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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 Finalizes “Rule of Many,” Retiring the 150-Year-Old “Rule of Three”

OPM issued a final rule replacing the “rule of three” with the “rule of many,” letting hiring managers rank candidates by job-related skills and pick from a broader slate. The rule implements a 2019 NDAA provision, pairs with skills-based assessments/shared certificates, and aims to speed hiring. It is effective Nov. 7, 2025, with full agency compliance due by Mar. 9, 2026, per the Federal Register notice. Expect updated DEU guidance and training as agencies shift their examining processes. Government Executive

Legal Insight: 

This is a final rule, so agencies must implement it on the dates OPM set. If you’re hiring, ask HR for the written plan that covers scoring, documentation, and the three-considerations rule under the new system; keep copies in your case file. If you’re applying, save vacancy announcements and any score/notice you receive; those records matter for merit-promotion or veterans’ preference questions. Selecting officials should write down the job-related reasons for selection and non-selection; clear rationale is your best defense in audits and complaints. If you think your rating misapplied the criteria, request your examining record in writing and note the time limits to challenge.

2. Appeals Court Tosses States’ Challenge to Mass Probationary Firings

In a 2–1 decision, the Fourth Circuit vacated the district court’s rehiring order and directed dismissal of a multistate lawsuit attacking mass terminations of probationary federal employees, holding the states lacked standing. The majority said workforce management is a federal function and any direct harm was to the employees, not the states. The opinion leaves other challenges (including individual cases) as the live path for relief. The panel acknowledged human costs but said standing rules controlled the outcome. Federal News Network

Legal Insight:  

This ruling does not decide whether specific firings were lawful; it only says states can’t bring the case. If you were removed during probation, your window to act is short—save the proposal/decision letters and file promptly through the correct channel (MSPB, OSC, EEO, or negotiated grievance, as applicable). Look for errors in notice timing, documents, and reason codes; even probationers have limited rights and agencies must follow their own rules. Veterans and those alleging pre-appointment conditions or prohibited practices may have added protections—ask your union or counsel fast. Keep every email and SF-50; timelines and paperwork win cases.

3. Democrats Warn: $410B in Frozen or Canceled Funds Could Lapse at FY End

Senate and House Appropriations Democrats said at least $410B in funding has been frozen or canceled and some of it may expire Sept. 30 without action, citing disaster aid, NIH research, and NOAA projects among examples. They released an updated tracker and pressed OMB to release funds; OMB called the tracker “fake” and disputed the claims. The warning lands as Congress weighs a short-term CR to avoid a shutdown. Agencies are assessing what program dollars must be obligated before the new fiscal year. Government Executive

Legal Insight:

If you manage funds, get your obligation deadlines in writing and follow your apportionment/footnotes; expiring money can change travel, contracts, and hiring overnight. Keep copies of allotment memos, obligation logs, and any OMB or CFO guidance—those documents protect you in audits or Anti-Deficiency Act reviews. Supervisors should avoid informal promises about FY-end payouts or awards until finance confirms availability. If a shutdown looks likely, confirm your status (excepted/non-excepted) and save your written tasking; that drives pay/back-pay and telework rules. When in doubt, ask budget/legal for the statutory authority before committing funds.

Mindful Moment of the Day: 

90-Second Reset   

Before diving into your first email of the day, try a 90-second reset. Sit upright in your chair, let your shoulders soften, and take slow, intentional breaths. Focus on the cool air as it enters your nose, and the warmth as it exits. This short pause isn’t just about calm—it engages your parasympathetic nervous system, reducing cortisol and improving focus. It's a small act with big returns, preparing your mind for a more thoughtful, centered workday.