1. Stories are circulating now that SFT feels that he has really crippled the COAL.  Some stories indicate that the next phase is to delay (sporadically) efforts to fill vacant lines in the COAL.  There is even rumor that his tenure/academic statement given to the PUC is a warning of future actions.  That is, the notion that academic freedom does now allow profs to get off the subject matter in classroom discussions.  It seems SFT has been told this often happens in the COAL.  Thanks grapevine and gorod.

2. Word from beeline is that individual faculty in the CBED have begun filing FOIA requests from Doty, in an effort to gather info about annual evaluations and raises in the college from this past year.  Thanks beeline (and envelope for contributing to this item as well).

3. Tales are growing that a few other prominent faculty losses may be on the horizon at USM (and maybe another in the COAL).  We'll stay on top of this if we can.  Thanks gorod.

4. Rumors are swirling that there is much jockeying going on in the round building about use/ownership of space in the new international education building (next to the LAB).  It seems that an interesting mix of programs could end up there, as battles are being waged for the new and modern space the facility offers.  Thanks insider.

5. Stories that the HA seems to be on board the SFT train still persist.  If the perception continues, or grows, a new market for the Independent could open up in a big way.  There is some word that the I may have more good articles in the offing.  Thanks grapevine.