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Today’s Key Headlines

The Trump administration has launched a new online savings tracker, revealing that the Department of Government Efficiency claims to have saved $55 billion in federal spending to date. This initiative, backed by Elon Musk and President Trump, promised to provide evidence for these savings. However, an NPR analysis suggests that the actual savings are significantly lower than reported, as detailed here.

Elon Musk speaks while President Trump listens in the Oval Office on February 11.

Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images

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Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images

• 🎧 DOGE recently disclosed a list of cancelled government contracts, which reportedly results in about $16 billion in savings, according to NPR’s Stephen Fowler on Up First. Analysis of over 130,000 contracts revealed that DOGE’s reported savings were overestimated by billions. Notably, $8 million was mistakenly reported as $8 billion in a federal database due to a past typo, which has since been rectified. Additionally, many entries did not yield actual savings since the contracts had already been capped.

Trump has intensified his rhetoric against Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, labeling him a “dictator.” The U.S. has urged Zelenskyy to engage in peace discussions with Russia, which have so far excluded Ukraine. Yesterday, Zelenskyy requested that the U.S. cease the spread of misinformation regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine after Trump accused Ukraine of instigating the conflict.

• 🎧 Trump has offered both criticism and praise for Zelenskyy throughout their interactions, notes NPR’s Franco Ordoñez. Zelenskyy seems to be treading carefully amid Trump’s attacks, particularly the claim that he deceived the U.S. into funding the war. Furthermore, concerns have been raised about meetings between the Trump administration and Russian officials, with fears in Europe that a halt to fighting in Ukraine could be temporary. The risk of future invasions looms over other European countries.

Hamas has turned over the remains of four Israeli hostages, including a mother and her two sons, for forensic identification in Israel. This is the first instance of Hamas releasing hostages under the current ceasefire agreement.

• 🎧 The identities are believed to include 33-year-old Shiri Bibas, her sons Ariel and Kfir, ages 4 and 9 months, along with 84-year-old Oded Lifshitz, according to NPR’s Kat Lonsdorf. Hamas alleges that Israeli airstrikes killed all four hostages during their captivity. Bibas’ husband was taken along with the family on October 7, 2023, and was later released alive on February 1, becoming emblematic of the hostage crisis in Israel. Hamas is expected to fulfill its commitment to the first phase of the ceasefire by releasing the remaining six living hostages, followed by Israel’s anticipated release of over 600 Palestinian detainees.

Recommended Listening

A Marine wave landing on Iwo Jima during D-Day, February 19, 1945.

AP

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AP

Recently, we commemorated the 80th anniversary of the fierce World War II Battle of Iwo Jima, where U.S. forces landed on a strategically vital Japanese-held island. The Library of Congress has preserved audio recordings from Marine Corps combat reporters, which include soldier interviews, music, and the sounds of battle, offering a vivid sense of the event. You can explore those recordings here.

Insights from Our Hosts

W. Kamau Bell at the Gold Gala 2024 at The Music Center in Los Angeles, May 11, 2024.

Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images for Gold House

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Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images for Gold House

This column was penned by Michel Martin, host of Morning Edition and Up First

One persistent challenge we encounter when producing shows is distinguishing between “local” and “national” stories. In essence, is a story relevant solely to those near NPR headquarters, or does it resonate on a broader scale that might interest audiences nationwide or even internationally?

This question arose when I suggested a piece regarding comedian W. Kamau Bell’s decision to proceed with his performance at the Kennedy Center after learning that Trump had ousted its leadership and installed a board of loyalists. Bell, politically outspoken in his comedy, was on his way to the venue when he discovered the troubling news (he even paid for in-flight Wi-Fi!). Facing the prospect that other performers were canceling, he had to decide what to do himself.

This was his dilemma, and ours too: Sure, the Kennedy Center is a renowned venue known for productions like the Kennedy Center Honors. But does it hold the same significance for those who do not reside in the area or attend live performances?

The situation of massive layoffs among federal workers is distinct in that it pertains to a vast demographic outside the D.C. area, affecting the nation as a whole. Conversely, does the discussion of cultural control and the sentiments of performers draw widespread attention?

In my opinion, what happens in the DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) matters, as it offers unique insights. Additionally, the influence of culture is profound, and those in charge of cultural narratives wield significant power. The extent of that power is an age-old question. Why, for example, do people pay such close attention to SNL, Jason Aldean’s lyrics, or the voting choices of Taylor Swift?

Ultimately, I believed Bell’s situation was pertinent. Feedback on how many listeners engaged with the story suggests you felt the same. If you missed it, catch up here to discover why Bell decided not to cancel his performance.

Three Important Things to Know Before You Go

Hero dog Hurricane is honored during the PDSA’s Order of Merit ceremony in London for his service in protecting the White House grounds.

Peter Summers/Getty Images/Getty Images Europe

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Peter Summers/Getty Images/Getty Images Europe

1. Hurricane, the courageous Belgian Malinois who safeguarded the Obama White House from an intruder, passed away this week at the age of 16, recognized as the most decorated dog in U.S. history.
2. Kansas lawmakers are mulling over a measure to permit individuals to obtain raccoon ownership permits and keep them as pets. (via KMUW)
3. Anthropology Professor Cara Ocobock from Notre Dame examines Finnish reindeer herders to uncover insights into human adaptations to extreme cold. Here’s what her research reveals. (via KCUR)

This newsletter was edited by Suzanne Nuyen.