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Court Rules Elephants Can't Be Freed from Zoo, Not 'Human'

A US court has ruled that five elephants at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado do not have the legal standing to seek their release, as they are not classified as human. The Nonhuman Rights Project (NRP) filed the lawsuit, arguing that the elephants—Missy, Kimba, Lucky, LouLou, and Jambo—suffer from brain damage and are effectively imprisoned in the zoo, which they claim is detrimental to these intelligent animals. However, the Colorado Supreme Court concluded that the legal issue hinges on whether elephants can be considered persons, and since they cannot, the animals lack the right to file a habeas corpus claim. This ruling follows a similar decision in New York regarding another elephant, Happy. The zoo criticized NRP for allegedly exploiting the legal system for fundraising, while NRP decried the ruling as a "clear injustice" and expressed hope for future legal advancements in animal rights. sources

Published:
Jan 23 2025, 7 am

Trump Celebrates Melania's 20th Anniversary with Wedding Photo

US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania are celebrating 20 years of marriage, marking their journey from a chance meeting at a New York Fashion Week party in 1998 to their current roles in the White House. Trump commemorated the milestone on social media, sharing a wedding photo and praising Melania as an "extraordinary wife and a wonderful mother." Initially hesitant to engage with Trump, Melania eventually accepted his proposal at the 2004 Met Gala, leading to their wedding in January 2005. The couple welcomed their son, Barron, later that year, with Trump expressing confidence in Melania's mothering abilities. Following Trump's 2016 presidential victory, Melania took on the role of First Lady, moving to the White House in 2017, although they later returned to Mar-a-Lago before the Biden inauguration. With Trump now back in office, Melania has resumed her duties as First Lady. sources

Published:
Jan 23 2025, 2 pm

Meta Offers $5,000 to Attract US TikTok Creators

In a strategic move amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding TikTok's future in the U.S., Meta, led by billionaire Mark Zuckerberg, is enticing popular content creators to switch to Facebook and Instagram with a lucrative offer. The company has introduced a "Breakthrough Bonus Programme," promising select influencers up to $5,000 if they post regularly on Meta platforms for over three months. This initiative comes shortly after TikTok was removed from U.S. app stores, and it aims to attract users who may be seeking alternatives. In addition to cash bonuses, creators will gain access to Facebook's monetization programs and a free trial of Meta Verified, which offers exclusive features. Meta's efforts to capture TikTok's audience include launching a new video editing app and enhancing its affiliate link capabilities, reflecting the platform's influence on Instagram's design and functionality. sources

Published:
Jan 23 2025, 2 pm

De Minimis: A Trade Benefit Trump Might Eliminate Amid China Tensions

President Donald Trump is contemplating modifications to the U.S. "de minimis" trade exemption, which currently waives import tariffs on items valued under $800, amid accusations of unfair trade practices by China and concerns over fentanyl trafficking. This exemption, one of the most generous globally, has seen a 600% increase in shipments over the past decade, benefiting online retailers like Shein and Alibaba. Critics argue it allows companies to evade tariffs on Chinese goods and undermines public health by facilitating the import of counterfeit products and drugs. In response, the Trump administration has tasked key departments to evaluate the revenue loss and risks associated with de minimis, seeking recommendations for changes. Meanwhile, China expresses a willingness to engage with the U.S. on trade issues, as the potential elimination of the de minimis threshold could significantly impact its economy, particularly in sectors like apparel and electronics. sources

Published:
Jan 23 2025, 2 pm

Thailand's Same-Sex Marriage Bill: Your Questions Answered

Thailand has officially implemented its same-sex marriage equality law, marking a significant milestone as the first country in Southeast Asia and the third in Asia, following Taiwan and Nepal, to legalize such unions. The law allows any LGBTQ couple over 18, regardless of nationality, to marry, granting Thai nationals equal rights to heterosexual couples, including marriage registration, tax benefits, and adoption rights. However, foreign nationals' rights depend on their immigration status, and marrying a Thai citizen does not confer citizenship. Despite this progress, the law still defines parents as a mother and father, raising concerns about adoption rights for same-sex couples. Activists are pushing for further reforms, including a more inclusive definition of parenthood and legislation on surrogacy. Additionally, a proposed law allowing transgender individuals to change their gender identity remains unpassed, prompting advocates to plan new legislative efforts. sources

Published:
Jan 23 2025, 12 pm

Kai Trump Reflects on Grandfather's "Cool" Inauguration Day

On January 20, 2025, Kai Madison Trump, the 17-year-old granddaughter of former President Donald Trump, offered a personal account of her family's momentous day through a YouTube vlog titled "My grandpa became the President again." The 14-minute video, which also gained over 27 million views on TikTok within 24 hours, captured the essence of the 60th inauguration ceremony attended by Mr. Trump's family, tech leaders, and celebrities. Kai documented her day, from preparations with a hair and makeup team to attending a prayer service at St John's Episcopal Church, before witnessing her grandfather's swearing-in at the US Capitol. Although filming the ceremony was restricted, she shared candid moments with her father, Donald Trump Jr. Following the event, she participated in the inaugural parade and prepared for the evening balls, reflecting on cherished family memories. Concluding her vlog, Kai called the day "an experience of a lifetime," expressing excitement for the future. sources

Published:
Jan 23 2025, 12 pm

China's 'Artificial Sun' Achieves 1,000 Seconds of Plasma Stability

China has achieved a significant breakthrough in nuclear fusion research, with its Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), known as the 'artificial sun,' successfully sustaining plasma for 1,000 seconds. This surpasses the previous record of 403 seconds set earlier this year, marking a pivotal milestone in the quest for a sustainable energy source. Scientists face challenges in achieving the extreme temperatures of over 100 million degrees Celsius necessary for fusion, but the latest achievement demonstrates progress towards stable, long-term plasma operation. Song Yuntao, director of the Institute of Plasma Physics, emphasized the importance of this stability for future fusion power generation. While ignition—the point at which fusion becomes self-sustaining—has yet to be reached, this record heightens optimism for practical fusion energy applications. China is also advancing its efforts with new fusion research facilities in Anhui Province, aiming to harness the vast potential of fusion energy for global needs. sources

Published:
Jan 23 2025, 12 pm

Bloomberg to Fund UN Climate Body Post-US Withdrawal

Billionaire Michael Bloomberg announced on Thursday that his foundation will fund the United Nations climate change body, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), following President Donald Trump's decision for the United States to withdraw from the Paris Agreement for the second time. The US typically contributes 22 percent of the UNFCCC's budget, which is projected at 88.4 million euros ($96.5 million) for 2024-2025. Bloomberg, who is the UN Special Envoy on Climate Ambition and Solutions, emphasized the importance of local and state efforts to uphold climate commitments in the absence of federal action. This is not Bloomberg's first intervention; he previously pledged up to $15 million to the UNFCCC after the first withdrawal in 2017 and initiated "America's Pledge" to track US climate commitments. UN climate chief Simon Stiell highlighted the significance of such contributions in supporting countries' efforts to meet their Paris Agreement obligations. sources

Published:
Jan 23 2025, 1 pm

Aerial View of Los Angeles Fire Damage After California Blazes

Wildfires raging in Los Angeles have devastated the city, leaving behind a landscape of ash and destruction. The two fires, which ignited on January 7, have consumed an area nearly the size of Washington, DC, resulting in at least 28 fatalities and damaging or destroying around 16,000 structures, according to the California Fire Department. While the upscale areas of Pacific Palisades and Malibu have garnered significant media attention, Altadena has experienced even greater devastation. Aerial images reveal remnants of homes and burnt-out vehicles amidst the charred landscape. The fires have been exacerbated by extreme drought and fierce Santa Ana winds, leading to a relentless inferno that has persisted for over a week. As of Wednesday, containment efforts showed progress, with the Eaton Fire at 91% and the Palisades Fire at 68%. However, a new fire in Hughes has emerged, prompting mandatory evacuations for over 31,000 residents. sources

Published:
Jan 23 2025, 11 am

White House Spanish Page Closes Amid Trump's Immigration Crackdown

The Trump administration has officially closed the White House's Spanish language website, leading to an error message on the page. Visitors are now redirected to the main site, which features a video montage of Trump. This decision has sparked immediate backlash, particularly from Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer, who criticized the move for making it more difficult for Spanish-speaking Americans to access vital information amidst ongoing inflation concerns. Schumer emphasized that the closure does nothing to alleviate economic pressures faced by many voters. The Hispanic Council notes that approximately 43 million people in the U.S. are fluent in Spanish, highlighting the significance of this resource. The page's shutdown coincides with Trump's intensified immigration policies, which disproportionately affect Spanish-speaking communities, including many Latino voters who supported his presidency. sources

Published:
Jan 23 2025, 9 am

Klete Keller Regrets Capitol Riot, Trump Pardon Decision

Klete Keller, a former Olympic swimmer and five-time medalist, received a pardon from President Donald Trump on Monday, more than four years after he participated in the January 6 Capitol riot. Keller, who pleaded guilty to obstructing an official proceeding in 2021, expressed relief and regret over his actions, stating, "I really regret the actions I took that day. I love this country." Captured on security footage wearing a Team USA jacket, Keller admitted to resisting police and engaging in chants against political leaders during the riot. Following his sentencing to six months of home confinement and three years of probation in 2023, he faced significant personal and financial fallout. Despite not seeking a pardon, Keller expressed gratitude for the opportunity to move forward, acknowledging the lessons learned from his experiences, while the broader implications of Trump's pardons for January 6 participants have sparked controversy. sources

Published:
Jan 23 2025, 10 am

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