US Education Department Halves Workforce
The US Department of Education has announced plans to cut its workforce from 4,133 to some 2,183 employees. 1.3K workers will reportedly be laid off, while nearly 600 others quit voluntarily over the past seven weeks.
Those being let go by the department will be placed on leave from March 21, and will receive full pay and benefits until June 9, along with severance or retirement benefits. The department is also ending leases on buildings in cities such as New York, Boston, and Chicago.
Secretary of Education Linda McMahon stated that the department will continue to deliver all statutory programs, including formula funding, student loans, Pell Grants, and funding for special needs students, despite staff cuts.
Republican narrative
Trump's education reforms, including Department of Education layoffs and reduced overhead for research grants, represent essential market corrections to an inefficient system. Removing bureaucratic bloat and redirecting funds to states promises to improve student outcomes while addressing higher education's declining productivity and escalating costs.
Democratic narrative
Gutting the Education Department threatens America's foundational promise of equal opportunity. By slashing its workforce and canceling programs that help disadvantaged students, disabled children, and aspiring college graduates, Trump's administration risks dismantling vital safeguards that level the educational playing field—potentially widening inequality and undermining America's global competitiveness.
Nerd narrative
There's a 26% chance that the US Department of Education will be dissolved before Jan. 20, 2029, according. tothe Metaculus prediction community.
Greenland Opposition Wins Unexpected Victory Amid Trump Tensions
The center-right Demokraatit party secured a surprising victory in Greenland's parliamentary election, winning 29.9% of the votes, more than tripling its previous result from 2021, while the nationalist Naleraq party came in second with 24.5% of the votes.
The election occurred against the backdrop of US Pres. Donald Trump's repeated statements about acquiring Greenland, including his recent declaration to Congress that America would get the territory "One way or the other," which significantly influenced voter turnout.
Demokraatit leader Jens-Frederik Nielsen, a 33-year-old former badminton champion, emphasized the need for unity during "a time of great interest from outside" and advocated for a gradual approach to independence once Greenland is politically and economically more developed.
Narrative A
The election result is clear, Greenlanders rejected Donald Trump's idea of Greenland becoming a US territory. The result shows that the people want independence from Denmark, but the divisive issue is at what pace it should happen. The gradual independence approach won because many voters saw that it was necessary to ensure Greenland's economic stability and self-sufficiency, before breaking loose from Denmark to become independent.
Narrative B
Immediate independence for Greenland is achievable due to its untapped mineral wealth and strategic location. Unfortunately, the political parties advocating for this goal were not reelected. In its quest for independence, Donald Trump's interest in Greenland presents negotiation leverage with Denmark and potential economic opportunities through international partnerships.
Pro-Trump narrative
Greenland should be incorporated into the United States due to its strategic location. The melting sea ice has opened up new shipping routes through the Arctic, making it increasingly important for international trade. Additionally, Greenland holds significant economic value because of its vast resources, including oil, natural gas, and essential minerals like lithium and graphite, which are both crucial for the production of electric vehicle batteries. A US-Greenland integration makes great geopolitical sense.
Nerd narrative
There is a 12% chance Greenland will become independent before 2035, according to the metaculus prediction community.
UK: Sturgeon Not to Seek 2026 Reelection in Scottish Parliament
Former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced her decision not to seek re-election to the Scottish Parliament in 2026, marking the end of her 27-year career as one of the original Members of Scottish Parliament (MSP) since its establishment in 1999.
Sturgeon, Scotland's longest-serving and first female First Minister for eight years before stepping down in March 2023, represents the Glasgow Southside constituency and is an advocate for Scottish independence, having joined the SNP in 1986.
Sturgeon cited the positive effect of her implementation of the Scottish Child Payment and expanded early years education in her Instagram post. Sturgeon was also part of the leave campaign led by former first minister Alex Salmond that lost the 2014 independence referendum 45%-55%.
Left narrative
Sturgeon’s decision to step down marks the end of an extraordinary era in Scottish politics. A trailblazer for progressive policies, her unwavering dedication to Glasgow Southside and Scotland’s future will leave a lasting legacy. Though leaving elected office, her passion for equality and independence will undoubtedly continue to inspire as she opens a new chapter in her career.
Right narrative
Sturgeon’s decision to step down as an MSP is another overdue move. After resigning as First Minister, she continued to cling to influence despite her divisive policies and numerous scandals. Her tenure was marked by opportunism, incompetence, and a disregard for real public concerns. With her finally out of Scottish politics, the nation can begin to recover from her damaging legacy.
Nerd narrative
There's a 2% chance that Scotland will leave the UK before 2030, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
Pakistan: At Least 190 Hostages Freed Amid Ongoing Train Hijacking
At least 190 hostages have been freed, sources from Pakistan's security services told the media early on Wednesday as they continued their operation against armed militants aboard a hijacked train in Balochistan province in the southwest of the country.
It came after militants from the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) took control of a Jaffar Express train traveling from Quetta, Balochistan's capital city, to Peshawar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in the northwest at roughly 1 pm local time on Tuesday.
The separatist group said it had bombed the tracks before storming the train in Sibi district, threatening to kill hostages if Pakistani authorities did not begin releasing political prisoners from Balochistan within 48 hours. It also warned of "severe consequences" if there was an attempt to rescue hostages.
Narrative A
This is a cowardly attack from terrorists with backing from their handlers in Afghanistan. While the operation is delicate due to the taking of hostages and use of suicide vests, the government of Pakistan will not negotiate with terrorists and strong actions will be taken against them — without any of their demands being met.
Narrative B
People from the impoverished Balochistan province have for years been disenfranchised by the Pakistani government which has profited from its natural resources without any benefit to the local population. The Pakistani government ought to realize that things can't go on as before and that changes need to be made.
Nerd narrative
There's a 13% chance of civil war in Pakistan before 2036, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
Astronomers Discover 128 New Moons Orbiting Saturn
The International Astronomical Union's Minor Planet Center recognized 128 new moons orbiting Saturn on Tuesday, bringing its total to 274 moons — surpassing Jupiter's 95 moons. This makes Saturn the planet with the most satellites in the solar system.
The discovery was made in 2023 using the Canada France Hawaii Telescope at Mauna Kea, following up on previous observations from 2019-2021 that had identified 62 moons. The research team's findings were published Monday.
All newly discovered moons are irregular satellites measuring between 2-4 kilometers (1.2-2.5 miles) in diameter. They orbit at highly angled slopes relative to Saturn's equator and extend from 6.5M to 18M miles from the planet.
Narrative A
This discovery is a significant breakthrough in understanding the solar system's evolution. It suggests more recent dynamic activity than previously thought, with the potential for thousands more moons awaiting discovery around Saturn.
Narrative B
The increasing number of small objects being classified as moons raises questions about what should qualify as a moon, with some scientists calling for more precise definitions and potential size limitations for moon classification.
Nerd narrative
There's a 15% chance that if we find life on an icy moon of the gas giants by 2200, we will also find evidence of macrofauna, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
House Passes Stopgap Funding Bill
The US House of Representatives on Tuesday passed HR 1968, a continuing resolution to fund the government through Sept. 30, 2025, with a narrow vote of 217-213.
The House appropriations committee described the bill as one that fully funds "core government services" without "increasing the spending of taxpayers" while avoiding a "costly" shutdown. Legislators said the bill would cut $13B in non-defense spending and add $6B in defense spending.
Only two lawmakers broke party lines. Republican Thomas Massie of Kentucky voted against the bill, while Democrat Jared Golden of Maine supported it.
Republican narrative
This bill represents Republicans' responsible governance in close coordination with Trump. Democrats used to warn about the dangers of a government shutdown, but now more than 200 of them have voted against keeping the government running — something the American people should remember.
Democratic narrative
This legislation is a blank check that would enable sweeping cuts to critical government services and social programs. It fails to protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid but gives the administration unprecedented power to slash federal spending without congressional oversight.
Nerd narrative
There's a 20.4% chance that Republicans will retain control of the US Congress following the 2026 midterm elections, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
US Agriculture Department Suspends $30M to University of Maine
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) paused its funding of the University of Maine's (UMaine) youth farming program, known as 4-H, on Tuesday over the university's decision not to prohibit transgender athletes from girls' sports.
UMaine said the USDA sent an email that stated the pause is "temporary" pending an agency probe into potential "Title VI or Title IX violations," adding that it has been expecting to receive $32.4M in the coming months or years. The university said it received about $30M last year.
The 4-H program, according to the university, is used to support "the state's farmers, fishermen and foresters," as well as promote "youth leadership development" and safeguard Maine's environment and marine life, among other things.
Right narrative
Maine’s government is blowing the USDA’s funding suspension out of proportion, crying foul over a justified pause until it stops forcing girls to compete against biological males in sports. It's undeniably unfair to allow trans athletes to compete in women’s sports — but Maine doubles down, even silencing dissenting opinions in the state legislature. Its reaction to federal pushback ultimately undermines the interests of its own constituents.
Left narrative
Maine's defiance of federal funding threats shows it’s fighting for all constituents, including trans kids, who deserve to play sports that align with their gender identity. State officials are upholding their rights under the Maine Human Rights Act despite opposition from a vocal minority. Trans inclusion doesn’t harm anyone; it’s about fairness for all, not just cisgender girls, and Maine's stance protects both.
Nerd narrative
There is a 17.5% chance that an openly LGBTQ+ person will be elected president of the US by 2041, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
Trump's Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum Come Into Effect
US Pres. Donald Trump's blanket 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports took effect on Wednesday, with both the European Commission (EC) and Canada implementing retaliatory measures.
The tariffs go beyond Trump's first-term tariffs of 25% on steel and 10% on aluminum, which had exempted Canada and Mexico. The EU, UK, Japan, Australia, South Korea, Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico have since reached agreements with the US dating back to former Pres. Joe Biden's administration.
The EU and Canada announced retaliatory measures. EC Pres. Ursula von der Leyen announced Wednesday €26B ($28.3B) worth of tariffs on products including boats, bourbon, and Harley-Davidson motorbikes, to be applied in two stages at the start and middle of April.
Anti-Trump narrative
Trump's erratic tariff policies have caused uncertainty and shaken confidence in the US economy. Business leaders are left confused by his inconsistent approach — one day, tariffs are on, and the next, they're off. This instability harms long-term planning and business growth. Despite the administration's claims, tariffs are taxes on Americans — increasing costs for consumers without delivering clear benefits.
Pro-Trump narrative
President Trump's tough stance on tariffs has proven effective in protecting American interests. By raising tariffs on Canadian goods, he successfully pressured Ontario to suspend its retaliatory tariff on electricity exports. This shows that Trump's bold approach works, forcing other countries to negotiate fairer deals. His tariffs defend US industries, create leverage, and prioritize American workers over foreign competitors.
Nerd narrative
There is a 14% chance that the US Congress will pass a bill implementing Trump's tariff policies in 2025, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
Argentina Kicks Off Trial Over Death of Soccer Legend Maradona
The long-awaited trial over the death of Argentine soccer legend and one-time World Cup hero Diego Maradona kicked off at a criminal court in San Isidro, on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, on Tuesday, with preliminary proceedings set to continue on Thursday.
On the first day, dozens of soccer fans gathered outside the courthouse wearing national team jerseys with his iconic number 10 on their backs, waving banners reading "Justice for D10S" and chanting his surname. The trial is set to run until July, at least.
Seven healthcare professionals are in the dock — a neurosurgeon, a psychiatrist, a psychologist, a medical coordinator, a nursing coordinator, a doctor, and a night nurse — on charges of manslaughter, and a panel of three judges will decide whether they are guilty or innocent.
Narrative A
Diego Maradona would still be alive today if medical professionals had not been negligent, robbing Maradona’s family, and the world, of an icon. Not only did these healthcare professionals neglect their duty of care, but they also callously allowed a man to die in agony while deflecting blame and shaming the victim. The facts are clear — Diego Maradona was a victim of homicide by negligence, and justice must be served.
Narrative B
Diego Maradona’s death was an absolute tragedy, and the loss of such a bright star will always be painful. However, Maradona’s caretakers should not be scapegoated for his death. Maradona had a history of substance abuse and was incredibly difficult to work with in his final days. He also refused to go to a rehabilitation center, insisting on receiving at-home care. Medical professionals did all they could to help Maradona, and these charges are deeply unfair.