Overview of NPR News Now: November 12 at 3 a.m. ET
NPR’s hourly news update covers an Israeli airstrike on Gaza’s Nasser Hospital, a closely watched Mississippi Senate result, questions about the detention and medical care of pregnant migrant girls, Russia–Ukraine prisoner-swap talks, Texas Democrats’ willingness to work with Elon Musk, and Pope Leo’s return to Peru.
Gaza Hospital Hit During Ceasefire
An Israeli airstrike struck the surgical ward at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, damaging its intensive care unit and killing six people, including a Palestinian surgeon, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Israel said it was targeting a senior Hamas figure but did not name the person. Hamas called the strike a war crime.
The report says Israel has continued attacks during more than a year of ceasefire, killing over 1,600 Palestinians. The latest strike came without warning, surprising hospital staff and patients.
U.S. Political Headlines
Mississippi Senate Race
Democrat Scott Colom celebrated his win over Republican Cindy Hyde-Smith after the Associated Press called the race. He is set to become Mississippi’s first Black U.S. senator since Reconstruction.
Texas Democrats and Elon Musk
Texas Democrats say they are open to working with Elon Musk and his companies, but Governor-elect Gina Hinojosa said any relationship must serve Texans. Musk spent more than $200 million supporting Republican races in the state during the election cycle.
Pregnant Migrant Girls’ Access to Care
A joint investigation by public radio newsrooms in Texas and California found that the Trump administration has placed unaccompanied pregnant girls in a part of South Texas with limited access to specialized obstetric care. About one in five has been transferred out of state to receive that care, according to government records and interviews cited in the report.
Democratic members of Congress said the administration’s response did not directly address their concerns. Congressman Joaquin Castro accused officials of not being honest about the policy; the administration said it takes steps to provide needed care.
Russia–Ukraine Prisoner-Swap Talks
Russia and Ukraine agreed to a large prisoner swap after two days of negotiations in Abu Dhabi. U.S. mediators said major differences remain. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were preparing to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.
Pope Leo Returns to Peru
Pope Leo arrived in Lima to a large crowd waving balloons and flags. He called Peru his homeland, reflecting his roughly 20 years as a missionary there. The visit is the final stop on his South American trip.