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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. DoD Civilians to Receive Back Pay Sunday, Military Pay Remains on Schedule

With the shutdown over, an administration official said DoD civilian paychecks are slated to process on Sunday, though many workers should expect deposits between Monday and mid‑week. Service members are to be paid on time, and agencies have been told to reopen “promptly and orderly.” The article points to OPM’s post‑shutdown pay/leave guidance and DoD’s contingency planning numbers for how many civilians were furloughed or excepted. For federal employees, this means check your timecard and bank details now, watch for your agency’s written payroll timeline, and keep all pay notices for reconciliation. Federal News Network

Legal Insight:

Save copies of LES, timekeeping entries, and any corrections you submit. Follow written recall and timekeeping codes exactly; if you were marked AWOL or underpaid due to system errors, contest it in writing with documentation. OPM’s guidance governs pay/leave cleanup after a lapse; if your situation is unusual or disputed, contact your union and consider speaking with counsel because payroll fixes sometimes trigger short response windows.

2. ‘We’ll Probably Waste Millions Again’: Feds Dig Out of 43 Days’ Worth of Piled‑Up Work

As hundreds of thousands returned to duty, employees described heavy backlogs, expired contracts, system lockouts, and legal/reporting deadlines that did not pause during the shutdown. Several IRS, HHS, Interior and GSA staffers said projects will be dropped or re‑scoped, creating sunk costs and waves of catch‑up work. Managers are triaging audits, repairs and required reports while teams restore access and restart procurement. For federal employees, this means expect compressed timelines, triage of tasks, and potential changes to performance plans as offices reset priorities. Government Executive

Legal Insight:

Ask your supervisor to confirm shifting priorities in writing and to update performance plans if deadlines or metrics change. Document operational barriers (system access, vendor delays) that affect deliverables. If workload raises safety or health concerns, escalate in writing and use EAP or reasonable‑accommodation processes as needed. Where expectations are unclear or discipline is threatened over shutdown‑caused delays, consult your union and consider legal advice.

3. DHS Expanding Citizenship System for Voter Verification, Despite Concerns About Potential Disenfranchisement

DHS says a revamped SAVE‑based network now ingests more federal data and enables bulk checks for states to verify citizenship on voter rolls; 26 states are using or planning to use it. Privacy groups and some lawmakers warn of accuracy gaps and risks that eligible voters could be flagged incorrectly. New Federal Register notices expand routine uses and invite comments, while DHS points to safeguards and additional verification steps. For federal employees, this means DHS/DOJ/SSA staff who touch SAVE or related datasets should expect tighter oversight, logging, and strict adherence to Privacy Act limits and records rules. Nextgov

Legal Insight:  

If your duties involve querying or sharing SAVE‑linked data, follow written minimization and verification procedures, ensure your system‑of‑records coverage applies, and keep training current. Use only approved systems—not personal devices—and retain required audit logs. When scope or sharing with other agencies is unclear, get written guidance from privacy/counsel; if you suspect misuse or retaliation for raising concerns, use official reporting channels and consider seeking counsel.

Mindful Moment of the Day: 

The "Gratitude Shift for Workplace Frustration" 

Annoyed by a coworker, a slow system, or an unfair policy? Shift your mindset fast by asking, “What’s one thing I’m grateful for at work today?” It could be as small as a working coffee machine or as big as a supportive colleague. Gratitude rewires your brain to focus on solutions instead of frustrations, helping you navigate challenges with more balance.