Author: Thomas L. Knapp

Paraguay Punches Above Its Weight

Source: Foundation for Economic Education
by Fabricio Antezana Duran

“When thinking about Latin America, most people immediately think of its giants: Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Colombia. Big cultures, big economies, and a notable presence in international affairs. But a new player has been making increasingly prominent appearances on the global stage: Paraguay. This small, landlocked country of nearly seven million people, located in the heart of South America, has historically been overlooked in international economics and diplomacy. Yet, despite its size and relative obscurity, Paraguay is beginning to crack the formula for economic success.” (03/13/25)

https://fee.org/articles/paraguay-punches-above-its-weight/

Thomas L. Knapp

Portugal sets elections for May 18 after government collapse

Source: Deutsche Welle [German state media]

“Portugal will hold an early general election on May 18th, the president announced after dissolving parliament late Thursday. This will be Portugal’s third election in just over three years. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa urged voters to perform their civic duty, while acknowledging the difficulties the country is facing. The announcement comes after Prime Minister Luis Montenegro lost a confidence vote on Tuesday, forcing a collapse of his government. He will now act in a caretaker capacity until a new government is formed. The confidence vote was called after Montenegro became embroiled in a conflict of interest scandal involving his family’s law firm. He continues to deny any wrongdoing.” (03/13/25)

https://www.dw.com/en/portugal-sets-elections-for-may-18-after-government-collapse/a-71916398

Thomas L. Knapp

Dead Athena moon lander seen inside its crater grave from lunar orbit

Source: Space.com

“We now have shots of the Athena moon lander’s final resting place. Athena, the second lunar lander from Houston company Intuitive Machines, tipped over during its touchdown on March 6, ending up on its side within a small crater near the moon’s south pole. This orientation prevented the lander’s solar panels from capturing enough sunlight, and Intuitive Machines declared Athena dead on March 7. Athena beamed home a few shots of its surroundings before giving up the ghost. And we now have views of the lander and its crater grave from on high, courtesy of NASA’s sharp-eyed Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO).” (03/13/25)

https://www.space.com/the-universe/moon/dead-athena-moon-lander-seen-inside-its-crater-grave-from-lunar-orbit-photos

Thomas L. Knapp

Our Beautiful Economy Was a Terrible Thing to Waste

Source: RealClearPolitics
by Froma Harrop

“Trump was handed a great economy, ‘The Envy of the World,’ according to financial media. His trade war, lack of coherent economic policy and perhaps low interest in governing when cameras aren’t present have investors close to panic. The Dow Jones Industrial Average has lost more than 2,000 points since Election Day. Consumer confidence just scored its largest decline since August 2021. Americans are falling behind on car payments at the highest rate in more than 30 years. Inflation and employment numbers have gone wobbly, and the U.S. dollar is losing value. (By the way, the Russian stock market is doing splendidly as are the European bourses.)” (03/13/25)

https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2025/03/13/our_beautiful_economy_was_a_terrible_thing_to_waste_152497.html

Thomas L. Knapp

Dog bites man: Schumer to vote for more government spending and debt

Source: The Guardian [UK]

“The Senate minority leader, Chuck Schumer, said on Thursday he would vote for a Republican-written bill to fund federal agencies through September and avert a government shutdown. Schumer’s comments suggest that his members are prepared to provide the necessary votes to clear a procedural hurdle ahead, allowing the seven-month spending measure to advance to a final vote.” ()3/13/25)

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/13/schumer-republican-bill-shutdown-trump

Thomas L. Knapp