This episode of The FED Weekly covers the significant changes affecting federal employees and retirees for the week of October 5–11, 2025. Key topics include the announcement of the 2026 Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) open season, with average premium increases of 12.3%—the second year of double-digit hikes—and notable carrier discontinuations. The episode highlights the financial pressure from missed paychecks due to the ongoing government shutdown, compounded by mass layoff notices and threats of permanent workforce reductions. Updates on the delayed 2026 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) announcement, proposed retirement fairness legislation, and emergency relief bills for Thrift Savings Plan withdrawals are discussed. Additionally, new legislative proposals targeting federal pay, performance-based compensation, workforce reduction, and telework restrictions are examined. Listeners are urged to review their benefits carefully and stay informed amid continued policy uncertainty.