NPR: Government Slowly Changes Approach to Whistleblowers
The institutional governmental attitude toward whistleblowers has seen a shift in recent years, according to this NPR piece. While it used to be commonplace that federal whistleblowers made positive impacts while bringing ruin to their own careers, new policies such as the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act reflect new protective actions, an increase in reports of wrongdoing, and a desire to act ethically.
KomoNews: Whistleblower – Formal Probe Needed Into 520 Bridge Dangers
A new state auditor in Seattle is dealing with reports from a whistleblower that a floating bridge currently under construction poses a danger to public safety. The problem is allegedly the result of engineers illegally signing off on poorly constructed pontoons. The $4.1 billion bridge is now scheduled for completion in mid-2015.
Terrifying! “Economic Jihad” and Cyber Surveillance
Last week the House of Representatives considered the “Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act," a bill that would allow American intelligence agencies to share information with the country’s major financial institutions. One of the excuses used by banks and intelligence officials is the threat of a more modern cyber attack on the US economy.
GAP’s Executive Director Bea Edwards explains in detail why this is a terrible idea.
The Cornell Daily Sun: Whistleblower Class Aims to Promote Legal Integrity
A new class this semester at Cornell Law School is using a diverse group of speakers, including whistleblowers and corporate lawyers, to educate students on current whistleblower rights in the US and the history of whistleblower legislation.
Independent.ie: Horse Meat – Farmers 'Are Fall Guys'
Farmers are trying to restore consumer confidence after the horse meat scandal in Europe, where a dozen countries are caught up in product recalls. In Ireland, where the scandal was first centered, burgers containing horse meat were sent to schools, among other sites in the country. The Minister for Agriculture called for a "whistleblower-type scheme where information about suspected food contamination can be given anonymously."
The Guardian: Journalistic Sources and the Law – Blowing the Whistle on Truth-Tellers
Less than two years after whistleblowers came forward in the shocking Rupert Murdoch phone-tapping scandal, a British National Health Service (NHS) case of monumental misconduct is being reported by whistleblowers, along with stories of their requests and complaints being previously ignored. This editorial advocates for the protection of these much needed truth-tellers and credits them with uncovering these massive scandals.
A second whistleblower has come forward in the case against NHS regarding the malpractice at United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust, that may be responsible for the unnecessary deaths of over 500 patients. Recently, the head of the trust responsible for one hospital came forward about his two-year battle with the hospital administration concerning unsafe practice that ended in him being fired and bribed to keep quiet.
The blame is largely being placed on NHS Chief Sir David Nicholson, though his second-in-command is also alleged with attempting to meet unrealistic government numbers, no matter the cost.
Greenville Online: Whistleblower Urges Tougher Jocassee Dam Security
The 380-foot, 40-year-old Jocassee Dam in California faces potential security problems according to a federal regulator urging the public to hold the local government and the operating power company – Duke Energy – responsible.
Jack Davis is Communications Associate for the Government Accountability Project, the nation's leading whistleblower protection and advocacy organization.
