A Week of Surprises: From Visa Changes to Weather Warnings

A new visa option is on the horizon for those looking to move to the United States. This new "gold card" will replace the existing EB-5 program, which offers green cards to investors. The catch? It will cost a hefty 5 million dollars. This move is part of a broader trend of making immigration more expensive and exclusive. It's a clear signal that wealth is becoming an even bigger factor in who gets to call America home. The legal landscape for trade tariffs has shifted dramatically. A recent court ruling has blocked President Trump's broad tariffs, citing a lack of authority. This decision is a significant setback for Trump's economic agenda, but it doesn't affect all tariffs. The 25% tariffs on autos, auto parts, steel, and aluminum are still in place. The administration is appealing the decision, so this story is far from over. It's a reminder of how complex and contentious trade policy can be. The fight against bird flu has taken an unexpected turn. A 590 million dollar contract with Moderna to develop a vaccine has been canceled. The reason? The Trump administration's distrust of mRNA technology, despite its success in Covid-19 vaccines. This decision has raised eyebrows, especially considering the potential risk if bird flu starts spreading among people. It's a stark example of how political beliefs can influence public health decisions. Harvard University is facing a new challenge. International students are worried about attending their graduation due to potential immigration actions. This isn't just about students, though. The State Department is reviewing all Harvard-affiliated visa holders, escalating a feud with the school. It's a complex situation that highlights the tension between immigration policies and academic freedom. The weather is heating up, and not in a good way. Global temperatures are expected to hit record levels in the next five years, according to top meteorological agencies. This means more frequent and intense weather events, like heat waves and heavy rainfall. It's a stark reminder of the impacts of climate change and the need for urgent action. Sixteen states have taken a stand against the Trump administration's cuts to scientific research. They've filed a lawsuit over the termination of hundreds of grants, mostly related to diversity, equity, and misinformation research. The states argue that these cuts will harm the US's position as a global leader in science and technology. It's a clear example of how political decisions can have far-reaching consequences.