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Recent initiatives highlight a strong commitment to enhancing university infrastructure and education in Germany. The Berlin science administration aims to establish a dedicated university construction company to address a significant renovation backlog of five to seven billion euros. This effort focuses on updating aging facilities from the 1960s and 1970s. Meanwhile, Baden-Württemberg has secured a comprehensive financial package, amounting to approximately 23 billion euros, to bolster unive..

President Donald Trump has taken a controversial step by ordering the dissolution of the Department of Education. This move aligns with conservative desires to return educational control to the states. Trump's decision has sparked fears regarding the future of federal support for students, especially those with disabilities and from low-income families. The department, established in 1979, requires congressional approval for its closure, an obstacle given the Democratic minority's power in the..

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aiming to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. This decision has sparked widespread criticism, particularly from Democrats and education advocates. The move is perceived as a potential threat to the support systems necessary for disadvantaged students, including those who are disabled or from low-income families. While school funding primarily comes from state governments, the Department of Education plays a crucial role in overseeing..

President Trump's executive order to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education has sparked significant backlash. Critics assert that dismantling the agency will worsen educational inequalities, particularly for low-income students and minorities. Trump claims federal oversight is ineffective and seeks to return educational authority to the states. However, many argue that state and local governments lack the resources to manage these responsibilities effectively. Prominent organizations, incl..

The Trump administration is intensifying attacks on free speech within U.S. universities, particularly targeting those who criticize Israel's actions in Gaza. The case of Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate facing deportation, exemplifies this trend. His detention reflects a larger effort to stifle dissent and discourage pro-Palestinian activism on campuses. Critics argue that labeling dissenters as antisemitic is a tactic to suppress their voices. As universities grapple with incre..

The prestigious Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, is compelled to lay off over 2,000 employees due to a significant reduction in funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). This decision follows a drastic budgetary cut of $800 million, as part of the broader cost-cutting measures initiated by US President Trump and his advisor Elon Musk. The cuts have directly impacted numerous research projects, particularly those focusing on public health initi..

Johns Hopkins University, a prominent institution in the United States, is set to lay off over 2,000 employees as a direct consequence of significant funding cuts from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The university announced that a reduction of $800 million in USAID support will severely impact critical programs, particularly within its Bloomberg School of Public Health and the non-profit organization Jhpiego. These cuts are part of a broader initiative by the Trump admi..

TikTok is rolling out enhanced parental controls, enabling parents to manage their children's screen time and monitor interactions. With adjustable usage limits and access restrictions during certain hours, these tools aim to address rising concerns over social media addiction and cyberbullying. In response to a tragic incident involving a school fight linked to TikTok, Albania has opted for a nationwide ban on the platform, marking a significant step in regulating online content. The Albanian..

Parents in Thuringia are bracing for disruptions as warning strikes are set to affect Kita services. The GEW union has called for these strikes amidst ongoing collective bargaining negotiations, where unions demand an 8% wage increase or at least 350 euros more per month, along with additional vacation days. Emergency care will be available, but many facilities may close due to staffing shortages. Meanwhile, similar strikes are occurring in Kiel and Brandenburg, where waste management and public..

In Germany, a staggering 46% of driving students fail the theory exam for passenger car licenses, with the situation particularly dire in Berlin and Saxony-Anhalt, where nearly half do not pass. In 2024, over 2 million theory exams were conducted, revealing a general failure rate of 41%. Interestingly, those under 18 are more successful, with a failure rate of just 36%, compared to 52% for individuals over 18. Although 91% eventually succeed after three attempts, repeated failures can heighten..

Driving tests in Germany are facing significant challenges, with nearly half of candidates failing either the theoretical or practical exams. Hamburg, in particular, has the highest failure rate for practical tests at 48%, while regions like Saarland and Saxony-Anhalt also report high numbers. The theoretical exams are similarly challenging, with a 45% failure rate nationwide. Moreover, there is a worrying rise in fraud attempts during these tests. In North Rhine-Westphalia alone, the number..

Research indicates a troubling trend: by 2050, one in three young people in regions like North Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America could face obesity. This potential epidemic poses severe health risks, including diabetes, heart disease, and mental health issues. Contributing factors include shifts in dietary habits and increased screen time, leading to less physical activity. Countries are beginning to address this crisis with initiatives like banning sugary drinks in schools and improv..

The United States has reported its first measles-related death in a decade, highlighting an alarming rise in cases and declining vaccination rates. A schoolchild in Texas, who was not vaccinated, succumbed to the disease amid a significant outbreak in the state and neighboring New Mexico. Over 130 cases have been documented, predominantly among unvaccinated children, with numerous hospitalizations due to respiratory complications. This surge in measles cases comes at a time of increasing vacc..

Denmark is poised to implement a nationwide ban on personal smartphones and tablets in schools. Education Minister Mattias Tesfaye is spearheading this legislative change, which will prohibit the use of these devices both during classes and breaks. The initiative is backed by Culture Minister Jakob Engel-Schmidt, who views screens as detrimental to childhood development. A government commission dedicated to youth well-being has also recommended this measure. The planned ban aims to safeguard..