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Civil Rights for Civil Servants
Hear Shaun Southworth and Lydia Taylor explain federal employee rights, public service, workplace systems, and the people navigating them.
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Chicago TRO Tightens Rules on Federal Agents and Use of Force
A federal judge in Chicago has issued a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) that sharply limits how federal agents can police immigration-related protests. The ruling, prompted by re...
Partisan RIFs and the Law: Why Political Layoffs Are Illegal
Federal employees, let’s cut through the noise. The President recently said upcoming federal layoffs would be “Democrat-oriented.” OMB followed with guidance urging agencies to “us...
Interior RIFs May Defy Court Order: What Federal Employees Should Do
Credible reports suggest that the Department of the Interior may begin mass layoffs as soon as Monday—even though a federal court order temporarily prohibits all shutdown-related R...
“F It” Framework for Federal Employees Facing RIFs
When a RIF notice lands, it hits more than your inbox—it hits your nervous system, your family rhythm, and your ability to think clearly. While legal challenges continue, you still...
Shutdown Roundup: Pay, RIFs, and What Feds Must Do
Federal employees, here’s your no-spin roundup from Friday through Monday—and the steps to protect your pay, benefits, and rights amid this shutdown.
What Changed Friday–Monday
F...
What to Do If You Receive a RIF Notice During the Shutdown
On October 10, 2025, the administration began issuing Reduction-in-Force (RIF) notices to roughly 4,200 federal employees—even as the government remained shut down. That move, unpr...
DHS Management-Directed Reassignments: What to Do Now
Hundreds of DHS employees were just told to accept rapid reassignments to border and immigration posts—or risk removal. That includes CISA cyber defenders, FEMA staff in storm seas...
When Leadership Feels Like Liability in Federal Service
A New York Times story this week described how Black community leaders are holding their ground in a political climate that often treats their leadership as a threat. Reading it, I...
Federal Shutdown Back Pay: What the Law Really Says
This week has been a rollercoaster for federal employees. On Wednesday, the IRS assured furloughed staff they were guaranteed back pay once the shutdown ends. By Thursday, that mes...
Senate Floated Piecemeal Reopening: Here's What It Means
Senate leaders are floating a plan to pass full-year funding one agency at a time, with Defense likely first. In plain terms: some components could return to work and receive back ...
MSPB Quorum Restored: What It Means for Your Appeal
Good news for federal employees: the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) has its quorum back. On October 7, the Senate confirmed James Woodruff, restoring at least two sitting me...
Are Furloughed Federal Employees Guaranteed Back Pay?
For many federal employees, this shutdown feels different. Early this week, the administration floated a new legal argument claiming that furloughed workers might not be automatica...
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