BREAKING NEWS

» In case you missed it. RFK Jr. questions scientists, access to data at CDC campus one year after shooting | The Washington Post

» Gold standard quackery. Trump signs executive order calling for fewer childhood vaccines, falsely linking shots to autism | CNBC

» The kangaroo court is now in session 🦘. OPM preparing to take over federal employee appeals | Federal News Network

» Efficiency? GAO finds 96% of DOGE’s claimed savings on federal grants cannot be verified | Federal News Network

» Leadership keeps us in the crosshairs. One year after shooting, CDC workers say they still feel like targets | CNN

» “You hate us, you really, really hate us.” ‘HIV is too woke’: Why this gay doctor resigned from Trump’s CDC | LGBTQ Nation

» Good news. CDC Puts $1.5 Million into the Course Catalog That Trains Two Million Public Health Workers | Medical Daily

» The 3 Ds are at it again. From Nutrition to Vaccines, Here's What MAHA Policies Fail to Deliver | MedPage Today

» Anonymous Spoon tells the truth. I Thought the CDC Shooting Was Rock Bottom. We're Still Sinking. (PDF) | MedPage Today

Welcome to the 74th 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.

AIDS Walk Atlanta T-Shirts. Support Advocate. Walk Together. Proceeds will be donated to AIDS Walk Atlanta. Photos of various colors and styles of the Spoons AIDS Walk Atlanta t-shirt design

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 19th.

» 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. Just sayin.

» 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

**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.

CAREER CORNER

» This issue’s Career Corner is packed with upcoming events you won’t want to miss, including sessions hosted by Former Gov, AARP, and Employ Prince George’s County, nine job fairs (in-person and virtual), and a freshly curated 🔥🔥 hot jobs 🔥🔥 section. Check it out.

» Are you unemployed or underemployed? Generation JobSprint is accepting applicants for a 3-week course to help sharpen your skills and polish your resume. Applicants in Atlanta, DC, and Austin will receive priority. Apply now or download the pamphlet to learn more.

» 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

» Webinar on PMAP Tips and Tricks: Join L2883 on Wednesday, August 19 at 7 pm ET for a virtual webinar on PMAP Tips and Tricks. This webinar is designed to take the guesswork out of writing your fiscal year-end 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 12 pm ET. A Zoom invite was sent to all members.

» CTAP and RPL rights denied? We strongly encourage RIF’d 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. Reach out to mikasa@afge2883ga.org for more information. Please also keep us informed by filling out L2883's Federal Hiring Practices and Priority Placement Survey. This will help us advocate for separated employees.

» 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

» Be Part of the Message: Share Your CDC Mutual Aid Merch Moments

In an effort to reach new audiences and strengthen our fundraising, we’re expanding how we promote CDC Mutual Aid merch. If you have photos of yourself wearing CDC Mutual Aid merch, consider sharing them. To participate, email your photos to cdcmutualaidnetwork@gmail.com. By emailing your photos, you agree to allow CDC Mutual Aid to use your submitted photo(s) for promotional and fundraising purposes. This may include social media, newsletters, merchandise promotion, and other outreach materials. A few optional guidelines to keep things simple:

You don’t have to show your face if you prefer not to
Please avoid including other people in the frame or background
Fur babies are absolutely welcome

Thank you for helping us amplify the mission and reach more people who care about community support. 💟

» “There’s Nothing Spookier Than a Future Without CDC” Merch is back 🎃

From tees and long sleeves to baby gear and tote bags, this collection has something for everyone. If you’re looking for a way to show support and stay festive, this is the perfect time to grab your favorite piece. Visit the CDC Mutual Aid Network Store: https://cdc-mutual-aid-network.printful.me/

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:

CDC Staff Wake Up from Same Surreal Dream of RFK Jr Lecturing Them About Tuskegee Experiment.

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

SPOON OF THE WEEK

» Organizers of 8/8 Memorial events, including SD19, CDC Alumni and Friends, the National Public Health Coalition, and especially Barb, who gave out rose pins, printed Roybal signs, and organized the memorial.

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

SELF CARE

» Take a moment to read this poem of resistance and remembrance or pause for a moment of reflection (presented by the newly formed CDC Wellness Activities Employee Association), one year after the attack on CDC.

» Some tips on how to keep going when you’re not sure what’s next | Substack

» Who else is ready for some Dragon Con on Labor Day Weekend? 🐉 Rumors of FBF badge ribbons will neither be confirmed nor denied.

» Free pilates on the Avondale Green on the August 22nd.

» Hey book lovers: Save the date for the Decatur Book Festival, happening from October 2 - 3.