We cover the ongoing government shutdown, highlighting the deadlocked budget negotiations that have left 730,000 federal employees working without pay. Primary legislation discussed includes the Shutdown Fairness Act (S. 3012), which aims to secure immediate pay for essential staff, and proposed changes to retroactive pay guarantees, raising uncertainty for furloughed workers. Judicial action prevented a lapse in SNAP benefits and blocked mass federal workforce reductions during the shutdown. Federal health premiums are set to rise sharply by 12.3% in 2026, while the finalized cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for retirees reveal continued inflationary pressures and disparity between CSRS and FERS annuitants. Additional updates include new Medicare rules, complexities in dual enrollment for retirees, TSP administration news, and ongoing efforts to restrict telework. The episode emphasizes the real impact on federal employees’ finances and job security, urging listeners to stay informed as policy changes continue to reshape the federal workforce.

• (00:00) - Introduction: Your Weekly Federal Briefing
• (00:43) -  Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers
• (00:47) - Legislative Impasse and Retroactive Pay Threats
• (03:47) - Judicial Intervention in SNAP Benefits
• (06:06) - Rising Health Care Premiums for 2026
• (08:18) -  Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers
• (08:21) - Cost-of-Living Adjustments for Retirees
• (10:15) - Medicare and Health Plan Coordination
• (12:16) - Retirement System Administration Updates
• (13:20) -  Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers
• (13:24) - Judicial Protection Against Workforce Reductions
• (15:39) - 2026 Pay Structure and Locality Freeze
• (17:42) - Telework Restrictions and Workforce Reduction Goals
• (19:06) - Conclusion: Stay Informed and Engaged