Islamabad at a Standstill as U.S.-Iran Peace Talks Take Center Stage 
Czech and Slovak Leaders Rally Behind Hungary's Orban Ahead of Critical Election 
Poll: Israelis Split on Iran Ceasefire as Netanyahu's Approval Declines 
Swalwell Drops California Governor Bid Amid Sexual Assault Allegations 
Peru Presidential Election 2025: Lopez Aliaga Leads Early Results 
Spain's Sanchez Visits China to Deepen Trade Ties Amid U.S. Tensions 
Trump Warns China Over Iran Arms as Diplomatic Talks Intensify 
South Korea and Poland Forge Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Centered on Defence 
Britain Pauses Chagos Islands Deal Amid U.S. Opposition and Diplomatic Tensions 
U.S. Navy Deploys Warships to Clear Mines in Strait of Hormuz 
Trump Blasts Pope Leo as "Weak" Amid Foreign Policy and Immigration Disputes 
Peru Presidential Election 2026: Keiko Fujimori Takes Early Lead in First-Round Vote 
U.S., Australia, and Philippines Conduct Joint South China Sea Military Drills Amid Rising Tensions With China 
BCA Research Warns U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Could Collapse, Maintains Cautious Equity Outlook 
U.S. Blockades Strait of Hormuz Amid Escalating Iran Tensions 
Hungary's Orban Loses Power as Magyar Wins in Landslide; U.S. Reactions Divided 
Iran War Fallout: How Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Egypt Are Struggling With Rising Energy Costs 
President Joe Biden’s administration made a major legislative achievement last week when the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief plan was signed into law after passing the House and the Senate. With the process of distributing stimulus checks underway, Americans have already begun receiving their payments over the weekend.
The third round of stimulus payments has already begun over the weekend following the previous two rounds signed into law by then-President Donald Trump. However, compared to the previous payments, this one was undoubtedly more substantial at $1400 but there will be Americans who will not be eligible to receive this payment after qualifying for the first two. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said last week that the checks are only the first wave and there will be more over the coming weeks.
“The checks are going to start arriving today,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on “The Sunday Show” at MSNBC. “New Yorkers should start receiving the checks today, and many of them will get them this week. We promise that. Republicans blocked it. We said put us in power. We get it done.” The passage of the sweeping stimulus plan was done on party lines without any Republican support.
Americans who make less than $75,000 or heads of households that make less than $112,500 qualify to receive the full $1,400 payment. Those who earn less than $80,000 and heads of households that make less than $120,000 can also qualify but for reduced payments. Parents are also able to receive $1,400 more for every child listed on their tax returns, including their children over 18 years old.
Meanwhile, Biden weighed in on the current sexual harassment allegations made against New York Governor Andrew Cuomo over the weekend as well. Biden was pressed on whether or not he thinks Cuomo should resign, following calls from Schumer as well as many Congressional delegates from New York that the governor should step down. White House officials have previously stressed the seriousness of the allegations but did not call for Cuomo’s resignation.
“I think the investigation is underway and we should see what it brings us,” Biden told reporters.
