Doge Savings; Ukraine-Russian War. Israeli Hostages: NPR

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Today’s top stories

The Trump administration has posted a new online tracker claiming that the efficiency of the government department saved $55 billion on federal spending. Cost-cutting efforts defended by Elon Musk and President Trump have pledged receipts. However, NPR analysis shows that numbers save much less than they claim.

doge Doge shared a list of some of the government contracts that were recently cancelled. After delving into 130,000 contracts, Fowler discovers that Doge’s claims are exaggerated by billions of dollars. Half of the savings charged on receipts comes from saying that they were typos entered into the federal contract database a few years ago. The typo was corrected a few weeks ago. Fowler says a third of the entries will also lead to savings. Because these contracts are already at their peak and we don’t see any future savings.

Trump is escalating the attacks of Ukrainian President Voldime Zelenkie by calling him a “dictator.” The US is pressing for Zelenskyy to submit peace talks with Russia, which has previously ruled out Ukraine. Yesterday, Zelensky said he hopes the US will stop using disinformation when talking about Russia’s war with Ukraine after Trump accused Ukraine of starting a war.

🎧Trump has received criticism, praise and praise for Zelensky throughout their relationship, says NPR’s Franco Ordoñes. Zelenskyy appears to be handling recent attacks with caution. In particular, he deals with Trump’s claim that he deceived the United States to spend billions of dollars on war. Additionally, Zelenskyy has expressed concern about a meeting between the Trump administration and Russian authorities. There is widespread concern across Europe that if Russia stops the fight in Ukraine, it may just be a temporary suspension. The possibility of future invasions could affect other European countries.

Hamas has released the body of what he would call four Israeli hostages, including his mother and her two sons. They undergo forensic testing in Israel to confirm their identity. This is the first time Hamas has released the hostage body under the current ceasefire deal.

The body is believed to be Shiri Bibas, 33, 4- and 9-month-old sons Ariel and Kfir, and 84-year-old Oded Lifshitz, according to NPR’s Kat Lonsdorf. Hamas says the Israeli strike killed four hostages during captivity time. Vivas’ husband was also taken with his family on October 7th, 2023, and released on February 1st. They became the light-like symbols of hostages in Gaza. On Saturday, Hamas is expected to honor its commitment to the first phase of the ceasefire and release the remaining six living hostages. In response, Israel is expected to release more than 600 Palestinian prisoners and detainees from Israeli prisons.

Please listen to today

Yesterday marked the 80th anniversary of Iwo Jima’s fierce battle of World War II. Tens of thousands of US troops have invaded Japan’s strategically important islands. The Library of Congress stores recordings from Marine Corps combat correspondents on the frontline. These include interviews with soldiers, music and the sounds of war. Some recordings are so clear that it feels like the war is unfolding in your mind. Listen to the recording from the battle here.

From the host

This essay was written by Morning Edition and Up First Host

This is one of the things we struggle with in bringing together the show. Is it a “local” story or a “national”? In other words, is this only concerning or thinking about the people living in NPR HQ environments? Or is this what we want to know about people all over the country (even around the world)?

Comedian W. Kamau Bell pitched the story of his decision to continue his appearance at the Kennedy Center last week after learning that Trump had rejected leadership at the performing arts venue and appointed a committee of loyalists. When that was what was in my heart. He was set up in turn as chairman. Bell, who has always been injected with his progressive politics, is literally flying to the venue when he finds out what happened (he paid for the plane’s Wi-Fi!). And he found out that other performers had cancelled… what will he do?

That was his dilemma. This was ours. Certainly, the Kennedy Center is a world-class venue, and it’s a TV show where the Kennedy Center’s honors are tapered there. But if you don’t live here or go to a live performance, do you care?

Large layoffs of federal employees are different. Approximately 80% live outside the DC area, affecting everyone in the country, not only their work. But is the question of who controls cultural resources and how performers feel about it, something that many people are interested in?

I think it’s important to know what happens in DMV. Because it is an interesting place in itself. But I think culture has power, and the people who direct it have power. How much power is always asked? Why do other people care so much about what SNL is, for example? Or Jason Aldean lyrics? Or who is Taylor Swift voting?

Anyway, I thought Bell’s dilemma would fit that into it. And that’s what you agreed, judging by how many people heard the story and reading it online. If you missed this week, learn why Bell didn’t cancel his performance in the end.

Three things you need to know before you go

The Hurricane, the hero Belgian Marinoy who protected the Obama White House from intruders, passed away this week at the age of 16. He was a special operational dog for the Secret Service and became the most decorated dog in American history. Proposals allowing state people to acquire ownership of raccoons can keep them as pets. (via KMUW) Professor Cara Ocobock, anthropology professor at the University of Notre Dame, is a pasture professor for the pastoral people of Finnish reindeer herds, and understands how humans have evolved to withstand extreme cold. . This is what she found. (via KCUR)

This newsletter was compiled by Suzanne Nuien.