Nation briefs 2/18/04

Rival factions compete to control Sierra Club

SAN FRANCISCO -- A fierce battle is brewing over the future of the Sierra Club, and an unlikely issue is at the center of the debate: immigration. A growing faction in the nation's most influential environmental group has urged a stronger stance against immigration, calling the growing U.S. population and its consumption of natural resources the biggest threat to the environment. Past and present Sierra Club leaders say the anti-immigrant faction has teamed up with animal-rights activists in an attempt to hijack the 112-year-old organization and its $100 million annual budget. Some of the old guard has organized a movement called Groundswell Sierra to oppose what they say is an attempted takeover by outside groups. Their opponents responded by filing a lawsuit claiming the leaders are unfairly trying to influence an upcoming board election.

FAA orders airlines to install new fuel system

WASHINGTON -- The government will order airlines to install a system to reduce the chance of fuel tank explosions like the one that downed a TWA Boeing 747 in 1996, Federal Aviation Administration chief Marion Blakey said Tuesday. The decision affects about 3,800 Boeing and Airbus aircraft operated by domestic airlines. In the last 14 years there have been three fuel tank explosions, including the TWA accident, resulting in 346 deaths. Blakey said the new device could eliminate up to four accidents over the next 25 years. A cost-benefit analysis still must be done and airlines need time to plan for the change, so the requirement is not expected to take effect for at least two years. Once the rule is issued, the program will be phased in over seven years.

Federal prosecutor sues Ashcroft over terror case

WASHINGTON -- A federal prosecutor in a major terrorism case in Detroit has taken the rare step of suing Attorney General John Ashcroft, alleging the Justice Department interfered with the case, compromised a confidential informant and exaggerated results in the war on terrorism. Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Convertino of Detroit accused the Justice Department of "gross mismanagement" of the war on terrorism in a lawsuit filed late Friday in federal court in Washington. Justice officials said Tuesday they had not seen the suit and had no comment. The suit is the latest twist in the Bush administration's first major post-Sept. 11, 2001, terrorism prosecution, which is now in danger of unraveling over allegations of prosecutorial misconduct.

Phoenix bishop convicted in hit-and-run trial

PHOENIX -- Bishop Thomas O'Brien was convicted of hit-and-run Tuesday for leaving the scene after killing a jaywalking pedestrian with his car, a crash that ended his career as head of the Roman Catholic diocese. O'Brien is believed to be the first Roman Catholic bishop in U.S. history to be convicted of a felony. The 68-year-old bishop could be been sentenced to anywhere from probation to 3 3/4 years in prison. Jurors deliberated about 4 1/2 hours Friday and an additional two hours Tuesday before reaching their verdict. O'Brien, who appeared in court each day wearing a black shirt, Roman collar and a cross around his neck, showed no emotion after the verdict was read.

Rumsfeld, Tenet to testify publicly in 9-11 probe

WASHINGTON -- Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld and CIA Director George Tenet will testify publicly next month in a federal commission probe into who should be held accountable for the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. The two-day hearing in late March, to focus on U.S. counterterrorism policy, will be unprecedented in its review of high-level officials in the administrations of both Presidents Clinton and Bush, Philip Zelikow, executive director of the Sept. 11, 2001, commission, said Tuesday in an interview with The Associated Press. Also scheduled to testify are Secretary of State Colin Powell; his predecessor Madeleine Albright; and Clinton's defense secretary, William Cohen.

Appeals court upholds do-not-call registry

DENVER -- A federal appeals court upheld the government's do not call registry Tuesday, dismissing telemarketers' claims that it violates free speech rights and is unfair because it doesn't apply to charities and political solicitations. The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals called the registry "a reasonable fit." The politically popular registry, which took effect in October, contains more than 56 million phone numbers. Industry officials have said they expect about 2 million of their 6.5 million workers will lose their jobs within two years if the do-not-call rules stand.

Oklahoma City bombing conspirator offers plea deal

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Bombing conspirator Terry Nichols offered Tuesday to plead no contest to state murder charges if prosecutors drop their attempt to seek the death penalty, according to a motion filed in the case. State prosecutors indicated in a statement they have no plans to accept Nichols' offer, similar to at least one other offer the defense has made. Nichols, charged with 161 counts of first-degree murder, filed the motion in McAlester, where he's scheduled to go on trial March 1 for his role in the Oklahoma City bombing.

-- From wire reports