News Digest:
Friday, December 7, 2007 1:59 PM PST
OREGON — Ore. ACLU files motion against Verizon in
alleged NSA spying
PORTLAND (AP) — Nearly a year after accusing Verizon Communications Inc. of cooperating with the Bush administration to spy on telephone customers in Oregon, the American Civil Liberties Union has filed a motion with state regulators to get the case moving again.
‘‘Oregonians deserve to know if Verizon broke the law and gave their private, personal calling records to the National Security Agency,’’ said David Fidanque, executive director of the ACLU of Oregon.
Verizon officials had no immediate comment because they had not yet seen the motion.
THE WEST
Forest Service: Rule saved thousands of homes in California fires
WASHINGTON (AP) — A Bush administration rule that allowed expedited logging on national forests saved thousands of homes during the recent wildfires in California, Forest Service Chief Gail Kimbell said Thursday.
Kimbell cited ‘‘some real vivid examples’’ in California where the Forest Service practice of logging without first analyzing its effect on the environment saved homes and lives.
The San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals blocked the practice Wednesday, saying it violated the National Environmental Policy Act. Kimbell said the administration was considering whether to appeal.
IDAHO
Boise State looks to
improve conditions for part-time teachers
BOISE (AP) — A commission formed by Boise State University officials is recommending ways to improve pay and benefits for part-time, untenured teachers.
About 57 percent, or 592 of the 1,031 teaching positions at the school, are not tenured or eligible for tenure, said Provost Sona Andrews, BSU’s chief academic officer.
Nationally, about 65 percent of all faculty appointments are not tenured or eligible for tenure in higher education, according to the American Association of University Professors in Washington, D.C.
