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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. OPM Carves Out Telework Accommodation for Religious Observance

New guidance issued July 16 allows federal employees to telework or adjust schedules for fasting, prayer, or other sincerely held beliefs, softening the administration’s January ban on routine work-from-home. Requests must follow agency reasonable-accommodation procedures, and supervisors may still deny them for mission needs, but OPM stressed agencies “should look for ways to say yes.” Federal News Network

Legal Insight: 

The policy invokes Title VII’s duty to accommodate religion unless it imposes “undue hardship,” defined by the Supreme Court last month as more than de minimis cost. Agencies must process requests promptly and supply written reasons for any denial. Because telework has been broadly proven viable, blanket refusals could invite EEOC complaints. Employees should submit detailed proposals—including specific days and coverage plans—and document all interactions; managers who ignore or retaliate risk OSC investigation and personal liability under 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(9).

2. Appeals Court Lets Trump’s Anti-Union Order Stay in Force During Litigation

The D.C. Circuit granted the administration’s motion to leave Executive Order 14092 intact while unions appeal, meaning agencies can continue canceling official time, dues withholding, and grievance procedures at 21 “national-security” entities. The panel said challengers had not shown irreparable harm, though a full merits ruling is months away. Government Executive

Legal Insight:

With the stay, agencies may implement the EO immediately but arguably must still give 30-day notice before changing working conditions under 5 U.S.C. § 7116(a)(5). Employees losing official-time access can file unfair-labor-practice charges and seek make-whole relief if the order is later struck down. Individual grievances and MSPB appeals remain available for statutory claims (e.g., whistle-blower retaliation).

3. Spike in Retirements: 13,400 Feds Filed in June Alone

OPM’s latest processing report, released July 16, shows 13,427 employees submitted retirement paperwork in June—up 45 % from the same month last year. Total retirements for the first half of 2025 now exceed 70,000, with analysts linking the surge to RIF fears and the new suitability-removal proposal. OPM processed 89 % of June claims within its 60-day goal but warned backlogs could grow if volumes stay elevated. Federal News Network

Legal Insight:

Employees considering a quick exit should request an annuity estimate that reflects unused sick leave and any recent salary changes; errors caught after separation can delay payments for months. Those contemplating Voluntary Separation Incentive Payments must certify they are not taking another federal job within five years or face repayment.

Mindful Moment of the Day: 

Mindful Listening Minute      

In your next meeting, challenge yourself to one minute of pure listening. Don’t plan your response or take notes—just receive. Notice tone, inflection, and pace. Mindful listening strengthens professional relationships and often uncovers needs or concerns that would otherwise go unspoken. It’s a quiet skill with big returns.