RFK Jr inverts the food pyramid but also enjoys eating McDonalds

Everything is Upside Down

BREAKING NEWS

» The updated vaccine schedule recommendations fail to provide meaningful guidance or scientific transparency. Read NPHC’s media statement.

» Considering going keto or carnivore? RFK Jr.’s new nutrition guidance includes an emphasis on healthy whole foods like saturated fats and gives a green light to consuming the important social lubricant, alcohol. That is all. Thanks for listening to our TED Talk.

» LIMITED TIME: Snuggles for Science, Valentine’s Edition. The adorable teddy “❤️ You’re Statistically Significant to Me” is available until January 17.

Welcome to the 43rd 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, grabbing some FBF merch, or signing up to volunteer . We’re especially looking for a volunteer coordinator and newsletter writer/editors.

various Fired But Fighting merchandise, including new products including a special Valentine’s Snuggle Bear

LEGAL UPDATES

» The FBF legal team is back after a much-needed holiday break. This week's legal update is a bit different from the usual format. We are looking back on the legal odyssey that began last year and brought us to where we are now. Join us for a chronicle of battles won and lost, a summary of where we stand, and reasons to hold onto hope and keep fighting.

Read the full legal update here.

CALLS TO ACTION

» Demand your representatives take action to stop RFK Jr’s attacks on childhood vaccination. Contact information and talking points are available at 5 Calls.

» Have a spare coat that you’re no longer using? Consider donating to Brad’s Coat Drive, a community-wide effort to collect gently used rain and winter coats for North Georgians in need. The drive runs through January 16.

» Science for the People Magazine is seeking proposals for articles, art, and other content for their upcoming issue on public health. Submissions accepted until January 31.

» Post-holiday needs? The FBF Talent Marketplace has lots of listings from people with talents like photography, baking, jewelry design, and more. Please consider supporting a fired fed.

» Volunteer with Fired But Fighting: Looking for ways to channel your rage? Sign up to volunteer. We’re especially looking for a volunteer coordinator and newsletter writer/editors.

EVENTS

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

» January 18: (Un) Happy Hour and free improv show hosted by Dad’s Garage at 6:00 pm. Grab your ticket today. Pop Up Special Event - CDC Fired But Fighting Event

CAREER CORNER

Please note that the Career Corner will be on hiatus until next week. Please visit the Unemployment & Career Planning section in FBF Resources.

» Thinking of starting your own business in 2026? This YouTube guide and its Canva quiz (you’ll need to enlarge this and scroll!) might give you some inspiration.

WEEKLY 27 uNIHted

» 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

» On January 5, 2026, a Reasonable Accommodations Town Hall for supervisors was held to provide legal guidance on federal employment law, the ADA, and the Rehabilitation Act amid unlawful CDC and HHS telework and accommodations policies. Access the full notes and guidance here.

» If you would like support with requesting EEO counseling or would like to help us support your colleagues in the disabilities community to file EEO complaints, email us at ra@afge2883ga.org.

» If you’re not already a member, sign up here to join the fight now! As a reminder, all job series (including supervisors) are eligible to join! The only exception is commissioned corps officers. https://join.afge.org/L2883

CDC MUTUAL AID

» A Note of Thanks from CDC Mutual Aid. 2025 was rough. Between unprecedented and illegal firings, contract terminations, the longest government shutdown in history, and so much more, it was hard to be a CDC worker in 2025. As we start the new year, we'd like to say thank you to the CDC community and to those who support CDC workers. Thanks to you, the CDC Mutual Aid Network raised more than $200,000 in 2025, which has allowed us to provide financial support to 167 CDC FTEs, ORISE, and contractors who lost their income in 2025. As we wait to see what 2026 brings, we remain dedicated to supporting the CDC workforce.

» Check out our resource library for CDC workers at www.cdcresourceportal.org/resources

» Donate and support the CDC Mutual Aid Assistance Fund at www.cdcresourceportal.org/donate

» Support the CDC Mutual Aid Assistance Fund AND find cool merch at cdc-mutual-aid-network.printful.me

THE WEEKLY NEEDLE - ARTICLE OF THE WEEK

» The Weekly Needle is America’s most trusted news source for satirical medical news. Enjoy our top story from last week:

HHS Says 2025-2026 Flu Season "Moderately Severe” Distraction from Kennedy’s Health Victory Over Petroleum Based Food Dye: “I just don’t understand. It’s not like the flu has ever killed anyone” said a bare chested RFK Jr at a press conference Wednesday, “but have you thought about all the mitochondrial abnormalities that Red No. 40 has caused? That’s probably even worse than the flu”.

» Please consider becoming a subscriber by following the link here. Interested in contributing? Email us at theweeklyneedle@proton.me.

SPOON OF THE WEEK

Poon of the week is Ben M of CDC Mutual Aid

» Ben M, organizer with the CDC Mutual Aid Network, is the Spoon of the Week. Since the beginning of 2025, Ben has worked tirelessly to help ensure over 160 CDC staff and their families received assistance when they needed it most. In addition to coordinating, fundraising, and providing regular updates on the mutual aid fund’s progress, Ben also dedicates time to many other efforts to advocate for public health.

» To submit a spoon for a future newsletter, email info@firedbutfighting.org.

SELF CARE

» Highland Yoga is offering a free yoga and sound bath class to current and former CDCers this Saturday, January 10 at 2pm. Claim your spot on their website.

» Seven Ways to Spread Love in the World in the New Year | Greater Good Magazine

» Ten Happiness Practices for the New Year | Greater Good Magazine