NPR News Now - NPR News: 06-06-2025 6AM EDT

Episode Date: June 6, 2025

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These days, there is a lot of news. It could be hard to keep up with what it means for you, your family, and your community. Consider this from NPR as a podcast that helps you make sense of the news. Six days a week, we bring you a deep dive on a story and provide the context, the backstory, and analysis you need to understand our rapidly changing world. Listen to the Consider This podcast from NPR. Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Korova Coleman. At least three people are dead after Russia launched a massive missile and drone attack on Ukraine today.

NPO's Joanna Kakissis reports from Kyiv, Russian President Putin had warned he would retaliate for a covert Ukrainian attack in Russia that destroyed Russians of neither dozens of Russian bomber planes. Joanna Kakissis The explosions lasted for hours overnight. This is what we heard at NPR's bureau in Kyiv as drones flew over our neighborhood and Ukraine's air defense tried to shoot them down. Several fires were reported across the city. Kyiv officials said three firefighters died on duty as rescue operations continue. Ukraine's Air Force

said Russia also launched ballistic and cruise missiles at Kyiv and several cities all over the country. Russia attacks Ukrainian cities every day but on a much larger scale in recent weeks. President Trump has compared Russia and Ukraine to two children fighting in a park. Joanna Kakissis, NPR News, Kyiv. President Trump has threatened to end billions of dollars in contracts and subsidies given to companies controlled by billionaire Elon Musk. As NPR's Bobby Allen reports, this comes amid a sudden feud between the president and the

world's richest man. President Trump says ending federal support to Musk's companies would be the easiest way to save government money. Musk's business empire is backed by billions of dollars in government contracts, tax breaks, and other support. Much of the federal money flowing to Musk's companies supports SpaceX through Department of Defense contracts. Musk's tensions with Trump escalated when the president said Musk disliked Trump's signature

tax and spending bill because it ended electric vehicle tax credits. Musk replied that it is unfair EV solar incentives would be slashed with no cuts to oil and gas subsidies. Bobby Allen, NPR News. Elan, Musk has also posted a comment from another online writer on his social media account. The comment calls for President Trump to be impeached and Musk agreed. The US Supreme Court has ruled Wisconsin violated the Constitution when state officials refused to give a Catholic charity the same tax exemption they give to churches. NPR's Nina Totenberg reports the exemption allows

them to avoid paying Wisconsin unemployment compensation tax. Writing for the unanimous court, Justice Sonia Sotomayor said that it is fundamental in our constitutional order that the government maintain neutrality between religions. That said, the decision could prompt a significant exodus from the unemployment compensation system in Wisconsin and elsewhere, where religious nonprofits like hospitals have tens of thousands of employees. And if they were to leave the state unemployment system, it could potentially hobble the ability of states

to deal with major downturns in the economy. Nina Totenberg, NPR News, Washington. On Wall Street, in pre-market, trading Dow futures are up nearly 160 points. This is NPR. The latest picture of employment in the U.S. will be released by the Labor Department later this morning. Analysts expect the numbers will show that fewer jobs were added in May. The suspect has been formally charged in the fiery attack on peaceful marchers in Colorado last Sunday. The Boulder County District Attorney has filed more than 100 counts against him. From Colorado Public Radio, Haley Mills Rather May reports 15 people were injured as well

as a dog. Mohammed Soleiman is charged with, among other things, attempt in murder, use of an incendiary device, and animal cruelty for unleashing a makeshift flamethrower and Molotov cocktails. The victims were members of a group that met regularly to call for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza. So Iman yelled free Palestine during the attack and authorities say he told police he wanted to kill Zionists. Boulder County D. A. Michael Doherty was asked about the suspect's deportation status. I am absolutely committed to making sure the defendants fully prosecuted. So obviously making sure he remains in the country is a top priority so that he can be fully prosecuted and held fully responsible."

Suleiman will be back in court for a preliminary hearing in July. For NPR News, I'm Haley May in Boulder. Today is the 81st anniversary of D-Day. This was the start of the Allied operation to land troops on the French shore of Normandy. It began the last assault on Nazi Germany. The operation had been kept secret until hundreds of thousands of allied troops stormed the French shore. There are commemorations today in Normandy. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will attend.

I'm Korva Kuhlman, NPR News in Washington.