The Trump administration's big cuts to the federal government are hitting one group particularly hard — the country's veterans.

Why it matters: There are over 79,000 veterans who work for the federal government and report to offices in the DMV, per the Office of Personnel Management — meaning thousands of locals could stand to be especially impacted by these cuts.

The big picture: It's not yet clear how many military vets have been fired, or will be. Last year veterans made up 28% of the federal workforce, per federal data — a far bigger share than the 5% in the private sector.

• About 36% of the vets working in civil service, more than 200,000 in total, are disabled or have a serious health condition, per federal data.

"This is the largest attack on veteran employment in our lifetime," says William Attig, executive director at the Union Veterans Council, a labor group that represents many of these workers.

Zoom in: Some veterans, still holding on to their jobs for now, are waiting for the hammer to drop.

• "We're being smeared as leeches, but I just want to serve my country and provide for my family," an employee at the Department of Defense who is a disabled veteran, and requested anonymity because he didn't want to put his job further at risk, told Axios.

Between the lines: Privately, GOP lawmakers are growing uneasy with cuts that impact veterans, Politico reports, adding that vets have been "disproportionately affected" by the firings.

Zoom out: There are a few reasons government work attracts vets. The federal government has a "veterans preference" — put simply, when deciding among a group of qualified candidates, they're first in line.

• With more veterans working in government, more feel welcomed to work among people who understand them. Others are drawn to the retirement benefits — years of military service counts towards your federal pension.

Plus, many of these folks feel drawn to mission-driven employment. "Most veterans feel like they're putting on another uniform," says Attig.

• These jobs are a crucial piece of the puzzle in post-military life, he says, adding that it's also a key part of suicide prevention for this at-risk group.
• "One of the most important things you can do for veterans is to find them a job."

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D.C.'s caretakers are in hot demand as federal employees scramble to rework their lives under President Trump's in-office mandate. Nail salons? Not so much.

The big picture: The local economy shakeup comes as other DMV employers like the Washington Post and Amazon have also pushed their employees to be on-site five days a week.

State of play: Area day care sites — child and canine — have seen a surge in interest since the federal return-to-work order.

• Children's day care group Bright Horizons, which operates several locations across Washington, has seen increased enrollment interest due to returning feds, a spokesperson tells Axios.

Meanwhile, the Falls Church, Fairfax City and Springfield locations of the doggie day care Dogtopia have also seen increased interest, as has Atlas Doghouse on H Street, owners tell Axios.

• Springfield Dogtopia owner Amber Sutton Donohoo also owns a nail salon in Arlington and tells Axios that she's seeing far fewer WFH clients come in during the lunch period.

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💻 Virginia ​​Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced a "resource package" yesterday for Virginia federal employees — some 145,000 workers — who've lost jobs under the Trump administration's cuts. It includes a new government site, "Virginia Has Jobs," with around 250,000 state openings at schools, prisons and more. (Axios)

🚶 There's a regional shortage of crossing guards, leading to school safety concerns, but D.C. officials say there's another obstacle: mandatory drug tests, which 43% of applicants fail. (Washington Post)

🪧 Workers at Stephen Starr's St. Anselm steakhouse voted 51-42 in favor of unionizing. It's the first of three buzzy D.C. Starr spots to vote — Pastis will vote Friday, and Le Diplomate, March 13.

• Workers protested violations earlier this month. Meanwhile, some other employees allege the union's practices have been "predatory."

One way to deal with an egg shortage: Hatch your own.

Why it matters: With egg prices skyrocketing and shortages in grocery stores, DMV folks looking for a reliable source — but not a huge commitment — can rent backyard chickens.

Zoom in: Rent The Chicken offers delivery and setup up of a coop on wheels, two or four young egg-laying hens, chicken feed, and food dishes for a five-to-six month rental period in D.C. and its suburbs.

• The one-time cost to have two hens from spring through fall starts at $495, which will yield around 8-14 eggs per week.

Between the lines: DMV farmers markets, including some year-round FreshFarm markets like in Dupont Circle, have also been reliable egg sources — and even cheaper than grocery stores.

• We recently spotted $13/dozen eggs at Giant in Potomac Yard — cluckin' expensive!

Pet chickens?

🏛️ See who's hiring around D.C.

1. Advocacy Analyst at Arnold Ventures.
2. Manager, Federal Affairs at American Dental Association.
3. Senior Officer, Conservation Support, Conservation Finance at Pew Charitable Trusts.
4. Director of Marketing & Communications at Indiana University Hamilton Lugar School.
5. Director, Legislative Affairs at NACWA.

Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.

Hiring?Post a Job.

👋🏻Anna here, with a fun food event I'm judging — join me!

The great DC Meatball Battle is rolling into Navy Yard's Osteria Morini March 15 (12-3pm) with bottomless pasta and a balls-to-the-wall competition.

Chef Matt Adler is hosting eight star chefs from Red Hen, Chicatana, Daikaya and more, who'll battle for the best.

Tickets ($85) include meatballs, unlimited noods and a drink (plus: a raffle!). Proceeds go towards culinary scholarships and internships.