Trump signs order to limit union rights – VP trip to Greenland raising tensions – March Madness in full swing

Trump signs order to limit union rights – VP trip to Greenland raising tensions – March Madness in full swing

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order limiting union rights for many federal employees, citing national security concerns. This move affects departments such as Homeland Security, Defense, State, Veterans Affairs, and Treasury. The American Federation of Government Employees condemned the action, calling it retaliation and a warning to other unions. 

A US federal judge temporarily blocked President Donald Trump’s ban on transgender military troops on Thursday, marking the second nationwide injunction in two weeks. US District Court Judge Benjamin Settle ruled that transgender service members would suffer “irreparable harm of losing the military service career they have chosen” if removed and criticized the administration’s lack of justification for the ban. 

“The government’s arguments are not persuasive, and it is not an especially close question on this record,”

US District Court Judge Benjamin Settle

In a related development, Trump fired Democratic Federal Trade Commission commissioners Alvaro Bedoya and Rebecca Kelly Slaughter, who have sued the administration over their alleged illegal dismissals. They warn of billionaires’ growing influence over the government. 

• Trump administration moves to end union rights for many federal workers – The Hill
• FTC commissioners ousted by Trump speak out after filing lawsuit to reverse firings – ABC News
• Trump Administration Highlights: Cuts of 10,000 Jobs at Health Agency Reflect Kennedy’s and Trump’s Priorities – New York Times
• Trump Warned U.S. Automakers Not to Raise Prices in Response to Tariffs – WSJ

VP trip to Greenland raising tensions

Vice President JD Vance’s planned visit to Greenland has raised diplomatic tensions. The trip coincides with President Trump’s renewed interest in taking control of the Danish territory, sparking concerns of intensified geopolitical rivalry, especially with Russia. 

• Frosty response to US Vice President Vance’s Greenland trip – DW
• White House accuses Denmark of ‘mistreating’ Greenland – New York Post

US strikes on Houthis

Suspected U.S. airstrikes hit multiple Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, including the capital, Sanaa and regions around Hodeida, Saada, al-Jawf, Amran, and Marib. This marks a significant escalation under President Trump’s administration, with initial reports indicating at least seven injuries in Sanaa. The strikes follow Houthi threats to target “Israeli” ships if aid to the Gaza Strip continues to be blocked. 

• US hits dozens of Houthi targets in Yemen – Al Jazeera
• Trump: ‘The Houthis want peace because they’re getting the hell knocked out of them’ – The Times of Israel

Sports Highlights – March Madness in full swing

March Madness is in full swing in the United States (that’s the nickname for the annual NCAA Division Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament). 

The tournament is wildly popular across the United States and features 68 college basketball teams competing in a single-elimination format to crown the national champion. 

In NCAA Men’s Basketball, Duke University advanced to the Elite Eight after a 100-93 victory over Arizona. Cooper Flagg led the charge with 30 points, seven assists, six rebounds, and three blocks. Duke will now face Alabama in the East Regional final. 

The Sweet 16 of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament featured intense matchups, including North Carolina vs. Duke and Maryland vs. South Carolina. LSU faced NC State, while Ole Miss challenged UCLA. These games showcased high stakes and dramatic plays as teams vied for spots in the Elite Eight. 

• 2025 March Madness scores, takeaways: Texas Tech storms back, Duke holds on in NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 action – CBS Sports
• Ridiculous March Madness moment once again proves that college sports are a con – New York Post