DOGE saved far lower than claimed. And, Trump blames Zelenskyy for Russia’s invasion

Good morning. You are studying the Up First publication. Subscribe right here to get it delivered to your inbox, and pay attention to the Up First podcast for all of the information you could begin your day.

At present’s prime tales

The Trump administration has posted a brand new on-line tracker that claims the Division of Authorities Effectivity has thus far saved $55 billion in federal authorities spending. The associated fee-cutting effort, championed by Elon Musk and President Trump, promised receipts. Nevertheless, the numbers add as much as far much less in financial savings than claimed, in accordance with an NPR evaluation.

• 🎧 DOGE shared an inventory of among the authorities contracts that had been canceled not too long ago, which allegedly provides as much as round $16 billion in financial savings, NPR’s Stephen Fowler tells Up First. After digging via 130,000 contracts, Fowler discovered that DOGE’s claims had been overstated by billions of {dollars}. Half of the financial savings claimed within the receipts come from what DOGE mentioned was a typo entered into the federal contract database a number of years in the past that made a list price as much as $8 million appear like $8 billion as an alternative. The typo was fastened a number of weeks in the past. Fowler says a 3rd of the entries additionally do not end in financial savings as a result of these contracts have already been maxed out and would not see future financial savings.

Trump is escalating his assaults on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy by calling him a “dictator.” The U.S. has pressed Zelenskyy to undergo peace talks with Russia, which have excluded Ukraine to this point. Yesterday, Zelenskyy mentioned he desires the U.S. to cease utilizing disinformation when speaking about Russia’s battle on Ukraine after Trump accused Ukraine of beginning the battle.

• 🎧 Trump has had combined criticism and reward for Zelenskyy all through their relationship, NPR’s Franco Ordoñez says. Zelenskyy seems to be dealing with the latest assaults cautiously, significantly Trump’s assertions that he deceived the U.S. into spending billions of {dollars} on the battle. Moreover, Zelenskyy has expressed issues concerning the conferences between the Trump administration and Russian officers. There’s widespread fear throughout Europe that if Russia halts its combating in Ukraine, it might solely be a brief pause. Potential for future invasions may have an effect on different European nations.

Hamas has launched the our bodies of what it says are 4 Israeli hostages, together with a mom and her two sons. They may endure forensic testing in Israel to substantiate their identities. This marks the first time Hamas has launched the our bodies of hostages beneath the present ceasefire deal.

• 🎧 The our bodies are believed to be 33-year-old Shiri Bibas, her sons Ariel and Kfir, ages 4 and 9 months, and 84-year-old Oded Lifshitz, in accordance with NPR’s Kat Lonsdorf. Hamas says Israeli strikes killed the 4 hostages throughout their time in captivity. Bibas’ husband was additionally taken with the remainder of the household on Oct. 7, 2023 and launched alive on Feb. 1. They grew to become an emblem in Israel of the plight of the hostages in Gaza. On Saturday, Hamas is predicted to honor its dedication to the primary part of the ceasefire and launch the remaining six residing hostages. In response, Israel is predicted to launch over 600 Palestinian prisoners and detainees from Israeli jails.

At present’s pay attention

One of many first waves of Marines to hit the seashore hug the bottom as they land on Iwo Jima, on D-Day, Feb. 19, 1945.

AP

cover caption

toggle caption

AP

Yesterday marked the eightieth anniversary of the start of the ferocious WWII Battle of Iwo Jima. Tens of 1000’s of U.S. troopers invaded a strategically vital island held by Japan. The Library of Congress has preserved recordings from Marine Corps fight correspondents on the frontlines. These embody interviews with troopers, music, and the sounds of battle. Some recordings are so vivid that it feels just like the battle is unfolding in your thoughts. Take heed to recordings from the battle right here.

From our hosts

W. Kamau Bell attends Gold Gala 2024 at The Music Heart on Might 11, 2024 in Los Angeles.

Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Photographs for Gold Home

cover caption

toggle caption

Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Photographs for Gold Home

This essay was written by Michel Martin, Morning Version and Up First host

This is among the issues we battle with in placing exhibits collectively: Is one thing a “local” story or is it “national?” In different phrases, is that this one thing solely the individuals who stay within the environs of NPR HQ are anxious about or excited about? Or is that this one thing we expect individuals across the nation (even all over the world) would possibly need to know?

That is what was on my thoughts after I pitched a narrative about comic W. Kamau Bell’s resolution to proceed along with his look on the Kennedy Heart final week after he realized that Trump had dismissed the management of the performing arts venue and appointed a board of loyalists that in flip put in him as chairman. Bell, whose comedy has at all times been infused along with his progressive politics, was actually flying to the venue when he discovered what occurred (he paid for the airplane Wi-Fi!) and he additionally discovered that different performers had been canceling…what would HE do?

That was his dilemma. This was ours: Positive, the Kennedy Heart is a world-class venue and TV exhibits just like the Kennedy Heart Honors are taped there. However in the event you do not stay right here or go to stay performances, do you care?

The mass layoffs of federal workers are totally different. Some 80% stay outdoors of the D.C. space, and their work, after all, impacts everybody within the nation. However is the matter of who controls a cultural useful resource — and the way performers really feel about that — one thing lots of people could be involved in?

I believe that what occurs within the DMV does matter — as a result of it is an attention-grabbing place in its personal proper. However I additionally suppose that tradition has energy, and individuals who direct the tradition have energy. Simply how a lot energy is at all times a query. Why else do individuals care a lot about, say, what’s on SNL? Or Jason Aldean’s lyrics? Or who Taylor Swift is voting for?

Anyway, I believed Bell’s dilemma match into that. And it appears, judging by how many individuals listened to the story or learn it on-line, you agreed. For those who missed it this week, pay attention right here to study why Bell in the end did not cancel his efficiency.

3 issues to know earlier than you go

Hurricane throughout a PDSA’s Order of Advantage ceremony in London. He was awarded for shielding White Home grounds and likewise being a very good boy.

Peter Summers/Getty Photographs/Getty Photographs Europe

cover caption

toggle caption

Peter Summers/Getty Photographs/Getty Photographs Europe

1. Hurricane, the hero Belgian Malinois who protected the Obama White Home from an intruder, died this week on the age of 16. He was a Particular Operations Canine for the Secret Service and have become probably the most embellished canine in U.S. historical past.
2. Kansas lawmakers are contemplating a proposal to permit individuals within the state who get hold of raccoon possession permits to preserve them as pets. (through KMUW)
3. Anthropology Professor Cara Ocobock from the College of Notre Dame research reindeer herders in Finland to grasp how people developed to endure excessive chilly. Here is what she discovered. (through KCUR)

This article was edited by Suzanne Nuyen.