Trump’s Science Cuts: NASA & Research Under Threat
Speakers protested Trump's science funding cuts, endangering US competitiveness and research. NASA faces staff reductions and grant terminations, threatening innovation and safety.
IRS Workforce Cuts: Impact on Taxpayer Services & Compliance
Proposed budget cuts threaten IRS Taxpayer Services, potentially slashing staffing and decreasing service levels. Trump's plan seeks significant funding increases, while House Republicans aim to reduce the IRS workforce and budget. Impact on taxpayer compliance is highlighted.
Federal Firefighters: Pay, Benefits, and the Families First Act
Federal firefighters face low pay and grueling schedules. The Families First Act aims to improve their retirement benefits by reducing work hours and properly counting overtime pay, addressing high attrition.
Protecting Whistleblowers: New Act Against Retaliation
The Expanding Whistleblower Protections for Professionals Act of 2025 (S. 874) reinforces protections for federal contractor whistleblowers, closes loopholes, and shields them from retaliation for reporting fraud, waste, and misuse.
AI & Veteran Suicide Prevention: VA’s REACH VET Program
VA uses AI like REACH VET to identify veterans at risk of suicide, but faces challenges in lowering overall rates. The program aims to target support, though limitations exist in reaching all at-risk individuals. AI + suicide + prevention + veterans
UK Bans Ransom Payments to Cybercriminals: New Cybersecurity Plan
UK bans ransom payments by key sectors to cybercriminals. New plan strengthens cybersecurity, covering public bodies & critical infrastructure after rising attacks. Focus on AI, semiconductors, and water sector.
Federal Agencies & Religious Accommodations: Telework & Flexibility
OPM urges federal agencies to generously consider telework and flexible arrangements for religious accommodations, following the Groff v. DeJoy ruling. Agencies must engage in good faith with employees.
Trump Admin Restricts Biden’s Labor Policy After Court Ruling
Trump administration restricts Biden's policy promoting unionized labor on major construction jobs after a court blocked the initial White House attempt to relax the rule.
Trump Admin & Climate Data: Erasure & Agnotology
Trump administration's approach to climate data involves erasure & agnotology, obscuring knowledge to serve political ends. Loss of climate reports hinders policy & public awareness. The goal is to boost fossil fuels.
USSS Reforms: More Funding & Training After Trump Incident
USSS implements reforms after Trump incident: disciplinary actions, updated training, increased funding ($3.5B), and a surge in applications. Focus on security and protectee safety.
Education Department Layoffs: Supreme Court Ruling & Impact
Supreme Court allows Education Department to proceed with 1,300 layoffs, overruling a lower court order. Dissents highlight division dismantling. Impact on students, teachers & communities anticipated.
Trump RIFs: Court Reviewing Legality After Supreme Court Ruling
Despite a Supreme Court ruling, a federal judge plans to assess the legality of Trump administration's individual RIF plans impacting federal employee unions and agencies. New layoff notices are expected soon.
APWU Agreement & Postal Rate Concerns
APWU union validates agreement amid postal rate hike concerns under new management. Stakeholders challenge DeJoy's plan for USPS sustainability. Solidarity and unity of employee key.
NOAA Restaffing: Jacobs Pledges Action After Trump-Era Cuts
Neil Jacobs pledges to restore NOAA staffing after significant cuts under Trump, focusing on essential services and addressing staffing shortages. Scrutiny follows Texas floods and past controversies.
State Department Layoffs: Court Ruling Triggers Workforce Reduction
Following a court ruling, the State Department is proceeding with layoffs, impacting foreign service officers and civil service employees. The reorganization aims to cut 3,400 positions.
Supreme Court OKs Trump’s Federal Workforce Reduction Plans
The Supreme Court reversed a lower court order, allowing federal agencies to proceed with Trump's workforce reduction plans (RIF). Mass firings are likely, impacting government services. Legal challenges continue.
Public Servants: Balancing Freedom and Public Good
Public servants navigate the tension between individual freedoms and public safety, balancing personal liberties with the greater good. This challenging task deserves appreciation beyond special events.