Overview of NPR News Now
This hourly NPR News Now update covers a closely contested Mississippi Senate race, a deadly apartment building collapse in Brooklyn, the sinking of the SS United States to create an artificial reef, developments in U.S.–Russia diplomacy, and Pope Leo’s visit to Peru.
Mississippi Senate Race
Democrat Scott Colom was declared the winner over Republican Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith by a few thousand votes, according to an Associated Press race call. Mail-in and affidavit ballots around Jackson have been counted, but the results are still unofficial. Election commissioners must certify them before they are sent to the Mississippi Secretary of State.
Deadly Brooklyn Building Collapse
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said officials would share more information about the collapse of a three-story apartment building in Brooklyn. Search-and-rescue crews worked through the night, cutting into the rubble. At least two people were killed and 17 were hospitalized, including four in critical condition. The building fell into a neighboring construction site where evacuation work was underway.
SS United States Sinks to Become Artificial Reef
The SS United States, once the world’s fastest passenger liner, was sunk off Florida’s Okaloosa County to form what is expected to become the world’s largest artificial reef. Launched in 1951, the ship carried four presidents, the Mona Lisa, and numerous movie stars. Officials hope the reef will support marine life and draw visitors to the area.
Russia, Ukraine, and U.S. Diplomacy
Russia’s ambassador to the United States, Alexander Darchiev, has died in Moscow at age 66, according to Russia’s foreign ministry, which attributed his death to chronic disease. During his tenure, he criticized U.S. military support for Ukraine and took part in talks with the Trump administration aimed at improving relations.
Separately, Russia and Ukraine agreed to a large prisoner exchange after two days of talks in Abu Dhabi, though U.S. mediators said major disagreements remain. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are preparing to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.
Pope Leo Visits Peru
Pope Leo returned to Peru, where he had served as a missionary for about 20 years. Crowds welcomed him in Lima, and he called Peru his homeland. The visit is the final stop on his three-country South American tour.