Want to immigrate to America, but don’t want to wait years going through the legal process? Soon you’ll be able to register for a “gold card” visa. The new card will replace the government’s EB-5 immigrant investor visa program, which grants green cards to immigrants who make a $1.8 million investment in the US or put $900,000 into economically distressed zones. “Basically, everyone I meet who is not an American is going to want to buy this card if they have the fiscal capacity,” Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said. And the new price tag? $5 million. Here’s what else you need to know to Get Up to Speed and On with Your Day. 1. Tariffs President Donald Trump’s economic agenda was thrown into chaos on Wednesday after a federal court ruled that he didn’t have the authority to impose sweeping tariffs. The three-judge panel at the US Court of International Trade ruled in favor of a permanent injunction, one that would block the global tariffs the president announced on “Liberation Day,” citing emergency economic powers. The ruling will also prevent Trump from enforcing the tariffs he placed on imports from Canada, China and Mexico earlier this year. It does not affect the 25% tariffs on autos, auto parts, steel or aluminum, which were subject to a different law than the one Trump cited for his broader trade actions. The administration has appealed the decision. 2. Bird flu The Department of Health and Human Services has terminated a $590 million contract with Moderna to develop a vaccine that would protect against bird flu. Since 2024, there have been at least 70 cases of avian influenza in humans and one death. The contract was canceled because the drugmaker was studying the effectiveness of an mRNA-based vaccine, which the Trump administration doesn’t trust. Yet mRNA technology is currently used in Moderna’s and Pfizer/BioNTech’s Covid-19 vaccines. “The attack on mRNA vaccines is beyond absurd. It was President Trump’s Operation Warp Speed that gave us mRNA vaccines. These vaccines have been administered nearly 2 billion times to hundreds of millions of people around the world — making it one of the most widely used and widely studied vaccines in human history. They are safe and work well,” said Dr. Ashish Jha, the White House Covid-19 response coordinator during the Biden administration. “If Bird Flu starts spreading from people to people, we will come to regret this as the day we decided to put the lives of the American people at grave risk.” 3. Harvard Imagine spending years studying, writing essays, doing lab work, taking tests and completing all of the required courses necessary to earn a college degree — only to wonder whether you should attend your own graduation. That’s the situation for many international students at Harvard University, who fear that an immigration-related action will be taken against them during today’s commencement ceremony, a school official spelled out in a court filing. Some international students who were supposed to attend Harvard for future semesters are also reconsidering doing so. Others have had trouble getting student visas to the US at embassies abroad. Three senior government officials told CNN that the State Department is currently reviewing all Harvard-affiliated visa holders, not just students, which is a notable escalation in the Trump administration’s feud with the school. 4. Extreme weather Global temperatures are forecast to reach record or near-record levels during the next five years, according to a report from two of the world’s top meteorological agencies. The World Meteorological Organization and the UK Met Office predict there is now a 70% chance that global warming will exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius, a rate that will increase the risks of more frequent and intense weather events, such as heat waves and heavy rainfall. “We have just experienced the 10 warmest years on record. Unfortunately, this WMO report provides no sign of respite over the coming years, and this means that there will be a growing negative impact on our economies, our daily lives, our ecosystems and our planet,” WMO Deputy Secretary-General Ko Barrett said. 5. Scientific research Sixteen states filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration on Wednesday over the federal government’s decision to gut research programs at the National Science Foundation. In April, hundreds of grants — mostly related to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility and misinformation research — were terminated. Since then, additional cuts have led to the cancellation of 1,753 grants worth nearly $1.4 billion across numerous areas of research. The states allege that eliminating such research will jeopardize the US’s position as a global leader in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), and that cutting funding related to diversity was illegal. “This administration’s attacks on basic science and essential efforts to ensure diversity in STEM will weaken our economy and our national security. Putting politics over science will only set our country back,” said New York Attorney General Letitia James. BREAKFAST BROWSE Did hackers discover Victoria’s Secret?The lingerie company pulled down its website this week after experiencing a prolonged “security incident.” The giants don’t need your moneyA new campaign is encouraging visitors to the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland to stop wedging coins between the stones. What was on the megalodon’s menu?The prehistoric predator was widely thought to subsist on large marine mammals, but a new study of fossilized teeth has found more variety in its diet. A mystery of cosmic proportionsAstronomers are trying to determine what kind of celestial object is emitting bright flashes of radio waves and X-rays that last for two minutes and repeat every 44 minutes. It would be a sin to miss thisResidents of the theater-less Mississippi town that inspired “Sinners” will finally get to see the film. TODAY’S NUMBER 7 millionThat’s how many potential jobs the UN is predicting will vanish this year because of an economic slowdown triggered by President Trump’s trade war. TODAY’S QUOTE “When I first heard the news, I wanted to curse Trump.” — Candy, a Chinese statistics student at the University of Michigan, who did not want to give her full name, after learning about the US decision to “aggressively revoke visas for Chinese students.” TODAY’S WEATHER Check your local forecast here>>> AND FINALLY … Um, we have a ‘wildlife situation’Watch what happened when two pigeons apparently tried to stow away on a Delta Air Lines flight to Madison, Wisconsin.
5 things to know for May 29: Tariffs, Bird flu, Harvard, Extreme weather, Scientific research
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"New Visa Program Introduced Amid Legal and Economic Challenges for Trump Administration"
CNN
7.6
TruthLens AI Summary
The U.S. government is set to introduce a new 'gold card' visa, which will replace the EB-5 immigrant investor visa program. This visa allows immigrants to obtain a green card through significant financial investments in the U.S. The new price for this visa is set at $5 million, significantly higher than the previous investment amounts of $1.8 million or $900,000 for economically distressed areas. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated that this new visa will likely attract many international individuals with the financial means to afford it, suggesting a strong demand for this expedited immigration option. This change comes against the backdrop of various legal and economic challenges facing the Trump administration, including recent court rulings on tariffs and immigration policies.
In other significant news, a federal court has ruled against President Trump's authority to impose sweeping tariffs, which has created uncertainty in the administration's trade policies. Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services canceled a $590 million contract with Moderna for a bird flu vaccine, raising concerns among health experts about potential public health risks. International students at Harvard University are also facing anxiety regarding their immigration status as the State Department reviews visa holders associated with the institution. Furthermore, a report from leading meteorological agencies indicates a concerning trend of rising global temperatures, predicting record levels in the coming years. Lastly, sixteen states have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over cuts to research funding at the National Science Foundation, arguing that these decisions undermine the U.S.'s leadership in science and technology. Overall, these developments reflect ongoing tensions in U.S. policy and governance during a time of significant change and uncertainty.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The news article presents a range of topics that are significant in the current socio-political landscape of the United States. It covers immigration reform, economic policy regarding tariffs, public health issues related to bird flu, and the implications of scientific research. Each section reflects ongoing debates and tensions within American society, as well as the government's response to these challenges.
Immigration Reform and Economic Interests
The introduction discusses a new "gold card" visa aimed at simplifying immigration for wealthy individuals. This change, replacing the EB-5 visa program, indicates a shift towards prioritizing high-net-worth immigrants, which may generate economic growth but could also foster perceptions of inequality. The mention of a $5 million price tag for this visa suggests a focus on attracting affluent immigrants, possibly at the expense of those less financially capable. The intent here seems to be creating a narrative that aligns immigration with economic investment, catering to a demographic that values financial capital.
Legal and Economic Turmoil Over Tariffs
The article details a federal court ruling against President Trump's authority to impose tariffs, which highlights ongoing legal battles over economic policy. The ruling could be interpreted as a setback for Trump's administration, which may evoke mixed reactions from different political factions. Supporters of free trade may view this as a positive development, while those favoring protectionist measures may see it as a threat to American jobs. The mention of an appeal indicates that this issue may continue to evolve, keeping the public engaged in the political discourse surrounding trade.
Public Health and Vaccine Controversy
The cancellation of a contract with Moderna for a bird flu vaccine raises questions about government trust in scientific innovation, particularly regarding mRNA technology. Given that mRNA vaccines have been pivotal in the fight against COVID-19, the decision to terminate the contract may reflect deeper political divides regarding vaccine efficacy and public health policy. The article implies a critique of the Trump administration's stance on mRNA vaccines, which could sway public opinion against the former president and reinforce pro-science narratives.
Impact of Extreme Weather and Scientific Research
Though not elaborated upon in the excerpt, the mention of extreme weather and scientific research indicates ongoing concerns about climate change and its effects. This aligns with broader discussions about environmental policy and the importance of scientific inquiry in addressing pressing global issues. The inclusion of these topics suggests a narrative that emphasizes the necessity of research and proactive measures in the face of climate challenges.
The article's tone and selection of topics may serve to frame the current administration's actions in a particular light, potentially influencing public perception. The coverage of tariffs and vaccine skepticism could resonate with audiences that favor a more progressive approach to economics and public health.
The overall reliability of the news piece appears moderate, as it presents factual elements but also reflects a particular political bias, which may affect the trustworthiness of its interpretations. The language used, focusing on the implications of political decisions and public health issues, suggests a potential for manipulation by framing certain actions as either beneficial or detrimental.
In summary, the news article presents a multifaceted view of current events while subtly steering public opinion on immigration, economic policy, and public health. It highlights the conflicts and challenges that define the contemporary American landscape, inviting readers to consider the broader implications of these developments.