‘Connections’ March 11: Hints and Answers for Puzzle #639

Secretary of Education Linda McMahon announced plans to cut nearly half of the Department of Education's workforce in order to eliminate "bureaucratic bloat" and shift power to the states, following President Trump's directive to eventually shut down the agency. The move aligns with Trump's campaign promise to promote school choice and reduce federal control over education, although Congress would need to officially dismantle the department. McMahon assured that essential programs and services would continue without...

During a House hearing, Rep. Keith Self misgendered Rep. Sarah McBride, the first openly trans member of Congress, by referring to her as "Mr. McBride." Rep. Bill Keating intervened, criticizing Self's remarks as indecent, leading Self to abruptly adjourn the hearing. McBride expressed disappointment over the incident, which stemmed from a larger issue of Republican lawmakers targeting her, including Rep. Nancy Mace introducing a resolution banning transgender women from using female bathrooms in the Capitol....

Los Angeles County has confirmed its first case of measles in a resident who traveled through LAX on a China Airlines flight in March, marking the second recent case of measles exposure at the airport. Health officials have identified specific locations visited by the infected person, urging individuals who may have been exposed to monitor for symptoms and seek medical attention if necessary. The CDC recommends vaccination as the best protection against measles, emphasizing the...

The House Freedom Caucus is threatening to force a vote on stripping Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, of his committee assignments if Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., does not impose a sufficient punishment for Green's disruptive behavior during President Trump's speech. Green was censured for his actions but remains unapologetic, prompting discussions on further consequences, including removing his seniority privileges. Johnson is in talks with the Freedom Caucus about potential disciplinary actions, with focus on Green's case...

A federal judge in Louisiana has halted the state's first death row execution using nitrogen gas, which was scheduled for next week. The inmate, Jessie Hoffman Jr., filed a lawsuit arguing that the method is cruel and unusual punishment and violates his religious beliefs. Louisiana officials plan to appeal the decision, as they aim to execute at least four individuals this year, following in the footsteps of Alabama's use of nitrogen gas for executions. Full...

Trump administration officials are planning to fire nearly half of the staff at the Education Department, in an effort to gut the agency that manages federal loans for college, tracks student achievement, and enforces civil rights laws in schools. The cuts, which could be announced as soon as Tuesday, signal a potential move by the administration to essentially dismantle the department, despite needing approval from Congress to do so. President Trump has expressed a desire...