International
German parliament orders removal of LGBTQ+ flags amid growing controversy
The administration of the German Bundestag’s Lower House has ordered several deputies to remove LGBTQ+ flags from the doors and windows of their offices, escalating the controversy sparked by the Bundestag president regarding such symbols within the institution.
Social Democratic deputy Lisa Seitzl told the newspaper Der Tagespiegel that the measure was a “witch hunt” against the pride flag representing sexual and gender diversity.
Seitzl received a call from the Bundestag administration instructing her to take down two flags from her office, citing the internal regulations of the Lower House, which is presided over by conservative Julia Klöckner.
“I’m not sure the flags could be seen from outside, but that was the argument,” said the deputy, calling the situation “a bit ridiculous.”
“I wish the police responsible for the Bundestag would focus on security issues rather than hunting down equality flags,” she added.
Left Party deputy Stella Merendino also received a call from the parliamentary police asking her to remove a flag hanging in a window overlooking an inner courtyard.
Mathias Paul, spokesperson for the Bundestag president, said this was a routine measure and not specifically targeting equality flags.
“It was not about specifically controlling equality flags. Other flags or insignias have also been affected,” Paul stated.
However, some deputies fear this is a targeted action against the LGBTQ+ rainbow flag symbolizing acceptance of sexual minorities.
Klöckner recently decided that the equality flag would not be raised in the Bundestag on the occasion of the Berlin Pride Parade, breaking with the tradition of previous years.
Additionally, the president of the Lower House banned Bundestag employees from participating as representatives of the institution in the Berlin parade.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz defended Klöckner in a TV program amid the controversy. Merz, like Klöckner, belongs to the Christian Democratic Union (CDU).
Merz said the Lower House was not “a circus tent” where flags could be raised indiscriminately.
International
U.S. strike in Caribbean kills three suspected drug traffickers
A U.S. strike on a suspected drug-smuggling vessel in the Caribbean killed three people on Saturday, according to Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth, marking the latest in a series of attacks in international waters.
The United States has deployed ships to the Caribbean and sent fighter jets to Puerto Rico as part of a large military force that Washington says is aimed at curbing drug trafficking.
“This vessel, like all the others, was known to our intelligence for being involved in illicit narcotics smuggling,” Hegseth stated on X. “Three narcoterrorists were aboard the vessel during the attack, which took place in international waters,” he added.
Experts argue that the attacks, which began in early September, amount to extrajudicial executions, even if the targets are known traffickers.
Washington has yet to publicly provide evidence that the targeted individuals were actively smuggling drugs or posed a threat to the United States.
Hegseth said the U.S. would continue “hunting… and killing” suspected traffickers. He also shared video footage of the strike, showing the vessel being hit and engulfed in flames. As in previous videos, sections of the ship were blurred, making it impossible to verify the number of people on board.
The United Nations called on Friday for Washington to halt its attacks.
International
At least 23 killed in Sonora supermarket blast, including minors
At least 23 people were killed and 11 others injured in an explosion at a supermarket in Hermosillo, in the northern Mexican state of Sonora, local authorities reported on Saturday.
“So far, there are 23 confirmed deaths and 11 injured, including minors,” said Sonora Governor Alfonso Durazo in a video message. He added that the injured are receiving treatment in various hospitals across the city.
“I have ordered a thorough and transparent investigation to determine the causes of the incident and assign responsibility where appropriate,” Durazo said.
The explosion occurred at a Waldo’s store in downtown Hermosillo. Local authorities confirmed that the incident was not an attack nor related to any violent act against civilians.
Meanwhile, Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her condolences on X, offering sympathy to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives.
International
Floods in Central Vietnam leave 28 dead, thousands displaced
The death toll from heavy rains and flooding in central Vietnam has risen to 28, with six people reported missing and 43 injured, local newspaper VnExpress reported Friday night.
More than 22,100 homes remain flooded, primarily in the cities of Hue and Da Nang. Floods and landslides have destroyed or swept away 91 houses and damaged another 181, the report added.
Around 245,000 households are still without electricity, particularly in Da Nang, where over 225,000 homes are affected.
Additionally, 80 stretches of national highways are blocked or disrupted due to landslides. Authorities expect the flooding to continue for another day or two in the region.
U.S. strike in Caribbean kills three suspected drug traffickers
At least 23 killed in Sonora supermarket blast, including minors
Floods in Central Vietnam leave 28 dead, thousands displaced
Tec de Monterrey honors one of its students for his contribution to nanotechnology in medicine
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Extension of the state of emergency approved in southern Chile
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