What Stimulus Checks?

Over the past few weeks, struggling Americans have awaited deposits of relief funds from the Treasury Department — up to $1,200 per adult, with an additional $500 per child. But the rollout process has hit some snafus. Some check recipients reported errors in the amount. Others are still waiting. And many people with overdrawn checking accounts saw their stimulus money garnished by their bank — which is technically legal, but defeats the purpose of Americans putting the cash toward immediate needs like rent and food. Lawmakers called on banks to pause collections processes, and most agreed to comply. But the issue highlights a more insidious problem: Many Americans need a lot more help, and quickly.

Image Credit... Giacomo Bagnara

What’s Next? (April 19-25)

Every State for Itself

Even as coronavirus deaths continue to surge, President Trump unveiled guidelines this past Thursday for reopening the country’s economy, titled “Opening Up America Again.” Under his plan, most current social distancing practices could be lifted within four weeks. But ultimately, he won’t make the decisions. He told governors to “call your own shots” in determining when to reopen businesses, schools and other everyday services in their states. That means some states could reopen by May 1, or even earlier if they wanted. But public health experts say that the country should not reopen until rapid-testing kits are widely available, and that Mr. Trump’s plan could lead to a disastrous resurgence of infections.

But If You Do Feel Like Spending

At $399, Apple’s new iPhone SE isn’t quite recession-friendly, but it’s still the company’s cheapest smartphone in years. It will be available for purchase online this coming Friday. (Most Apple stores remain closed, of course.) Even if you’re not buying, you can take this as a good sign: The rollout shows that Apple’s supply chain in China has resumed functioning, at least somewhat, amid the coronavirus pandemic. Conveniently, the new phone offers fingerprint authentication just in time for everyone’s face masks to throw a wrench in most other devices’ facial-recognition software.

Brexit Will Not Be Stopped

The coronavirus crisis has pushed Brexit procedures back into precarious territory. Trade negotiations were suspended in March because of the pandemic, but they are set to resume this week by videoconference. And as usual, time is tight: If the two sides don’t make major headway in hammering out the economic details of their divorce by June, then Britain has said it will start preparing for a no-deal separation at the end of the year. (And yes, Britain did formally withdraw from the European Union already, but their new trade relationship — the business part of Brexit — still has to be worked out.) As if the global economy needed more uncertainty right now.