NPR News Now – June 1, 2025, 3 PM EDT

Nora Ram brings you the latest developments from around the globe and across the United States in this concise five-minute update.

1. Ukraine's Bold Strike Against Russian Bombers

Host: Nora Ram
Reporter: Joanna Kakisis

In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Ukraine's security service launched a daring operation dubbed "Operation Trojan Trucks." Utilizing trucks to clandestinely transport first-person view (FPV) drones deep into Russian territory, Ukraine successfully activated these drones to target and destroy 41 heavy Russian bomber jets stationed across four airfields, including a strategic base in Siberia.

Ruslan Stefanchuk, the chairman of Ukraine's parliament, lauded the operation on social media:

“A brilliant operation with striking results. We now have long-range haulers who deliver anything anywhere in the world.”
[00:32]

The Russian Defense Ministry acknowledged the attacks, specifying the affected airbases and highlighting the audacity of strikes carried out thousands of miles from the Ukrainian frontlines.

2. Escalation of Drone Attacks Over Ukraine Amid Peace Talks

As tensions mount, Russia retaliated by launching approximately 472 drones over Ukraine overnight, with officials reporting that the majority were intercepted. This surge in attacks coincides with the scheduling of direct peace talks between Ukraine and Russia set to take place in Istanbul the following day, indicating a precarious balance between conflict and diplomacy.

3. DHS Targets Local Governments on Immigration Enforcement Cooperation

Host: Nora Ram
Reporter: Jad Khalil

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has unveiled a contentious list of local governments deemed non-cooperative with immigration enforcement, signaling potential federal funding cuts. Jad Khalil reports that 33 local governments in Virginia, including several conservative jurisdictions, have been included on this list, sparking backlash from state Republican leaders.

Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin expressed his concerns:

“I asked local governments to respond.”
[01:44]

An unnamed Republican official added:

“We should collectively really ask why not.”
[01:59]

The inclusion of Martinsville—mistakenly listed as a county—has further fueled the controversy, with the city's police department seeking clarification. Governor Youngkin anticipates that many listed municipalities will contest their inclusion, arguing that they do not function as sanctuary cities.

4. Congressional Tax and Spending Bill Sparks Fiscal Debate

Host: Nora Ram
Reporter: Russ Vo

As Congress reconvenes from its Memorial Day recess, the Senate is poised to debate a substantial tax cut and spending bill previously passed by the House. The bill aims to increase defense spending while reducing allocations for Medicaid and other programs that benefit lower-income Americans, thereby disproportionately favoring wealthier individuals.

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has criticized the bill, asserting it would add trillions to the national debt over the next decade. Contrarily, Russ Vo, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, contends:

“This bill doesn't increase the deficit or hurt the debt. In fact, it lowers it by $1.4 trillion.”
[02:51]

Vo argues that the CBO's projections are based on an "artificial baseline" that fails to account for the extension of current tax laws beyond their sunset provisions, leading to differing fiscal assessments of the bill's impact.

5. Mass Shooting in Hickory, North Carolina Under Investigation

A tragic incident unfolded early this morning in Hickory, North Carolina, where a mass shooting at a party resulted in one fatality and twelve injuries, including one critical case. Authorities are actively investigating the motive behind the attack, with no arrests reported thus far.

6. Severe Geomagnetic Storm to Illuminate U.S. Skies

Host: Nora Ram
Reporter: Amy Held

Tonight, many Americans may witness a breathtaking display of the northern lights as a severe geomagnetic storm approaches Earth. Forecasted by the Space Weather Prediction Center at a level 4 on a five-point scale, this storm stems from a powerful coronal mass ejection (CME) that erupted from the sun on Friday.

Amy Held explains:

“Charged particles colliding with our atmosphere can create an aurora also known as the northern lights. Shimmering sheets of purples, blues, and greens tonight could be visible as far south as Alabama, all the way to Northern California.”
[03:43]

While the spectacle promises stunning visuals, forecasters warn of potential GPS disruptions and voltage control issues. Last year's geomagnetic storm caused widespread service interruptions globally, and similar, though less intense, effects could occur this time.

7. Atlantic Hurricane Season Kicks Off with Increased Precautions

The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins today, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicting 13 to 19 named storms, including six to ten hurricanes. NOAA Director Mike Brannan urges residents in vulnerable areas to prepare disaster kits and stay attuned to local emergency updates.

Mike Brannan emphasizes:

“Most fatalities from hurricanes are due to inland flooding, sometimes far from the coast.”
[04:29]

Preparation and awareness are key, as the season often brings a mix of destructive storms impacting diverse regions of the United States.

Stay informed with NPR News Now for the latest updates as events continue to unfold.