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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. White House Seeks a Stopgap Funding Bill Through Jan. 31 to Avert a Shutdown

The administration asked Congress for a continuing resolution (CR) running through January 31, 2026, as lawmakers remain far from finishing the 12 fiscal 2026 spending bills. Leaders in both chambers acknowledged the risk of a lapse if no agreement is reached by October 1. A CR would keep most agencies operating at current levels and may include “anomalies,” such as targeted repairs or program adjustments. For federal employees, a CR typically means paychecks continue, but new hiring, travel, awards, and training can tighten until full-year appropriations pass. Federal News Network

Legal Insight: 

A CR does not change your basic rights or benefits, but it can freeze discretionary items like bonuses and overtime approvals. If your office announces furlough planning, check whether you’re “excepted” or “non-excepted,” and keep copies of any written notice. Timekeepers should record duty status exactly as instructed if there’s a lapse. If you receive a furlough notice or miss pay, talk to your union or an employment attorney about deadlines to grieve or appeal.

2. Mold, Pests, and Broken Elevators”: Feds Raise Concerns About Return-to-Office Building Conditions

As agencies push full-time return-to-office, employees in several locations report deteriorating conditions, including mold, rodents and isolated Legionella findings in a GSA-managed facility, while the General Services Administration (GSA) works on remediation and broader backlog issues. The article highlights how building maintenance delays intersect with stricter in-office mandates. It also notes the administration’s request for targeted “anomaly” funding to fix urgent building needs during any CR. For rank-and-file employees, this means safety and access concerns could affect daily work, and agencies may post temporary rules or relocations while repairs occur. Federal News Network

Legal Insight:  

You have the right to a safe workplace. If you encounter suspected hazards (e.g., water intrusion, mold, elevator failures), report them through your agency’s safety office and follow written instructions; keep screenshots or copies. If a supervisor directs you into an area you believe is unsafe, request clarification in writing and elevate through the safety officer, facilities, or union before refusing work. Reasonable accommodations (like telework or alternative worksites) may be available for health conditions aggravated by the environment. Seek counsel if you face discipline for raising safety concerns.

3. Research Flags Suspected China-linked Scheme to Recruit Former Federal Workers via Fake Job Sites

A new report details a network of likely fraudulent websites posting high-pay “policy analyst” jobs to lure former U.S. federal employees and subject-matter experts, with domain clues tying the sites to China. The findings, shared with Nextgov/FCW, echo recent counterintelligence warnings that foreign adversaries use employment pitches to access government knowledge. The scope of success is unclear, but the recruiting attempts appear ongoing. For current and former feds, this means extra caution when approached with unsolicited offers—especially remote roles promising unusually high pay. Government Executive

Legal Insight:

Do not share nonpublic information in any interview or test task. Verify employers: check domain registration, business records, and reputable job boards before engaging. Report suspicious outreach to your security office or the FBI, and document all communications. If you hold or recently held a clearance, remember post-employment restrictions and pre-publication/NDI rules; get guidance from your agency's ethics or security office. Contact an attorney if you suspect you were targeted or face adverse action tied to a security inquiry.

Mindful Moment of the Day: 

Midday Micro-Reflection After Complex Calls    

When you hang up from a challenging client or stakeholder call, keep your hands still on the desk for three breaths. Silently name one thing that went well, one thing to improve, and one thing to release. This prevents your mind from replaying the conversation on loop, which research shows can spike cortisol for hours. You’ll carry forward lessons, not lingering tension.