This week, the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program announced a historic 13.5% premium hike for 2025—significantly outpacing proposed federal pay raises and eroding purchasing power for employees and retirees. Expanded IVF and anti-obesity drug coverage are driving up costs. In retirement news, the Thrift Savings Plan topped $1 trillion in assets, showcasing strong investment returns despite increased market dependence for future security. The newly enacted One Big Beautiful Bill Act brings selective tax relief for seniors and overtime earners, but also tightens SNAP eligibility, potentially harming low-income federal families. Executive action by President Trump banned collective bargaining at more agencies, igniting legal battles and intensifying fights over union rights. Meanwhile, the administration proposed just a 1% general pay raise (with a larger increase for law enforcement), further restricted telework, and introduced hiring reforms favoring ideological alignment. The federal workforce continued shrinking due to mass layoffs, with contrasting bills in Congress reflecting the divided outlook for pay, performance, and the core principles of federal employment.