Court Rules Elephants Aren’t Human, Can’t Sue Zoo for Release

In a recent ruling, the Colorado Supreme Court dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Nonhuman Rights Project, an animal rights organization, seeking the release of five elderly elephants from the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. The court’s decision hinged on the legal status of animals, asserting that elephants, as non-human entities, lack the legal standing to sue for their freedom. The Nonhuman Rights Project expressed disappointment with the ruling but remained optimistic about the future of animal rights. The organization has been involved in several similar cases across the United States, advocating for the legal personhood of animals like elephants, chimpanzees, and orcas. 

 

Massive New Fire North of LA as Fierce Winds Continue

The Hughes Fire, which erupted north of Los Angeles, has triggered widespread evacuations, forcing over 31,000 residents to flee their homes. While no property damage has been reported as of yet, the fire continues to pose a significant threat. The financial toll of California’s wildfires has been staggering, with insured damages estimated to reach a total of $28 billion. Meanwhile, firefighters are tirelessly battling multiple blazes across the state, working to contain the flames and protect lives and property. As Los Angeles braces for the impact of the fires, including potential rain and ashfall, investigations into the causes of the various fires are ongoing. Authorities are working to determine the origins of the blazes and whether any foul play or negligence was involved.

 

Saudi Prince Tells Trump: Planning $600 Billion in U.S. Investments from Kingdom

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman pledged to increase Saudi Arabia’s investments and trade with the US by $600 billion over the next four years during a call with President Trump. This commitment comes as Saudi Arabia faces fiscal deficits due to Vision 2030 and lower oil prices. The crown prince expressed interest in capitalizing on opportunities arising from the new administration’s anticipated reforms. The announcement could strengthen ties between the crown prince and Trump. The White House did not comment on the call.

 

Instagram Tells Users Why They’re Suddenly Following Trump

Instagram users are complaining that Meta is forcing them to follow President Trump’s social media accounts. Meta claims that users who previously followed the accounts continue to follow them when a transition of power occurs, including the @WhiteHouse account. The Obama administration addressed this issue in 2016, stating that the incoming White House would gain access to the White House username, URL, and followers but start with no content. Political chatter has increased due to Zuckerberg’s actions, including a $1 million donation to Trump’s inauguration and policy changes at Meta.

 

FEMA Should Take Back Seat to States When Disaster Strikes: Trump

Former President Donald Trump has been vocal in his criticism of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under President Biden’s administration. He has suggested that FEMA’s response to recent emergencies has been inadequate and has proposed a decentralized approach where states would take the lead in managing their own disasters with financial assistance from the federal government. Trump has also taken aim at the Democratic leaders in both states, accusing them of mishandling the disaster response. He has specifically criticized the governors of North Carolina and California, suggesting that their leadership during these crises has been lacking.