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Our online community now tops 150,000 federal workers and supporters across TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Each briefing distills the day’s most consequential developments, adds clear-eyed legal analysis, and pairs it with mindfulness tools that keep you steady no matter how turbulent the news cycle becomes. If this newsletter helps you stay informed, please pass it on: https://fedlegalhelp.com/newsletter. Your advocacy broadens the protective circle for every federal employee.

Top Three News Stories:

1. Supreme Court Clears the Way for Agencies to Resume Large-Scale RIFs 

In an unsigned order, the Supreme Court lifted a district-court injunction that had barred implementation of President Trump’s February executive order directing mass reductions-in-force across more than 20 agencies.  The majority said the administration is “likely to succeed” on showing the EO was lawful, allowing departments such as State, Treasury and others to move forward with downsizing plans that could affect tens of thousands of positions.  The Court stressed that its ruling does not resolve the underlying issue of whether any particular RIF was lawful, but it removes the immediate legal roadblock to issuing RIF notices. Reuters

Legal Insight: 

A formal RIF still triggers 5 C.F.R. Part 351 protections: employees must receive at least 60 days’ written notice, retention standing is based on tenure, veterans’ preference and performance, and eligible individuals gain Priority Placement and Interagency Career Transition Assistance rights.  Agencies that misapply retention registers or overlook “bump-and-retreat” vacancies risk Merit Systems Protection Board reversal with full back pay., among other things. Accepting a Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment (VSIP) generally waives MSPB and EEOC appeal rights, so request written annuity and TSP estimates before signing.

2. NOAA Nominee Tells Senate the Extended Hiring Freeze is Hampering Weather Operations

Appearing before the Senate Commerce Committee, Neil Jacobs—President Trump’s pick to lead the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration—testified that the government-wide hiring freeze, now extended to October 15, has left more than 3,000 NOAA positions vacant and is “challenging” the agency’s ability to fulfill its forecasting mission.  NOAA faces a proposed 27 percent budget cut in fiscal 2026 and has already parted with about 2,000 employees through early retirements, deferred resignations and probationary removals.  Senators from both parties cited the deadly Texas flash floods over the July 4 weekend as evidence that staffing shortfalls carry real public-safety risks. Politico

Legal Insight:

Although a presidential hiring freeze limits competitive hiring, agencies may still request exemptions for positions necessary to protect life or property; documenting such requests can shield managers from Anti-Deficiency Act exposure if critical work goes undone.  Career employees asked to shoulder extra duties should confirm whether higher-graded work exceeds 120 days, which could entitle them to a temporary-promotion pay adjustment under 5 C.F.R. 335.  Unions can insist on mid-term bargaining over workload, safety and overtime created by unfilled vacancies.  Employees detailed to disaster zones should keep accurate time and attendance records for any hazard- and Sunday-premium pay claims under 5 U.S.C. § 5545.  Finally, whistle-blower disclosures about understaffing that endangers public safety are protected activity; retaliation for such warnings can lead to OSC remedies and personal liability for supervisors.

3. Indeed Data Show Federal-Employee Job Searches Up 150 Percent Amid Downsizing Fears

A Federal News Network analysis of new Hiring Lab statistics from Indeed found that résumé submissions by self-identified federal workers jumped 150 percent between January and April 2025 and remain well above historic norms.  Seventy percent of these job-seeking feds now hold at least a bachelor’s degree, up from about half a year ago, suggesting that highly skilled employees are actively exploring private-sector options as agency cuts and hiring freezes persist.  Researchers also note a sharp rise in searches for specialized roles—everything from data scientists to horticulturists—indicating workers are preparing exit strategies ahead of expected RIFs. Federal News Network

Legal Insight:

Employees applying for outside work must clear ethics and conflict-of-interest rules in some instances; certain positions require written approval before moonlighting or accepting post-government employment under 5 C.F.R. Part 2635.  Those who do receive RIF notices should register promptly for the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP), which gives priority for Vacancies at other agencies.  If contemplating early retirement or VSIP buyouts, request a benefits estimate that incorporates enhanced lump-sum annual-leave payments and any impact on FEHB eligibility.  Updating your USAJOBS profile and verifying that your Official Personnel File is accurate (e.g., SF-50s, veteran-preference documentation) can improve placement chances in both government and private sectors.

Mindful Moment of the Day: 

5-4-3-2-1 Grounding      

When stress hits, especially after hearing breaking news or policy shifts, use this quick grounding tool: identify 5 things you see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you hear, 2 you can smell, and 1 you can taste. It brings your attention back to the present and interrupts anxious thought loops. Practiced by therapists and trial attorneys alike, this simple technique builds calm from chaos.