"Editor's Note: An earlier version of this article said that the IDF had dropped leaflets with disturbing messaging. ABC News has not been able to confirm the authenticity of these leaflets. The IDF denies dropping these leaflets.
LONDON -- The Israel Defense Forces says that it is focusing ground operations in the center of the Gaza Strip after attacks since the ceasefire ended on Tuesday night have left nearly 500 Gazans dead -- primarily women and children -- according to a spokesperson for Gaza's civil defense team. Read more and see important X here.
Friday, March 21, 2025
Such a move was previewed on Wednesday evening, though Trump also signaled he would return the issue of education back to the states before officially taking office for his second term, when he announced he would be selecting Linda McMahon as his secretary of education, who has since been confirmed. It was a goal that the president again reaffirmed on Thursday. Trump introduced McMahon during his remarks as the woman he hopes will be the last secretary in such a position. Republican governors from several states were also in attendance for the event as "people very interested in education," as was Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R-TX), members of Congress, and state attorneys general.
Trump acknowledged it "sounds strange," but he also made clear he's heard from Democrats and Republicans that "it's about time." Regardless, Trump emphasized later in his remarks that it's the right thing to do, "as the cost will probably be half and the education will be many, many times better." Read more, see Xs and videos here.


