The U.S. Department of Education headquarters is seen on March 6 in Washington, DC. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

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The Education Department is cutting its workforce of some 4,400 people by nearly 50%, the agency announced on Tuesday evening.

State of play: “Reduction in Force” notices started to go out to impacted employees at 6pm ET Tuesday, according to a source familiar with the matter.

Editor’s note: This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.