GMA Wake-Up

February 21, 2025 - Having trouble viewing this email? Open it in your browser.

Morning Rundown

🌍 One of the four bodies handed over from Gaza to Israel on Thursday does not belong to a hostage, the Israel Defense Forces said, calling it a "very serious violation" by Hamas.

🏢 The Internal Revenue Service has started laying off over 6,000 new and newly promoted employees nationwide as part of a broader effort to shrink the federal workforce, which could impact the current tax filing season, sources familiar with the planning told ABC News.

🗳️ The Senate on Thursday confirmed Kash Patel, President Donald Trump's choice to be FBI director.

🏛️ Longtime Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell announced on Thursday he will not seek reelection next year.

⚖️ In a major ruling, the judge overseeing the case of the man charged with killing four Idaho college students in 2022 has denied a request to exclude potentially key DNA and other evidence from his upcoming capital murder trial.

🎂 World War II veteran Felix Maurizio celebrated his 100th birthday this week with a small family gathering in Norfolk, Virginia, complete with a big cake topped with 100 candles.

GMA Must-Watch

This morning on “GMA,” Lori Bergamotto has all "The Right Stuff" for pets! Plus, we continue celebrating Black History Month by spotlighting a teen whose innovation could help schools. And author Libba Bray will join us to talk about our February YA Book Club pick, “Under the Same Stars.” All this and more only on “GMA.”

Teen survives 18-hour heart surgery, celebrates turning 15

Matthew Perez was at a school event last September when he collapsed unexpectedly.

Put some good in your morning

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40 Boxes: Save up to 50% off London Sip's Stovetop Espresso Maker and more

[PHOTO: Selena Gomez and Gracie Abrams appear in this screenshot from the music video for

Selena Gomez, Gracie Abrams release 'Call Me When You Break Up': Watch music video

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Cheetos debuts new Flamin' Hot Dill Pickle flavor: What to know

'The Last of Us' season 2 gets premiere date, new character posters

Model born with rare birth defect uses humor to destigmatize limb differences

Lyric Mariah Heard spoke with "Good Morning America" about her life as a model born with a rare birth defect and using humor to destigmatize limb differences.