Gif of worms asking if this is over yet then diving undergorund — Even the (brain)worms are ready for this to be over…

BREAKING NEWS

» NPHC takes APHA: This week, the NPHC team attended the APHA 2025 Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. Our own Aryn Melton Backus spoke at the Rally for the Public’s Health on the meeting’s final day. Check out the highlights on our newly launched Instagram page.

» It’s official: This week marks the longest government shutdown in American History. No agreement has been reached, but talks to end the shutdown are ongoing. The Senate is scheduled to vote again on Friday.

» Some HHS staff receiving severance noticed negative balances and severance reversals on their most recent LES statements. This is likely an accounting error that will be resolved once the shutdown ends. Scroll down to the Union Corner for more information.

» Editorial: CDC merry-go-round is dizzying | The Bay Area Reporter

» With fewer samples from other countries, CDC has dimmer global view of flu and COVID | NPR

» Former CDC leaders outline a plan to rebuild public health | Public Health Newswire

WELCOME

Welcome to the 34th issue of Fired But Fighting, a newsletter for illegally terminated, improperly RIF’d, chaotically reinstated, and current HHS staff. Read on for judicial and advocacy updates, links to media coverage, calls to action, tips, and resources.

Please consider supporting us by making a donation or grabbing some FBF merch.

various Fired But Fighting merchandise, including new products like a CDC zombie apocalypse tee and a “we believe" garden sign

LEGAL UPDATES

On October 30, the First Circuit granted a joint motion to dismiss the appeal of the preliminary injunction in the HHS v. Kennedy case. This means the current injunction, which protects ASPE’s Division of Data and Technical Analysis, FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products, the Office of Head Start, and six CDC units from any RIFs or reorganizations, will hold as the case continues to be litigated in the Rhode Island District Court. The injunction issued in the Northern California District Court pausing the 10/10 RIFs also remains in place - if you are a former BUE or a dues-paying member of AFGE or NTEU, you are protected by this court order. This week's legal update includes information on these lawsuits, as well as guidance on MSPB appeals, retirement, and outside employment.

READ THE LEGAL UPDATE

SHUTDOWN & RIF RESOURCES

Now Live: Furloughed or Fired Side-Hustle Talent Marketplace — Talent Marketplace

» Last week, FBF launched a searchable side-hustle-style marketplace to help connect furloughed or fired feds with folks who want to support federal workers. Search the Furloughed or Fired Talent Marketplace for services like dog-walking, tutoring, meal prep, and more. Sign up here to be included. *NOTE: This is an external resource available to the general public.*

» There are many uncertainties about the ongoing government shutdown. We’ve added a shutdown resources section and even one for GA residents to the FBF resources page to help support you. Some highlights are below.

» Are you in Atlanta and worried about housing, groceries, or utility services? Visit the ATL Cares Resource List.

» Worried about the upcoming pause on SNAP benefits? Review this list of places to receive free food or donate to an organization providing free food in metro Atlanta.

» What Actions to Take During Shutdown and Possible Employment Loss | FedSmith

» Freebies in solidarity: Kaiser is waiving copays for furloughed employees. Show your government-issued ID at Enterprise to receive discounts on rental cars. Many Starbucks shops offer free coffee to furloughed feds. Show your government ID at Ark Coffeehaus in Chamblee for a 15% discount. Free (or pay-what-you-can) classes at Radiant Flow Yoga in East Point, GA. $2 off all drinks at any Wild Heaven taproom for furloughed feds. The Weelaunee Distro IG page has information on free food in Atlanta.

» Here are some additional furloughed feds offers:

RESOURCES

CALLS TO ACTION

🚨LAST CALL: Brief Survey Response Requested (CDC ONLY): NPHC is collecting data on expertise lost since Jan. 20, 2025. Please complete this short survey and share widely with your colleagues (CDC ONLY). The survey closes this Friday, November 7.

» Were you recently separated from CDC? The CDC WISE Survey, led by Dr. Greta Massetti, former CDC-er and professor at GSU, seeks to understand the experiences of former CDC staff, contractors, and fellows. The survey takes 20-30 minutes, is anonymous and confidential, and will help inform efforts to support separated employees. Contact INSPIRElab@gsu.edu with questions.

» Got Muscles and a Big Heart? Malachi’s Storehouse food pantry is looking for a few strong, early-rising volunteers to join their team. Volunteers are especially needed for Tuesday and Wednesday morning shifts. Contact malachis@stpat.net to learn more.

» Sign this petition by Defend Public Health demanding that all CDC employees be reinstated as a condition of reopening the government.

» Take action with Defend Public Health. Continue to contact members of Congress and encourage them to stand firm on the budget. You can also help fill Senator Wyden’s Finance Committee inbox with a clear and strong message that the public health community does not support RFK Jr. or his policies.

a flyer for an event, “Casa Alterna: Training for Compas at the Gates of ICE” — Casa Alterna

Casa Alterna is looking for volunteers to support our immigrant neighbors entering the Atlanta ICE field office. Training will be held Nov. 21 at 9:00 am ET

» Share Your Story. We’re looking for #FedWorkerFriday contributors for Bluesky and Instagram. Public or anonymous. DM Aryn on Signal (@aryn.22) if you’re interested.

» Volunteer with Fired But Fighting: Looking for ways to channel your rage? Sign up to volunteer. We’re especially looking for volunteer coordinators and finance folks.

EVENTS

Don’t forget to keep an eye on FBF’s events page for updates between newsletters.

Unmask the resistance flyer — Unmask the Resistance

» November 11 at 6pm ET: Attend *Unmask the Resistance*, an event supporting efforts to train and pay displaced federal and public-health professionals fighting back on the front lines of Georgia’s most competitive State House races. Tickets are free for fired and furloughed feds.

CAREER CORNER

Check out this week’s Career Corner for details and to register for upcoming events. Join the Opportunities for Former HHS Staff Group and follow Fired But Fighting on LinkedIn for more. We’ve also collected Unemployment & Career Planning Resources on our site.

» There are a number of career-related events coming up, including a virtual career expo designed for Veterans, as well as the regularly scheduled events with Pathways Forward and wellfed… plus, our friends at Defend Public Health are hiring.

» Tracy Hoexter is offering a complimentary Express Headshot for any recently laid-off federal employee.

Navigating Career Shifts with Resilience flyer — Pathways Forward

» November 14 - Navigating Career Shifts with Resilience from 1:00 to 2:00 pm ET: Join Pathways Forward for discussion about how to explore different career paths, identify your long-term goals, and create a step-by-step roadmap for growth and success. Register here

WEEKLY 27 uNIHted

event flyer for Federal Employee Coffee Hour — Federal Workforce Coffee Hour

» If you’ve been fired, reinstated, on admin leave, don’t know your employment status, or are worried about being RIF’d, join fellow feds who *get it* for an hour of camaraderie in Northern Virginia. Download the flyer.

» Every Saturday - Vigil commemorating the lives and knowledge lost through NIH cuts. Black attire encouraged. 10 am at the Medical Center Metro.

» Please follow and share 27 uNIHted’s new Instagram account.

UNION CORNER

» We have heard that severance payments for separated employees are being paused during the shutdown until funding is restored. Here’s what to know:

Once funding is restored, any missed payments will be made, and severance will continue as usual.
You should not receive a debt letter or be asked to return any funds already paid.
The CDC Mutual Aid Network remains available for anyone needing support. Additional resources for RIF’d and separated employees are posted on our website.

» If you are furloughed and considering engaging in a new outside activity, or RIF’d and considering a new position, all ethics laws and regulations, including conflict of interest and the government-wide Standards of Ethical Conduct, still apply. OSSAM has provided a contact number for HHS Ethics (202-690-7258) if you have questions about your outside activity.

» AFGE Local 2883 held another RIF Town Hall focusing on retirements and benefits questions for all RIF’d CDC staff on 11/6. A recording will be sent out to all members. You can also email info@afge2883ga.org for a copy.

» If you’re not already a member, sign up here to join the fight now! https://join.afge.org/L2883!

CDC MUTUAL AID

» Things are tough out there. In the past two weeks CDC Mutual Aid has received 3x the number of requests received in the previous six months combined. We ask that applicants are patient with our volunteers as we work to process this high volume of requests, and to please understand that at this time funds cannot be guaranteed for all applicants. For those who can, please consider donating or sharing our message so that we can continue our work to support current and recent CDC staff.

» Find resources like our new Shutdown Survival Guide and Basic Needs Support (food and housing) at our one-stop-shop resource portal. www.cdcresourceportal.org/resources

» Follow us on social media! Spot Deb Houry wearing spooky CDC merch, learn more about the CDC staff receiving funds, and find great new resources available to folks during the shutdown through our LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/cdc-mutual-aid-network/posts) and BlueSky (https://bsky.app/profile/cdcmutualaid.bsky.social) pages

» Check out the CDC Mutual Aid store! We're retiring our wildly popular spooky CDC merch in the next few days - If you haven't grabbed a shirt or bag yet, now is your chance!

» Donate or share our message at www.cdcresourceportal.org/donate.

THE WEEKLY NEEDLE

The Weekly Needle is America’s most trusted news source for satirical medical news. Started by people who care about science, health, and something approximating truth, The Weekly Needle is here to give you the stories you need to know. Here are a few of our stories and headlines from last week that we at The Weekly Needle think you should read. Please consider becoming a subscriber by following the link here. Interested in contributing? Email us at theweeklyneedle@proton.me.

SPOON OF THE WEEK

Your vote is the seed for change — This issue’s Spoon of the Week is dedicated to everyone who stepped up and made their voices count in the November 4 elections by voting and/or working the polls. Is that hope we’re feeling?

To submit a spoon (e.g., spooning pets, spoon tattoos, your favorite spoon) for a future newsletter, email info@firedbutfighting.org using “spoon of the week submission” in the subject line.

FIRED AND THRIVING

Furloughed federal lawyer Isaac Stein stands outside "Shysters Dogs" hot dog stand in Washington, DC — *photo credit: Ava Pukatch/NPR*

Sometimes when life and the current administration hand you a furlough, you make a hot dog stand. Furloughed IRS lawyer Isaac Stein opened “Shyster’s Dogs” on a corner in DC and calls it, “the only honest ripoff.” He’s even offering Moon Pies and RC with his dogs. The lawyer suit "uniform" though - now that is a choice. Although, his menu does offer to sell the shirt off his back for $1000. Story: Furloughed IRS lawyer running new gig as D.C. hot dog vendor
| NPR

SELF CARE

» “Take what you need, give what you can.” Check out the Little Free Pantry’s website to find a pantry in your neighborhood.

» The Intown Retreat is offering a free restorative yoga class every Monday at 7:30 pm. Use code RESTORECDC at checkout.

» Highland Yoga is offering several free yoga and sound bath classes for government employees. The next session is on November 8 from 3 pm to 4 pm. Download the flyer here.

» Federal benefits open season begins this month. Ease the stress of changing plans and check out this FEHB comparison tool developed by a fellow Fed.

» Take this silly self-care quiz to find out which kind of mythical creature you are 🦄

» Join our wellfed partners for a weekly Monday mental health and meditation session to start your week off right. The link to join can be found on wellfed’s website or the FBF community calendar.

» New Birth Missionary Baptist Church offers drive-through food distribution on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month, and there are no requirements to receive assistance.