NPR News Now - NPR News: 06-01-2025 11AM EDT

Episode Date: June 1, 2025

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A lot of short daily news podcasts focus on just one story. But right now, you probably need more. On Up First from NPR, we bring you three of the world's top headlines every day in under 15 minutes. Because no one story can capture all that's happening in this big, crazy world of ours on any given morning. Listen now to the Up First podcast from NPR. Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Noor Rahm.

Millions of Americans are under a health alert this weekend because of compromised air quality. It's being caused by out-of-control wildfires in the Canadian province of Manitoba. NPR's Alana Wise reports that thick, billowing clouds of smoke have swept through at least three northern states. Alana Wise reports that thick, billowing clouds of smoke have swept through at least three northern states. Alana Wise, WIU News Anchor Wisconsin, Michigan and Minnesota have all issued air quality alerts for their residents. This comes as 17,000 Manitobans have been forced to flee their homes as dangerous fires

cut through the province's prized wildlands. The evacuation effort is the largest in recent history for Manitoba. These fires come on the heels of two consecutive years of devastating wildfire seasons. In all three affected states, experts warn that the air quality is unsafe for people like children and the elderly. In Minnesota, which is projected to be the hardest hit, the air quality will be reduced to the point of danger for sensitive groups and some members of the general public. Alana Wise, NPR News.

A three-judge appeals court panel has ruled the Trump administration can't continue its doge-fueled cuts to the federal government. For Member Station KQED in San Francisco, Brian Kranz reports. In a 2-to-1 decision, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against the Trump administration's request to lift an injunction from a federal district court judge saying that resuming the mass firing of federal workers would have an irreparable effect. A coalition of unions, nonprofits, and local governments sued the Trump

administration, asserting President Trump lacks the authority to remake the federal government. San Francisco is one of the plaintiffs. Here's City Attorney David Chu. We're grateful for the ruling for recognizing the continuously disastrous harms that we are facing because of President Trump's complete disregard for the rule of law. The Trump administration can appeal the panel's decision to the Supreme Court. For MPI News, I'm Brian Krantz.

Medics in Gaza say at least 31 Palestinians were killed and more than 200 wounded by Israeli tank fire near a new U.S. sponsored aid distribution center in Ra'afa. The Israeli military says it's unaware of casualties caused by shelling there. Hamas says the attack shows the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation aid sites are death traps. The BBC's Sebastian Usher says aid agencies agree. They believe some of the chaos, some of the casualties that there have been over the past few days wouldn't necessarily have happened if they still had been in control. Their criticism has been that aid agencies would have been involved in this distribution for years.

Changing the system in such a time with people in such a desperate state is not conducive to the best outcome for Gazans themselves, and also that it has the potential of forcing Palestinians into smaller and smaller areas where the aid distribution is taking place. The BBC's Sebastian Usher. This is NPR News in Washington. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said today he's sending a delegation to Istanbul tomorrow for a new round of direct peace talks with Russia. Ukraine earlier said Russia must

provide a memorandum setting out its position on ending the war before a meeting could take place. Moscow says it will provide such a document at the meeting. Meanwhile, the war continues. The Ukrainian Air Force says Russia launched 472 drones over Ukraine overnight. The Indiana Pacers have clinched their spot in the NBA Finals after a game six win over the New York Knicks.

The Pacers won 125 to 108. They'll now face the Oklahoma City Thunder for the championship. NPR's Becky Sullivan reports. The Pacers set the tone for this series with an improbable Game 1 comeback. Tied scores and shots beyond belief followed with celebrities like Timothée Chalamet, Kaitlyn Clark, and Spike Lee watching from the sidelines. The Nicks took Game 3 with a comeback of their own, but then fell behind three games to one. On Saturday night in Indianapolis, New York hung close in the first half, but

their turnovers caught up with them, 18-1, and Indiana took advantage, led by stars Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Halliburton. In the finals, the Pacers will face the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder had one of the best regular seasons of all time. Neither Oklahoma City nor Indiana have ever won an NBA title. Game one is Wednesday. Becky Sullivan, NPR News. In golf, the final round of the Women's U.S. Open Championship is underway near Milwaukee. 25-year-old Maya Stark holds a one-shot lead. I'm Nora Rahm. NPR News in Washington. It all starts with listening. To the person in front of you and the person you'll never meet.

To the person living a story and the journalist who helps you see it in a new light. The NPR network is built on listening. With microphones in every region so where there any time a voice or sound demands to be heard. Hear stories in the first person, hear the bigger picture on NPR.