NPR News Now – February 15, 2025, 4PM EST
Host: NPR – Nora Rahm
German Chancellor Criticizes U.S. Vice President Over Far-Right Influence
At the annual Munich Security Conference, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz delivered a pointed critique of U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance's recent speech advocating for greater inclusion of far-right and populist parties in European politics. Scholz highlighted the historical parallels between the ideologies that once led to the Holocaust and the current resurgence of similar forces within Germany's Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
Scholz remarked, "[Germany] does not accept people from outside interfering in its election and where its democracy goes is for the country to decide." [00:50] He contrasted this stance with Vance's visit to the Dachau concentration camp just a day before his speech, where Vance had stated that "the Holocaust should never happen again." Scholz emphasized that despite Vance's intentions, his remarks were seen as undermining Germany's sovereignty and the nation's efforts to combat extremism internally.
Reporter: Rob Schmitz, Munich
Ukrainian President Advocates for a European Army; Hamas Releases Additional Hostages
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the Munich Security Conference, urging European nations to establish a continental army. Zelensky articulated concerns over Europe's reliance on U.S. military support, asserting that "the continent can no longer be sure of U.S. protection." This call reflects Ukraine's ongoing struggle for security amid escalating tensions in the region.
In related news, Hamas has released three more hostages as part of a fragile ceasefire agreement initiated last month. NPR's Hadil El Shalchi reported from Tel Aviv that the newly freed hostages—Sagi Dekelchen (36, American Israeli), Alexander Trupanov (29, Russian Israeli), and Yair Horn (46, Argentinian Israeli)—were presented on stage by armed Hamas militants. Each hostage delivered a short speech in Hebrew, urging leaders to intensify efforts to secure the release of remaining captives. Notably, the physical condition of the latest release showed improvement compared to the previous group, with Yair Horn appearing less gaunt despite some weight loss. [01:32]
Reporter: Hadil El Shalchi, Tel Aviv
Severe Flood Warnings Issued for Kentucky and Surrounding Areas
The National Weather Service has issued a life-threatening flash flood warning for parts of northwestern Tennessee and western Kentucky, anticipating significant rainfall over the upcoming weekend. The heightened risk prompted Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear to declare a preemptive state of emergency.
Karen Zar of WUKY reported that the flood watch spans the entire state of Kentucky. Governor Beshear activated the state's Emergency Operations Center and deployed units of the Kentucky National Guard to assist in preparedness efforts. Additionally, Beshear enforced the state's price gouging laws to prevent businesses from inflating prices on essential goods and supplies during the emergency.
Rob Schmitz added, "We hope it continues to move northward and misses most of Kentucky, but we have to prepare for significant rain." [02:41] The coordinated response aims to mitigate the potential impact of severe weather, safeguarding residents and infrastructure.
Reporter: Karen Zar, Lexington
Conflict Escalates in Eastern Congo; President Trump Pushes to Eliminate the Penny
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the conflict intensifies as Rwanda-backed rebels have captured Bukavu, the country’s second-largest city in the eastern region. This strategic takeover follows the seizure of Goma last month, leading to thousands of residents fleeing the area. African leaders express grave concerns that the ongoing conflict could spiral into a broader regional war, destabilizing neighboring countries and exacerbating humanitarian crises.
Simultaneously, former President Donald Trump has reignited the debate over the U.S. penny, declaring his intent to eliminate the coin from circulation. Maria Espin of NPR highlighted that despite attempts by both Republicans and Democrats to retire the penny over the decades, resistance has persisted. Trump stated, "I've ordered my Treasury Secretary to stop making pennies," citing the inefficiency and cost—"it costs almost 4 cents to make each new 1 cent coin"—as primary reasons. The initiative has garnered bipartisan support, including from Philip Deal, a Democrat and former mint director, who has advocated for the penny's discontinuation since the 1990s. Espin noted, "Some other countries have already stopped producing their pennies. For example, Canada phased out its $0.01 coin more than a decade ago." [03:47]
Karen Zar concurred, stating, "All for it and long overdue." [04:19]
Reporter: Maria Espin, New York
Rising Tensions in US-Canada Sports Relations Amid Political Strains
In sports news, hockey enthusiasts will witness a highly anticipated matchup tonight as the U.S. and Canadian teams compete in the Four Nations Face Off in Montreal. However, the event is overshadowed by underlying political tensions. Canadian sports fans have reportedly been booing the U.S. national anthem, a reaction stemming from President Trump's recent rhetoric threatening tariffs and suggesting that Canada should consider joining the United States as its 51st state.
Nora Rahm highlighted that these sentiments reflect broader frustrations and strained diplomatic relations between the two nations, influenced by economic and political maneuvers from the U.S. administration. The sports arena, traditionally a venue for friendly competition, now mirrors the complexities of international politics.
Reporter: Nora Rahm, Washington
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