The News Roundup For February 21, 2025

Following the firings of a slew of employees at federal agencies responsible for things like fighting pandemics and taking care of nuclear weapons, the Trump administration is scrambling to rehire key positions. Senate Majority Leader John Thune says that he and his Republican colleagues are moving forward with their plans for a budget, despite Trump endorsing a competing plan put forward by the House. Meanwhile, European leaders gathered in Paris this week to discuss what the Trump administration's future relationship with the continent looks like. And following weeks of a shaky ceasefire, Hamas has offered to return all of its hostages to Israel in return for a permanent truce. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Connect with us. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a . Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy