Overview of NPR News Now: November 12, 8 a.m. ET
NPR’s hourly headlines cover a dispute over congressional oversight, a deadly building collapse in Brooklyn, the last outstanding U.S. Senate race, renewed diplomacy over Ukraine, and new federal rules for college accreditors. The broadcast also reports President Trump’s tariff threat against Mexico and Pope Leo’s arrival in Peru.
U.S. Politics and Elections
- The White House warned Democrats against abusing their oversight powers when they take control of Congress next year. Representative Robert Garcia, expected to lead the House Oversight Committee, said investigations are a constitutional responsibility and should support legislative work.
- The Associated Press called Mississippi’s Senate race for Democratic challenger Scott Colom. Alaska’s race remained undecided, with Democrat Mary Peltola slightly ahead of incumbent Dan Sullivan.
Brooklyn Building Collapse
At least eight people died and 17 were injured, including three firefighters, after a building collapsed in Brooklyn’s Flatbush neighborhood. Officials said the structure fell into a neighboring construction site where excavation work was underway. Rescue crews described the search as extremely dangerous.
Ukraine Peace Talks
U.S. envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin after U.S.-led talks between Russia and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi. The talks produced an agreement for what was described as the war’s largest prisoner swap, but no immediate breakthrough on ending the fighting or resolving territorial disputes. Participants reported progress toward defining a future security arrangement. The envoys were due to brief Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European allies in Ireland.
Other Headlines
- President Trump threatened to double U.S. tariffs on Mexico, citing reports of migrants moving toward the U.S. border.
- The Education Department finalized new rules requiring college accreditors to ensure students encounter a range of viewpoints. Higher education experts warned the policy could enable federal scrutiny of campus speech; the department said it is intended to support open debate.
- Pope Leo arrived in Peru, the final stop on his South American visit. He spent decades there as a missionary and bishop, and was welcomed by Peruvians.