Brought to you by Southworth PC—Attorneys for Federal Employees

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.

BETA Available (Discounted Pre-launch): Interested in our course to challenge your RIF on your own before the MSPB?

Southworth PC is opening a beta of our RIF MSPB Course—40+ written modules, checklists, and templates that walk you through every stage of a Merit Systems Protection Board RIF appeal, with focus‑videos and fresh insights dropping into the course over the next week (and for life). It is beta, so the first version is not quite done (expect all videos and first version resources by August 4). But some people are facing deadlines now and need it, so we are releasing what we have now.

Until next Monday, you can lock in lifetime access for $149—$50 below public launch of $199 starting next Moday, $250 below final price—regularly priced at $399 starting September 4, all backed by a no‑questions 7‑day refund. You get lifetime updates. Filing deadlines move fast; missing one can end your appeal. If you are interested, click now to secure your seat before the price jumps on August 4: http://fedlegalhelp.com/mspbcourse—and to see the resources we have assembled.

Top Three News Stories:

1. Administration Green‑Lights Workplace Proselytizing by Federal Employees

Reuters reports the White House issued new guidance stating that, during duty hours, federal workers may invite colleagues to prayer circles and “share their faith” so long as they do not pressure subordinates or interfere with agency business. The memo, signed by OPM and the Justice Department, claims earlier agency handbooks “chilled religious expression.” Reuters

Legal Insight: 

Title VII already protects bona fide religious expression, but it also requires agencies to halt conduct that a reasonable employee perceives as coercive or harassing. Supervisors who discuss religion with direct reports still risk undue influence violations. Employees feeling pressured can file an EEO complaint within 45 days or seek an OSC Hatch‑Act advisory if partisan or sectarian appeals bleed into political activity.

2. Survey Finds “Never‑Ending Nightmare” of Anxiety and Insomnia Amid Mass Downsizing

A Federal News Network survey of 3,600 current and former feds shows 95 % report heightened stress, with many citing panic attacks, insomnia and new prescriptions for anxiety or depression since January’s RIF wave. Respondents blamed constant layoff rumors and “traumatic” uncertainty for strained families and plummeting productivity. Federal News Network

Legal Insight:

Employees experiencing work‑related anxiety may request reasonable accommodation (e.g., telework, schedule changes) under the Rehabilitation Act; agencies must engage in an interactive process and cannot demand a specific diagnosis on initial request. Workers’‑comp claims for stress disorders require clear medical linkage to workplace factors, but EAP counseling is free and confidential. Document treatment dates and agency actions—both might support future appeals depending on various legal theories.

3. Pentagon “Think‑Tank Ban” Stirs Confusion and First Amendment Questions

Politico reveals Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has barred DoD personnel from speaking at or attending think‑tank events deemed contrary to the administration’s agenda, abruptly canceling engagements at the Aspen Security Forum and similar venues. Officials warn the policy muzzles military voices and alienates allies who rely on public briefings to interpret U.S. strategy. Politico

Legal Insight:

DoD can set duty‑time speaking limits, but a blanket prohibition targeting viewpoint could invite constitutional challenge under Pickering balancing and 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(9) (protected communication). Service members ordered to skip previously approved appearances should request the directive in writing to preserve grievance or IG‑referral rights. Civilians barred from outside teaching or speaking might file a prior‑approval appeal if the restriction conflicts with content‑neutral criteria.

Mindful Moment of the Day: 

Gratitude Log for Mission Impact    

Start each morning by writing a single sentence that names one concrete way yesterday’s task—approving a grant, rebutting a removal proposal, answering a taxpayer call—advanced the public good. Positive-psychology research inside the VA shows that linking gratitude to a specific mission outcome spikes dopaminergic motivation for up to eight hours, far outpacing generic affirmations. The practice trains your prefrontal cortex to see forms and protocols not as drudgery but as evidence of service, gradually rewiring the brain’s negativity bias. Over a quarter, employees who keep this micro-journal report higher FEVS engagement scores and fewer Sunday-night dread emails.