>>19314905 (pb)
Here's a good dig I found on Steemit
https://steemit.com/pizzagate/@newtreehints/massage-for-children-the-liddle-kidz-foundation-and-house-representative-liddle-adam-schiff-of-california
>>19314138 (pb)
Interesting…will take some time to digest
https://twitter.com/JustTheNews/status/1688533736134975491
https://justthenews.com/accountability/media/judge-orders-catherine-herridge-reveal-sources-stories-fbi-chinese-american
Judge orders Catherine Herridge to reveal sources for stories on FBI, Chinese American scientist
The scientist has already deposed 18 current and former government employees but she has been unable to confirm the sources for the story.
By Madeleine Hubbard
Updated: August 7, 2023 - 8:40am
AD.C. federal judge ordered CBS News senior correspondent Catherine Herridge to reveal her source or sources for a series of stories about the FBI's investigation of a Chinese American scientist.
The order last week from Judge Christopher Cooper comes after scientist Yanping Chen filed a lawsuit against the FBI, claiming that the agency violated the privacy act by improperly leaking information about her.
While working at Fox News in 2017, Herridge used a confidential source or sources to obtain material about the federal counterintelligence probe of Chen.
The Fox series focused on Chen, who was associated with China's People's Liberation Army and is president of the taxpayer-funded University of Management and Technology in Rosslyn, Va. Chen's husband, J. Davidson Frame, is dean of the university. The FBI raided the school twice in 2012, but even after the raids, it still received more than $6 million from the Defense Department.
As part of her case against the FBI, Chen subpoenaed Herridge and Fox in an attempt to reveal the source(s) for the articles. Both Fox and Herridige fought the move by arguing that the judge should quash the subpoenas because the press is protected under the First Amendment.
"The Court recognizes both the vital importance of a free press and the critical role that confidential sources play in the work of investigative journalists like Herridge," ''Cooper, an Obama appointee, ''wrote in his ruling. "… Chen’s need for the requested evidence overcomes Herridge’s qualified First Amendment privilege in this case."
The judge limited Chen's deposition subpoena to only include non-privileged matters related to the Privacy Act claim, but Chen's document subpoena was deferred.
Chen has already deposed 18 current and former government employees, including four FBI employees, and obtained 22 government declarations, but she has been unable to confirm the sources for the Fox story, according to court documents.
The ruling is raising concerns about protections for the press.
Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press Director Gabe Rottman told CNN: ''"While the Privacy Act provides essential protections for the public, using it to breach reporter-source confidentiality poses significant risks to a free press."''
https://twitter.com/usairforce/status/1688580855009079296
https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3484846/brandon-act-expedites-mental-health-care-referrals-for-airmen-guardians/
Brandon Act expedites mental health care referrals for Airmen, Guardians
Published Aug. 7, 2023
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) –
Airmen and Guardians can expect to see an additional referral process for mental health care as the Brandon Act is implemented throughout Air Force and Space Force installations.
The Brandon Act is intended to help identify and get care for mental health concerns by making it easier to access – and required of leaders to take seriously – mental health support by referencing “The Brandon Act” when they need a referral to mental health services.
The Brandon Act is named after Navy Aviation Electrician’s Mate 3rd Class Brandon Caserta, who died by suicide in 2018. Teri and Patrick Caserta, Brandon’s parents, have been a driving force in implementing the Brandon Act.
“I spoke with the Caserta family and listened to their experience,” said Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall. “They bravely shared the story of their son in hopes to help save others. We must honor their spirit and remind every supervisor and leader in the Air Force and Space Force of their duty and legal obligation to help fellow teammates who ask for assistance.”
“The path for the Brandon Act has been long,” said Teri Caserta, mother of Petty Officer Caserta. “But as each military service implements the act, it has renewed our hope. A hope that these new rules will save the lives of those who are serving on our behalf.”
“As leaders and supervisors learn about the Brandon Act, we hope it lifts the stigma that some have when asking for help,” said Patrick Caserta, father of Petty Officer Caserta. “Asking for help is an act of courage and mature judgement — in our call with Secretary Kendall, we believe we have the right leaders to help lead the change and improve our military and save lives. We want to thank Secretary Kendall for embracing and implementing the Brandon Act. We appreciate the hard work that he has and continues to do for our Airmen and Guardians.”
When Airmen and Guardians voluntarily request a mental health referral by contacting their commander or supervisor (in the grade of E-6 or above) it invokes the Brandon Act and expedites the process. Service members may request a referral for any reason, including, but not limited to personal distress, personal concerns or trouble performing their duties. They are not required to provide a reason or basis for the referral.
It is mandatory for commanders and supervisors to honor a Brandon Act request.
The Department of the Air Force program will be called the Brandon Act – The Commander/ Supervisor Facilitated Referral Program.
“The care and well-being of our Airmen is always our top priority,” said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass. “I’m encouraged by initiatives, like the Brandon Act, that ensure our people have multiple paths to seeking care for mental health concerns they are experiencing.”
A mental health evaluation referral request can be made by active-duty members at any time and in any environment, including deployed locations. Members can be active duty, in active-duty status as a member of the select Reserve, assigned to a temporary duty station or on leave.
“Few things are more important than improving access to mental health are and every improvement matters,” said Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force Roger A. Towberman.
Once members request assistance under the Brandon Act, their commander or supervisor must contact the mental health clinic and request an appointment for the member the same or next day. The mental health provider will do either a face-to-face, telephonic or telehealth appointment.
A referral under the Brandon Act differs from a command-directed or independent referral in several ways. A Brandon Act referral is initiated by the service member to their commander/supervisor, while a command-directed mental health referral is initiated by a commander or supervisor and is mandatory. An independent self-referral is handled completely by the member themself.
Additionally, the service is working to develop annual training on how to recognize if someone may need a mental health evaluation based on behavior or imminent danger for commanders/supervisors. The training will also include how a member may obtain a Brandon Act referral that protects their privacy. Further information on the training will be released as it becomes available.
With the implementation of the Brandon Act, Airmen and Guardians will have easier access to mental health resources & an additional referral process for mental health care.