» Well, they DID film The Walking Dead here, so… The CDC has zombie programs. Congress funds them, but few people are left to do the work | AP News

» Damn straight she’ll have to earn our trust. New CDC director acknowledges agency problems in first large staff meeting | AP News

» Oh, they’ll be fine. Kindergarten vaccine exemptions hit all time high | The Hill

» Gold standard misinformation? CDC Statement on Newly Released Kindergarten Vaccination Data | CDC

» But don’t take our word for it. Data Manipulation 101 | Alex Sundermann, DrPH

» Listen all y'all, it's sabotage. “Sabotage”: Experts, lawmakers blast RFK Jr. for destroying healthcare research | Ars Technica

» Some positive news on the disability rights front. Healthcare Providers Hit With New Accessibility Requirements | Disability Scoop

» More MAGA talking points. CDC Director Erica Schwartz tells staff she is prepared to speak ‘truth to power’ | STAT News

Welcome to the 75th 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

» This week's legal update is focused on collective bargaining, the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), and reasonable accommodations. We take a closer look at the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) victory in arbitration over the HHS probationary firings and the denial of Federal Practice Group's Request for Regulation Review by the MSPB board. The update also covers recent developments and upcoming discovery deadlines for HHS RIF appeals. Finally, there are updates on class actions to restore reasonable accommodations at CDC and DOJ.

» 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 September 8. If you are interested in joining, please reach out to legal@firedbutfighting.org.

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

CALLS TO ACTION

» Public comment needed: Under White House direction, NIH is proposing changes to its grant application review process. Currently, each application is assigned a numeric rating, which is provided to applicants so they can compare their scores to other published awards and understand if they need to strengthen their own applications for funding. Under the proposed process, applications would be sorted into 3 broad categories, and the overall scores would not be released. These changes would reduce transparency and make it easier for applications to be denied for political instead of scientific reasons. Learn more about this issue and provide a comment by October 13.

**Friends of Vecinos**

» Join the Friends of Vecinos for their next community meeting on August 22 at 7:00pm. Learn about their new campaign and ways to support families impacted by ICE.

» 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: Do you have special skills, like ninja skills, or areas of interest to be explored, like throwing fabulous parties... We all need to channel our rage. If you have some free time, sign up to volunteer. We would love to have spoons who can maintain the events page, organize gatherings and social events, and get involved in any way YOU would like to contribute to the cause.

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. Get excited because the band is also taking song requests for Saturday’s event.
To request a song:
Go to https://www.reinstatepluto.com/requests.
Click "request" next to the song(s) you want to hear.
Enter your name and append "FBF/NPHC" to it so the band knows you are part of the FBF/NPHC community.
Click "send."

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 happening 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

» Career Corner is off this week, but check out last week's issue for upcoming events.

» Are you unemployed or underemployed? Generation JobSprint is accepting applicants for a 3-week career coaching 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 Materials Posted Online: Materials from recent L2883 webinars, “RIF Appeals and the MSPB” and “PMAP Tips and Tricks” will be posted on the L2883 member page shortly. If you’ve not logged into our L2883 page before, enter the email address associated with your AFGE Local 2883 membership and select “Forgot your password?"

» CTAP and RPL rights denied? We strongly encourage RIF’d employees who are not getting through the Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Reemployment Priority List (RPL) process to appeal their determinations with the MSPB. It is free to file and can be done online using the MSPB 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/

» 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 Director Erica Schwartz Uses All Hands to Neither Confirm Nor Deny She is CDC Director.

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

SPOON OF THE WEEK

» During CDC’s first all-hands meeting today with Dr. Erica Schwartz, several brave spoons spoke their minds and held CDC's “leadership” accountable. They demanded transparency, as well as policy driven by evidence, not politics. We applaud you.

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