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
Rubio rules out 2028 presidential bid if Vance runs
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he would not seek the presidency in 2028 if current Vice President JD Vancedecides to run as the Republican nominee to succeed President Donald Trump.
“If JD Vance runs for president, he will be our candidate, and I will be one of the first people to support him,” Rubio said in an interview with Vanity Fair, in which he appeared alongside other senior members of the presidential cabinet.
Rubio, 54, and Vance, 41, are widely viewed as two of the leading Republican figures who could headline the party’s ticket in the 2028 election. Under the U.S. Constitution, Trump is barred from seeking another term after completing two presidential mandates.
In a lighthearted moment during the interview, Vance jokingly offered photographers $1,000 if they managed to make him look better than Rubio in the photos. Both leaders have received public backing from Trump, who last October floated the idea of a joint ticket featuring Rubio and Vance, without clarifying who would lead it.
“I think that if they ever teamed up, they would be unstoppable. I don’t think anyone would run against us,” Trump said at the time.
White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, who also took part in the interview, confirmed that Trump does not intend to violate the 22nd Amendment, which prohibits a third presidential term, though she acknowledged that the president is “having fun” with speculation about a possible return to office.
Rubio, the son of Cuban immigrants, served as a Republican senator from 2010 to 2025. He sought the party’s presidential nomination in 2016 but was defeated by Trump after a bruising primary contest. His name was floated as a potential vice presidential pick in 2024, but Vance ultimately secured the spot. After taking office, Trump appointed Rubio as secretary of state, making him the first Latino to hold the position.
International
Authorities search for armed and dangerous suspect in fatal Brown University attack
According to the statement, investigators are “seeking the public’s help to identify and speak with an individual” who was seen “near” the suspect at the time of the attack.
The Providence Police Department in Rhode Island released three photos of the person of interest, whose face has been blurred. In the images, the individual is wearing navy blue clothing, what appears to be a green hood, and carrying a light-colored backpack.
Earlier, authorities had released several photos and videos of a suspect described as “approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall, with a stocky build,” dressed in dark clothing, with their face covered by a surgical mask and wearing a beanie. The suspect’s identity remains unknown.
Authorities are offering a $50,000 reward for any information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the person responsible for the killings, who is considered armed and dangerous.
The gunman opened fire on Saturday at Brown University’s engineering and physics building, where exams were being held, killing students Ella Cook and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov. The names of the nine people injured have not been released.
International
Police investigate deaths of Rob Reiner and wife as apparent homicide
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is investigating the deaths of Hollywood actor and filmmaker Rob Reinerand his wife as an “apparent homicide,” amid a wave of tributes to the director of classics such as When Harry Met Sally.
According to U.S. media reports on Sunday, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner were found dead at their Los Angeles mansion with what appeared to be stab wounds.
Several political figures shared messages of condolence following the reported deaths of the director of A Few Good Menand his wife.
While the LAPD did not officially confirm the identities of the victims, it stated that homicide detectives were dispatched to the Reiner residence.
“At this time, no additional details are available and the investigation into an apparent homicide is ongoing,” the Los Angeles Police Department said in a statement posted on social media.
LAPD Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton told reporters that no arrests have been made and that no individuals are currently being questioned as suspects.
“I’m not going to confirm whether anyone is being questioned at this moment or not. We are going to try to speak with as many family members as we can,” Hamilton said.
CNN reported that a family spokesperson confirmed the deaths of Reiner and his wife.
California Governor Gavin Newsom, former U.S. President Barack Obama, and former Vice President Kamala Harrisissued statements expressing their condolences.
Rubio rules out 2028 presidential bid if Vance runs
Arrests and clashes in Tegucigalpa as vote count continues after Honduras election
Authorities search for armed and dangerous suspect in fatal Brown University attack
Tec de Monterrey honors one of its students for his contribution to nanotechnology in medicine
Defense Minister commends salvadoran soldier for Central American Cross Country victory
Extension of the state of emergency approved in southern Chile
-
Central America3 days agoPanama seizes over three tons of drugs hidden in Caribbean port container
-
International3 days agoPolice investigate deaths of Rob Reiner and wife as apparent homicide
-
International5 days agoSeveral people shot in attack on Brown University campus
-
Central America3 days agoOAS urges swift recount in Honduras as election results remain uncertain
-
Central America2 days agoBukele says AI partnership with xAI will transform public education in El Salvador
-
Central America2 days agoEl Salvador ranks among top countries in the Americas in fight against organized crime
-
International5 days agoU.S. and Mexico Reach Deal to Address Water Deficit Under 1944 Treaty
-
International17 hours agoRubio rules out 2028 presidential bid if Vance runs
-
Central America17 hours agoArrests and clashes in Tegucigalpa as vote count continues after Honduras election
-
International17 hours agoAuthorities search for armed and dangerous suspect in fatal Brown University attack