BREAKING NEWS

» RFK Jr. cooking show? Eww. RFK Jr.’s cooking show has no appetite | Salon

» More about the recent termination of the main CDC HIV prevention grant for community-based organizations. Even more reason to join us at this year’s AIDS Walk benefitting local CBOs. The Future of CDC HIV Prevention Funding for Community Organizations | KFF

» Haven’t we learned out lesson yet? A lab-leak proponent is in line for Fauci’s old job | Politico

» How unappealing. OPM cements major shift in federal employee appeals, RIF processes | Federal News Network

» “Permanent.” You keep using that word. New CDC director is confirmed, giving agency its first permanent leader in a year | NBC News

» Traumatized yet? Federal Workforce Shrinks in 2025: Uneven Cuts, Priority Hiring, and What It Means for Employees Still on the Job | FedSmith

Welcome to the 73rd 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

» Have you applied for a CDC announcement via CTAP or RPL, but did not get referred or were found to be ineligible? Under 5 CFR § 330.214, an employee who believes the agency violated their RPL rights has the right to file an appeal with the MSPB to challenge the agency’s action. Note that you can do this even if you currently have a RIF appeal pending. Fired But Fighting and L2883 strongly encourage RIFed employees who are not getting through the CTAP or RPL process to appeal their determinations with the MSPB. It is free to file and can be done online using the MPSB e-Appeal system. Please also keep us informed by filling out L2883's Federal Hiring Practices and Priority Placement Survey. This will help us advocate for meaningful pathways back for separated employees. Even if your experience seems routine, please report it. Both successful and unsuccessful outcomes help us understand what is happening.

» This week's legal update is focused on the federal lawsuits challenging the HHS RIFs. The update on the original RIF lawsuit includes details on discovery related to all federal agency "Annual Staffing Plans" required by EO 14356, the FEMA CORE firings, government destruction of evidence by DHS officials, and the newest challenge to the USDA reorganization. A hearing is currently set for September 1. Meanwhile, both parties in the shutdown RIF lawsuit continue to agree to extend deadlines as they negotiate settlement, and there has been no update to the administrative record in NY v. Kennedy.

Fired But Fighting has a working group for pro se RIF appellants from different HHS agencies. The group meets monthly to share information and work together to figure out how to file motions and manage discovery. Our next meeting is scheduled for August 11. If this is something you are interested in, please reach out to us at legal@firedbutfighting.org.

» You can read the most recent legal update here. Legally minded? Sign up to volunteer.

CALLS TO ACTION

» Beth Fuller, a former CDC contractor terminated in 2025, is running for Georgia’s State House District 53. Consider supporting her campaign here.

» The Candler Park / Lake Claire Community Action Fund recently launched a fundraiser in direct response to the impact of ICE enforcement in the community, including detention, job losses, and the financial crises they leave behind for Georgia families. This fund will assist with immediate financial needs such as rent and housing, medical needs, legal assistance and more. Learn more about how you can help here.

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

EVENTS

**Community Commemoration Service**

» The CDC Alumni Network is organizing an opportunity to mark the anniversary with fellowship, community, and respectful non-denominational remembrance from 10 am-1 pm ET at Glenn Memorial Church, 1660 N Decatur Road. RSVP not required, but is requested. RSVP here.
**Rose pins will be available onsite.**

**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.

AIDS Walk Atlanta. Music festival and 5k run. September 26. Piedmont Park. — **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 by the August 24 deadline.

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

UNION CORNER

» PMAP Tips and Tricks Webinar: Join L2883 on Wednesday, August 19 at 7pm ET for a virtual webinar on PMAP Tips and Tricks. This webinar is designed to take the guesswork out of writing your end-of-year self-assessment so that you understand the process and recent changes, learn how to write your accomplishments for maximum impact, and submit your self-assessment with confidence. Zoom link TBD.

» August monthly meeting: our August meeting has been moved to Tuesday, August 18 at 12pm ET. A Zoom invite will be sent to all members.

» 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

https://cdc-mutual-aid-network.printful.me/product/public-health-is-for-everyone-baby-short-sleeve-one-piece

New merch available: Visit the CDC Mutual Aid Network Store: https://cdc-mutual-aid-network.printful.me/

» Follow CDC Mutual Aid Network on Social Media.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cdc-mutual-aid-network
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cdcmutualaid.bsky.social

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:

» After CNN Debacle, RFK Jr Bans All Journalists Not Named RFK Jr from Interviewing RFK Jr - RFK Jr to interview RFK Jr on his new cooking show, “My Favorite Raccoon Murder.”

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

SPOON OF THE WEEK

» Give it up for Ororo Monroe, who coordinated the FBF/NPHC AIDS Walk team, designed the t-shirt and flyer, and contributes to this newsletter in so many ways. Register with the FBF/NPHC team, donate and/or buy the tee by the AUG 24 deadline.

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