» Ex-RFK Jr. adviser alleges Trump admin corruption prompted resignation | Axios (requires free login)
» Midterms are over. Now what? Federal employee advocates see midterm results as opportunity to challenge workforce overhauls | Federal News Network
» CR meets lame ducks. What could go wrong? December 11: Congress bought time past the midterms. Now what? | gov.house
» 🙈 See no measles. U.S. Hits Bonkers Measles High as RFK Jr.’s CDC Hides Death Totals | The New Republic
» And see what CDC “leadership” plans to do about it. CDC chief says agency will not change measles response if US loses elimination status | Reuters
» No experience, no problem. Firm Linked to Trump’s Sons Got Nearly $40 Million in Federal Contracts to Screen for Ebola and Other Diseases | ProPublica
» Thriving. Helping vets, other public servants take next step in leadership | The Harvard Gazette
Welcome to the 87th 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 to the National Public Health Coalition, grabbing some 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.
LEGAL UPDATES
» The FBF/L2883 joint legal team is on fall break until November 18. You can read the most recent legal update here. For those who are managing their own MSPB RIF appeals, we encourage you to check out Merit Service Advocates, a resource launched by former MSPB board member Raymond Limón. They have an excellent pro se RIF appeal guide.
» Fired But Fighting has a working group for pro se appellants from all HHS agencies. All members are vetted to ensure that everyone who participates has been subject to the HHS RIF. The group maintains a library to assist with responding to discovery and preparing for the hearing, as well as providing general information about the MSPB appeal process. If this is something you are interested in, please reach out to us at legal@firedbutfighting.org.
CALLS TO ACTION
» DJ Fed-Up dropped their debut album 📀📀 DJ Fed-Up is, of course, the premier DJ providing the musical outlet we all need in today’s frustratingly crazy fed life. The album is available on all your favorite music apps, with a suggested donation of $15 to support CDC Mutual Aid. Listen to the album here and make a donation on CDC Mutual Aid’s website.
» Still with the government and thinking about federal benefits open season? Check out this FEHB plan comparison tool to see what each plan will cost. For another option, this PlanSight comparison tool was created in collaboration with a former fed and fellow public servant to help make upcoming insurance decisions.
» Comment Needed: A proposed rule by USDA would limit automatic eligibility for SNAP benefits to low-income households that receive cash assistance from the federally funded Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. Households using what the rule describes as non-cash or nominal TANF services would no longer automatically qualify. This change would mean that working families who spend most of their income on necessary expenses, like rent or child care, seniors, and people with disabilities would no longer automatically qualify for benefits, leading to increased food insecurity, an important public health issue. Learn more about this issue and submit a comment by Thursday, December 10.
EVENTS
Volunteers Needed for Community Thanksgiving Event
» On Saturday, November 14 at 9am, give thanks by giving back with Los Vecinos de Buford Highway. Volunteers are needed to help with setup, food prep and distribution, and activities for Los Vecinos’ annual community Thanksgiving event. Register here if you’d like to help.
» Keep an eye on FBF’s events page for updates between newsletters. Love event planning? Sign up to volunteer as an event coordinator. We think you’d be great at it. ✨
CAREER CORNER
» Career Corner is off this week, but last week's issue is full of great info, including useful articles and upcoming career fairs.
» Don’t miss career-related events and opportunities. Join our Opportunities for Former HHS Staff LinkedIn Group and follow NPHC on LinkedIn.
» Want to help make Career Corner happen? Sign up to volunteer.
UNION CORNER
» Public Service Viewpoint Survey: AFGE partnered with The Partnership for Public Service, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, to administer the Public Service Viewpoint Survey. The results will provide an independent, standardized, and publicly available view of federal government employees. Your participation is voluntary, confidential, and important in the absence of OPM’s Federal Employment Viewpoint Survey. Please complete the survey outside your normal working hours by Dec. 4, 2026. The survey takes about 10 minutes.
» 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 December 11. Here are some steps to get started:
Start an emergency fund now. Even a little set aside can help.
Many federal credit unions, including CDC FCU, have offered zero-interest paycheck loans during previous shutdowns. Some institutions require that direct deposit be set up one or more pay periods before a shutdown, so check now to ensure you’re eligible.
If you have the means, consider donating to CDC Mutual Aid so they are prepared to assist federal workers and contract staff in the event of a shutdown.
If you are expected to continue working during a shutdown, you may need to plan for additional expenses like childcare or pet care.
» Union Members in Need: Below are colleagues in need of donations via the voluntary leave transfer program (VLTP). If you are able to donate annual leave hours, please consider doing so. If you cannot access TASNet to donate, you can fill out Form 630a and send it to sharrod.kimble@hhs.gov.
Ann Trimm (OD/OCO)
Kimberly Alexander (PHIC/DWD)
Komal Peer (NCEH/DEH)
If you are approved for the VLTP and would like your name featured to receive leave donations, send your name and CDC user ID to info@afge2883ga.org.
» 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.
CDC MUTUAL AID
🎃 Mutual Aid Virtual Costume Contest Winners Announced 🎃
» Thank you to everyone who participated in our Mutual Aid Virtual Costume Contest. From spooky and creative to funny and imaginative, we loved seeing the incredible costumes shared by our community. We also want to extend a special thank you to everyone who took the time to vote and support the contestants.
» Congratulations to the winners and participants.
In Person
Virtual
» 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/product/cdc-mutual-aid-solidarity-not-charity-patch
» 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, medicine, and CDC & HHS. Check out our most recent article from this week:
» CDC Employees Overcome with Emotion After Director Announces They May Telework While Everyone Else Is on Vacation. “I was speechless,” said one employee who had already requested both weeks off. “After everything we’ve been through, I never imagined leadership would give us permission to telework on days I wasn’t planning to work.”
» We all need more public health satire to survive - subscribe here. Interested in contributing? Email us at theweeklyneedle@proton.me.
SPOON OF THE WEEK
» 3 Cheers for DJ Fed-Up 🎉📀🎊 Over the past year, DJ Fed-Up has created songs to uplift and inspire federal employees through dark times. Earlier this month, they released a debut album including all their music to date. Available on all your favorite music apps for a suggested donation of $15 to support CDC Mutual Aid.
» To submit a spoon for a future newsletter, email info@firedbutfighting.org.
SELF CARE
» Moment of Nature: Fall Colors in Texas
» 44 Essential Travel Tips From Wirecutter’s Journalists
» Tired of giving and receiving “stuff” over the holidays? Through GlobalGiving, you can give a unique “gift card” that will allow the recipient to donate that amount to the fully screened charity or cause of their choice through their site. Pass along the joy of giving.
» For some unique alternative gifts, check out the Alternative Gift Market, featuring vendors selling fair trade, sustainable and reasonably-priced holiday gifts that create positive change. The market takes place on December 5 in North Decatur.
» Your Happiness Calendar for November 2026
» Yoga with Amanda is back with another free class at the Decatur Library. Register here for the next session on Saturday, November 14 at 10am.
Accessible Nature Connection
» Join a free event by Accessible Nature Connection, where you can learn how to connect with land and ecology in accessible ways, including virtually at home. This event is open to everyone (and especially disabled people). Register here.
