Joann Fabric and Craft Stores, after filing for bankruptcy twice in less than a year, is liquidating its assets. This week, 255 locations will begin closing their doors permanently, followed by the remaining 500+ stores in May. Going-out-of-business sales are currently underway at the initially closing stores. The closures mark the end of a significant presence in the fabric and craft retail industry.
A draft U.K.-EU agreement, aiming to reset post-Brexit relations, includes commitments to support Ukraine against Russia’s invasion and achieve a Gaza ceasefire. The agreement also covers cooperation on defense, security, fishing, and energy, alongside a shared understanding of future negotiation topics. EU ambassadors will review progress this week. The agreement further emphasizes multilateralism and adherence to international conventions, despite some British political opposition to certain aspects.
On Canada’s election day, Donald Trump reiterated his desire for Canada to become the 51st U.S. state, promising significant economic benefits and military support. This statement, made on Truth Social, ignores both candidates’ rejection of such a proposal, and their differing economic and military plans. Trump’s comments, echoing previous statements questioning the Canada-U.S. border’s legitimacy, are likely to influence the election outcome, particularly given the current close race between Prime Minister Mark Carney and Pierre Poilievre.
Germany formally requested the EU activate its emergency clause, allowing for expedited defense spending increases without violating bloc spending rules. This request, driven by Russia’s war in Ukraine and evolving global security concerns, aims to facilitate a significant German military buildup. The planned increase, up to 1.5 percent of GDP annually for four years, would avoid major budget reallocations from other sectors. Germany also urged the Commission to broaden the definition of “defense spending” to encompass NATO’s broader security considerations, including dual-use expenditures. This action follows Germany’s recent constitutional reform enabling increased military investment.
Contrary to initial assessments, Donald Trump’s actions in his first 100 days far exceeded expectations, demonstrating a rapid and aggressive authoritarian shift. His administration has systematically undermined civil liberties, utilizing arbitrary detention and deportation practices, including the creation of internment camps. This expansion of power extends to unchecked control over the federal bureaucracy and disregard for judicial rulings, mirroring historical patterns of authoritarian regimes. Furthermore, Trump’s foreign policy now displays a clear expansionist agenda, threatening invasions and annexations.
Following an investigation by the Secret Service and Metropolitan Police Department, a suspect was apprehended in Washington D.C. This individual, described as a serial offender with a history of purse theft, was arrested in connection with the Easter Sunday robbery of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s purse, which contained approximately $3,000 in cash and personal identification. The suspect, who is undocumented, has been linked to similar crimes through video evidence and faces charges related to those incidents. The Secret Service is continuing its investigation into Noem’s theft, while a second suspect remains at large.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov firmly rejected any changes to the management of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), currently operated by Russia’s Rosatom and monitored by the IAEA. He dismissed a reported US proposal for joint US-Ukrainian control, asserting the plant’s safety and blaming Ukraine for attacks threatening its security. Lavrov further defended recent Russian missile strikes on Kyiv, claiming they targeted military facilities, and reiterated Russia’s stance on Crimea as a non-negotiable part of its territory. He also alleged that former US President Trump understands Russia’s position.
At the McIntyre-Shaheen 100 Club Dinner, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker criticized fellow Democrats for insufficient opposition to Donald Trump and for prioritizing media appearances over the concerns of working families. He specifically condemned Democrats who blame the party’s losses on its values rather than their own perceived failures, urging for increased activism and electoral accountability within the party. Pritzker, a potential 2028 presidential candidate, highlighted the need for Democrats to reconnect with grassroots voters and underscored the urgency of the situation, calling for mass mobilization and protests. His speech, delivered in New Hampshire, a key early primary state, positioned him as a forceful voice within the party.
President Trump’s approval rating currently sits at 41%, a new low surpassing even his own historically low 44% rating at the 100-day mark of his first term. This makes his approval rating the lowest of any president in recent decades across the board. His approval on key issues, such as the economy (39%), is similarly abysmal. CNN data chief Harry Enten describes the numbers as “horrible” and unprecedentedly low.
President Trump urged President Putin to cease hostilities in Ukraine, advocating for a peace agreement already under consideration. He expressed disappointment over recent Russian missile strikes on Kyiv, questioning Putin’s commitment to ending the conflict. Trump even suggested Putin may be deliberately misleading him and that alternative strategies, including sanctions, might be required. Secretary of State Rubio concurrently highlighted the importance of this week in achieving a potential Ukraine peace deal.
John Q. Hosedrinker