U.S. Fast-Tracks $8.6 Billion Arms Sales to Middle East Allies Amid Rising Tensions 
Japan Signals Potential Shift on Arms Exports, Opening Door to Ukraine Support 
Rising Tensions in US-Europe Relations Amid Trump Policies and Iran War 
Peru Election Results Under Scrutiny as JNE Calls for Comprehensive IT Audit 
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te Visits Eswatini Amid China Pressure and Airspace Tensions 
US Gaza Coordination Overhaul Raises Concerns Over Ceasefire and Aid Efforts 
US to Withdraw 5,000 Troops from Germany Amid Growing Rift with European Allies 
Iran Proposal on Strait of Hormuz and U.S. Blockade Faces Rejection from Trump 
EU Warns of Response as U.S. Considers 25% Tariffs on Car Imports 
FEMA Reinstates Employees After Dissent Letter, Signaling Shift in Workforce Stability 
Judge Rules Use of Military Lawyers in Civilian Prosecutions Is Lawful 
U.S. Weapons Delays Raise Concerns Among European Allies Amid Iran Conflict 
Taiwan President Lai Defends Global Engagement During Eswatini Visit Amid China Criticism 
Poland Sees No Delays in U.S. Patriot Missile Defense Deliveries Despite Stockpile Concerns 
Trump Expands Cuba Sanctions Targeting Key Sectors and Foreign Entities 
Japan Eases Arms Export Rules, Opening Door for Potential Ukraine Defense Support 
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected many Americans in the country financially as many are unemployed and in danger of losing their homes throughout this time. President Joe Biden announced that he is extending the ban on foreclosures as well as mortgage relief until June.
Biden announced on Tuesday that he would be giving a three-month-extension on the ban of home foreclosures for federally-backed homes. Along with the extension of the foreclosure ban, Biden also extended mortgage relief in an effort to stabilize the country’s housing affordability crisis in the midst of a pandemic. The moratorium on foreclosures was set to expire on March 31 and with the extension, will now be until June 30. This is also the second time Biden has extended the ban after using one on his first day in office shortly after getting sworn in as President.
The administration also announced an enrollment window to request a mortgage payment forbearance that will allow borrowers to pause or reduce mortgage payments until June 30 as well. The program was also expected to end in March. As a result, the federal government will allow borrowers to defer mortgage payments for six months more. Those eligible for the program must have been enrolled in a forbearance plan back in June 2020. There are 2.7 million homeowners enrolled in the program.
The White House released a statement assuring the public of Biden’s commitment to protecting homeownership and housing stability in the midst of a pandemic. The extended protections are partly aimed towards communities of color that have been disproportionately affected throughout this time.
During his town hall in Wisconsin, Biden said he would not get rid of $50,000 of student debt, in response to an audience member calling on him to commit to canceling at least up to the amount. However, Biden noted that he is open to some loan forgiveness and he understands the burden of having student loans, citing the loans that his children accumulated when they studied in private universities. Biden also stressed that he could not erase $50,000 of student debt on his own as it would require congressional action.
“My point is: I understand the impact of debt, and it can be debilitating,” said Biden. “I am prepared to write off the $10,000 debt but not $50 because I don’t think I have the authority to do it.”
