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.

Top Three News Stories:

1. ‘Maximum Pain:’ Many Federal Employees Miss their First Full Paycheck Under Shutdown

As the shutdown drags on, about 1.4 million federal employees missed a full paycheck this week, with staffing strains worsening in critical operations like air traffic control. Lawmakers pressed OMB to restore fee-funded staff who should be exempt, while agencies juggle recall decisions for limited windows. Some employees are taking side jobs to cover essentials, raising fatigue and safety concerns in excepted roles. For federal employees, this means to expect continued pay delays unless Congress acts and to document hours worked and any shutdown-related hardships. Federal News Network

Legal Insight:

Keep all written notices about your work or furlough status and preserve time/attendance records for eventual retro pay. If you’re excepted, you generally must report for duty; ask in writing about episodic telework or brief absences consistent with OPM shutdown guidance. If furloughed, check your state’s unemployment eligibility rules and file promptly where allowed. Where you receive conflicting directions or face discipline tied to shutdown logistics, contact your union and consider consulting counsel due to short timelines.

2. ‘I Have No Idea What I’m Going To Do:’ Feds Abroad Fret About Making Rent Without Pay or Subsidies During Shutdown

Overseas civilian employees report missing both paychecks and key allowances (housing, COLA, education), leaving some unable to cover rent as foreign landlords show little flexibility. Letters from agencies explaining the lapse have had mixed results, and workers lack access to U.S. unemployment options. The piece highlights cascading operational impacts when travel, reimbursements, and support services stall overseas. For federal employees stationed abroad, this means proactively engaging landlords and utilities in writing and requesting official letters while tracking any shutdown-related debts or late fees. Government Executive

Legal Insight: 

Ask your agency for written verification of your status and any back-pay provisions you can share with creditors. Keep copies of lease terms, correspondence, and agency letters; these records help dispute fees once pay resumes. Do not perform government work while furloughed unless formally recalled, and seek ethics guidance before taking outside work overseas. If you face retaliation or adverse action for missed payments linked to the shutdown, consult your union and consider seeking legal advice promptly.

3. SBA Probing 8(a) Fraud Allegations at Tribal-Owned Contractor

The Small Business Administration opened an investigation into alleged 8(a) program fraud by ATI Government Solutions and its tribal owner and suspended them from federal business while the probe proceeds. Three ATI executives were also suspended; GSA said it’s reviewing ATI awards and pausing pursuit of new work. The inquiry follows activist videos and comes amid a broader audit of 8(a) oversight. For federal employees, this means acquisition and program offices should expect extra scrutiny on sole-source and set-aside awards and should document file decisions carefully. Nextgov

Legal Insight:  

If you manage or oversee contracts, maintain airtight documentation: market research, responsibility determinations, and conflict-of-interest checks. Follow suspension/debarment notices and heed any stop-work or pause instructions in writing. Whistleblowers should use official channels and preserve evidence while avoiding disclosure of sensitive information on personal systems. When in doubt about procurement integrity or reporting duties, elevate to counsel or your agency’s suspension/debarment official.

Mindful Moment of the Day: 

The “Within My Control” Pause 

Each time you catch yourself forecasting worst-case scenarios—delays, furloughs, frozen pay—close your eyes for a single minute. Inhale deeply, silently say “What I can control,” then exhale to “What I release.” This labeling of control boundaries reengages the prefrontal cortex, which helps regulate emotional reasoning. You’ll finish the minute grounded in practical choices instead of spiraling hypotheticals.