawsuit was brought by WTVF-TV reporter Phil Williams, who was investigating reports of an affair between two state officials that may have involved the use of public funds. He requested records under the Tennessee Public Records Act in June 201...