BREAKING NEWS

» We love Judge DuBose for this: Judge Advances Suit Over RFK Jr.'s Layoffs, Reorganization | Bloomberg Law

» This seems fine. CDC pauses dozens of infectious disease tests | The Hill

» Yes, defunding an agency focused on improving our healthcare system is a great idea. ‘Nobody answers’: The unraveling of a patient care research agency | Roll Call

» Who needs trees anyway? BREAKING: Trump Administration Orders Dismantling of the U.S. Forest Service | More Than Just Parks Substack

» 🙄 President Trump Releases FY27 Budget Proposal | ASTHO

» See what the Executive Branch is proposing for CDC in 2027

Welcome to the 56th 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 (www.firedbutfighting.org/shop), or signing up to volunteer. You can also check out the FBF Talent Marketplace to support a fired fed.

various FBF merch, including new buttons — *Fresh new Fired But Fighting merch*

Visit www.firedbutfighting.org/newsletter-library to read this and previous issues of the newsletter on the web.

LEGAL UPDATES

» On March 27, the administration notified the court that it had reinstated all RIFed employees from ASPE’s Division of Data and Technical Analysis and FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products. ACF’s Office of Head Start and four CDC units remain on administrative leave. Ten days later, Judge DuBose DENIED the government’s motion to dismiss the case. This week's legal update includes information on the NY v. Kennedy case and other lawsuits challenging the government-wide RIFs, applying for positions via RPL or CTAP, MSPB consolidations headed toward discovery, and the class action appeal and lawsuits for fired probies.

Read the full legal update here.

CALLS TO ACTION

» Get ready to vote: Make sure you’re registered, see what’s on your ballot, find your polling place, etc. Helpful resources here: Everything You Need to Vote - Vote.org

» Sign up to be a poll observer and help ACLU Georgia and other partner organizations intervene and protect voters against intimidation and violation of their rights.

» May Day Strike: Participate in the May Day Strike on May 1. BUT if you’re a federal worker, use leave because it is illegal to strike. More details: May Day Strong: No Work, No School, No Shopping | Indivisible

» Comment needed: OPM wants agencies to prioritize employees’ performance over tenure during RIFs. In combination with other recent efforts to change federal processes, this proposed rule could contribute to the arbitrary firings of more federal staff. Read more and comment by May 4.

» The 2026 EIS (Epidemic Intelligence Service) Conference will take place virtually from April 21 - 24, 2026. Free and open to the public. Register here.

» Volunteer with Fired But Fighting: Looking for ways to channel your rage? Sign up to volunteer.

EVENTS

**AFGE Member ATL PAC Power & the People**

» Saturday, April 11: 12 pm - 4 pm. Rally | Food | Music | Drinks | Fellowship with District 5 Locals (Families are welcome). AFGE Member ATL PAC Power & the People, organized by the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE).
**RSVP:** Local 2883 members, please let us know if you can make it to represent our local and enjoy the festivities. President Yolanda Jacobs is our point of contact for this event and responses (president@afge2883ga.org).

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

UNION CORNER

» The election for L2883 officers is underway. Ballots will be mailed out to all members via snail mail this week. Now is your chance to make your voice heard.

» Our L2883 website has a fresh new look. We’ve cleaned up the website and added a new members-only section where you can access information just for L2883 members. All the important guidance and information you’ve come to rely on are also still there, including the Request for Representation form. Check it out and create your account today.

» If you have RA-specific questions or would like to help us support your colleagues in the disabilities community, please email us at ra@afge2883ga.org.

» If you’re not already a member, sign up 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

» We are thrilled to announce that the CDC Mutual Aid Network has reached a remarkable milestone: $250,000 raised to support CDC community members in need. This would not have been possible without the generosity, dedication, and compassion of our incredible partners, donors, and volunteers. Thank you for standing with us. We are honored to have you by our side as we continue this work.

» Last chance to sign up for the Beltline Scavenger Hunt: Saturday, April 11 at 2 pm: Join CDC Mutual Aid on Saturday, April 11 at 2 pm for a Beltline Scavenger Hunt featuring team challenges, photo clues, and public health trivia. Reserve your spot today: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beltline-scavenger-tickets-1985773596282

» Check out our store: Remember that every purchase directly supports our mission and helps us continue making a difference. https://cdc-mutual-aid-network.printful.me

» Follow CDC Mutual Aid Network on social media:

WEEKLY 27 UNIHTED

» Every Saturday: Vigil commemorating the lives and knowledge lost through NIH cuts.

» **Fed Workers Coffee Hour**

Every Thursday of each month through October 2026. Download the flyer.

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

THE WEEKLY NEEDLE

» The Weekly Needle is America’s most trusted news source for all things health and medicine. Trust us, because we don’t trust ourselves. Enjoy our most recent story:

» RFK JR: “Donald Trump Has Extraordinary Knowledge. He Beat Me in Peek-A-Boo" - “The man is extraordinary - you couldn’t believe the very stable genius brain he has up there,” explained Secretary Kennedy to a crowd gathered at CPAC, “And you would not believe it. At one point he covered up his face and I didn’t know where he went. Then he uncovered his face and he was there! He told me it’s a brain game called peek-a-boo. I had no idea someone could have much genius to disappear like that!”

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

SPOON OF THE WEEK

» This week’s Spoon goes to the women at CDC who tirelessly advocate for public health and the public health workforce, including asking tough questions of leadership.

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