Issue 72
BREAKING NEWS
» Thanks, Tim. We’re sure the president and secretary would never ask her to do anything illegal. P.S. Tune into the vote here on Thursday at 9:45AM. Looks like Schwartz has her foot in the revolving door. With Tim Kaine’s support, CDC nominee’s path to confirmation clears | Politico
» A victory for NTEU probies. HHS violated 5,000 probationary employees’ rights with 2025 terminations | Federal News Network
» Guess all that misinformation is working. Measles cases hit new record in US, as vaccination rates wane | The New York Times
» This went well. The US State Department Redraws the Map of Africa at the AIDS2026 Conference | To End a Plague ... Again Substack
» Exposed PII? Whatevs. Trump Administration Demands Hospitals Share Emergency Room Records | KFF News
» Oh, now he has opinions? GOP senator rips CDC’s autism website: ‘An insult to the American people’ | HuffPost
» In case you want to relive your trauma. New documentary recounts ‘free-for-all attitude of cruelty’ toward axed federal employees | Government Executive
Welcome to the 72nd 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), signing up to volunteer, or subscribing to the NationalPHC Substack. You can also check out the FBF Talent Marketplace to support a fired fed.
Visit www.firedbutfighting.org/newsletter-library to read and share this and previous issues of the newsletter on the web.
LEGAL UPDATES
» The FBF Legal Team is taking off this week. The next legal update will be on August 5th. You can read the most recent legal update here. Legally minded? Sign up to volunteer.
CALLS TO ACTION
» Donations needed for our Buford Highway neighbors: A group of our fellow spoons are working with Los Vecinos de Buford to help families that have been impacted by ICE detentions. They are requesting assistance with clothing, shoes, and school supplies. These items can be delivered this week to the Forest Fleming Arena between 8AM - 8PM. If you are interested in donating financially, Los Vecinos de Buford is collecting donations via Venmo to @joy-lee-22 (last 4 digits of phone number are 0114) to purchase school supplies for this drive. Any and all assistance is greatly appreciated. ♥️
Community Commemoration Service
» The CDC Alumni Network is organizing an opportunity to mark the anniversary with fellowship, community, and respectful non-denominational remembrance from 10am-1pm ET at Glenn Memorial Church, 1660 N Decatur Road. RSVP not required but is requested. RSVP here.
Task Force on Homelessness
Decatur residents: help shape your city’s response to homelessness by serving on the new Task Force on Homelessness. Details at the City of Decatur Instagram page or website.
» Volunteer with Fired But Fighting: Looking for ways to channel your rage? Sign up to volunteer.
EVENTS
Mutation (Un) Happy Hour
» Okay, okay. We heard you. We’re taking (un) happy hours OTP. Join us at Mutation Brewing in Sandy Springs on August 2. 🍻
Reinstate Pluto (Un) Happy Hour
» Reinstate Pluto band members have deep roots in public health and strong ties to CDC. Come have a listen for a special edition (un) happy hour on August 22 at Tucker Brewing. 2003 S Bibb Dr, Tucker, GA 30084.
FBF/NPHC Team AIDS Walk Atlanta
» Come walk with your fellow Spoons for HIV prevention, care, and treatment. Register with the Fired But Fighting team for AIDS Walk Atlanta on September 26, 2026, at Piedmont Park. We created a team tee, with all proceeds going to the AIDS Walk. Can’t walk the Walk this year? You can still donate to the Team effort and/or buy the tee (available starting Aug 1st).
» Don’t forget to keep an eye on FBF’s events page for updates between newsletters.
CAREER CORNER
» Career Corner is off this week, but check out the most recent Career Corner with an updated hot jobs section. Don’t forget to join the Opportunities for Former HHS Staff LinkedIn Group and follow NPHC on LinkedIn to stay current on career-related events. Want to contribute to Career Corner? Sign up to volunteer.
UNION CORNER
» Call to Action: Comments Needed: OPM has introduced new proposed changes to the Code of Federal Regulations to make it easier to remove employees. We encourage all members to read the proposed rule, “Promoting Employee Accountability,” and submit a public comment outlining your concerns about these changes. Comment period closes August 3, 2026.
» Shutdown prep: We encourage all federal employees to start making plans now in case there is another federal shutdown after the current spending bill expires on October 1.
Start an emergency fund now.
Many federal credit unions, including CDCFCU, have offered zero interest paycheck loans during previous shutdowns. Some institutions require that direct deposit be set up one or more pay periods in advance of receiving a shutdown loan, so check now to ensure you’re eligible.
If you have available means, consider a donation to CDC Mutual Aid so that they are prepared to assist federal workers and contract staff in the event of a shutdown.
If you will be expected to continue working during a shutdown, you may need to plan for additional expenses like child care or pet care.
» Join AFGE L2883. 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
» Success Story: Keeping the Faith: Jaylin’s Commitment to Public Health
Now nearly nine years into his journey toward becoming a full-time CDC employee, Jaylin continues to hold onto that dream with determination, faith, and an unwavering commitment to public health. Despite the challenges facing the field in recent years, he still believes deeply in the mission and the community behind the work. For Jaylin, the support he received was more than financial assistance, it was a powerful reminder that compassion, service, and hope still exist within the public health community and that people truly care about one another. He hopes others facing setbacks will remember that persistence matters, even when the road feels long and uncertain. “Just don’t give up,” he said. “Don’t give up on your dreams. Don’t give up on trying. Know that there are people out there that care and that it won’t always be this way.” Through every challenge, Jaylin remains hopeful that his journey is leading him exactly where he is meant to be. Read more about Jaylin’s inspiring path and the role Mutual Aid played in his journey.
» CDC Mutual Aid Network "Public Health is for EVERYONE" Merch
New merch available: Unisex Soccer Jersey and more ⚽ Visit the CDC Mutual Aid Network Store: https://cdc-mutual-aid-network.printful.me/
"Public Health Is For Everyone" Baby short sleeve one piece: https://cdc-mutual-aid-network.printful.me/product/public-health-is-for-everyone-baby-short-sleeve-one-piece
"Public Health Is for EVERYONE" Toddler jersey t-shirt: https://cdc-mutual-aid-network.printful.me/product/public-health-is-for-everyone-toddler-jersey-t-shirt
“Public Health is for EVERYONE" Embroidered Snapback Hat: https://cdc-mutual-aid-network.printful.me/product/public-health-is-for-everyone-embroidered-snapback-hat
» Follow CDC Mutual Aid Network on Social Media.
THE WEEKLY NEEDLE
» The Weekly Needle is America’s most trusted news source for all things health and medicine. Enjoy our most recent story from this week:
» President Trump Diagnosed with Cyclospora of the Mouth - the President continues to recover from his ongoing bout of verbal diarrhea.
» 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 Joel Barratt, who shared the story of how the CDC lab responsible for responding to outbreaks of the parasite Cyclospora was decimated under the “leadership” of RFK Jr. Dr. Barratt left CDC in September after 8 years when he felt he could no longer do right by public health. We applaud your integrity. 💪
» To submit a spoon for a future newsletter, email info@firedbutfighting.org.
SELF CARE
» A reminder for when you’re feeling sad.
» Hey book lovers: Save the date for the Decatur Book Festival, happening from October 2 - 3.
» 🕹️👾 Don’t forget about the Southern Fried Gaming Expo, which is run by 3 NCEH Spoons, taking place from July 31 through August 2 at the Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel & Convention Center and the Cobb Convention Center Atlanta.
FIRED BUT FIGHTING IN THE NEWS
» July 27: Cyclospora outbreak grows as FDA seeks source, Michigan cases climb | The State News
FOR NO REASON
The only realistic part of Kennedy’s “RealFood.Gov” AI slop video is the fact that his face is, in fact, highly punchable.
