Author: Thomas L. Knapp

Half of Students Now Get As, But Actual Achievement Is Declining

Source: The Daily Economy
by Hannah Frankman Hood

“Your child’s report card may be sending the wrong signal. Grades and GPAs increasingly reflect institutional incentives rather than academic achievement.” (07/22/26)

https://thedailyeconomy.org/article/half-of-students-now-get-as-but-actual-achievement-is-declining/

Thomas L. Knapp

GA: City’s youngest-ever mayor stripped of duties, access over alleged spending habits

Source: New York Post

“A Georgia city’s youngest-ever mayor was temporarily stripped of his duties and privileges amid an investigation over his alleged spending – less than a year after being elected on a campaign premised around accountability and transparency. Jayden Williams, the 22-year-old mayor of Stockbridge, Ga., was ordered to hand over his city-issued credit cards by Monday at noon due to his spending, but failed to meet the deadline, Atlanta News First reported. Stockbridge city council officials launched a probe into Williams after ‘information’ was presented to finance officials and the city attorney, without divulging further. … ‘Mayor Williams welcomes a full and independent investigation and looks forward to the opportunity to address any allegations through the proper process,’ a statement shared on his Facebook page says.” (07/22/26)

https://nypost.com/2026/07/22/us-news/jayden-williams-the-youngest-ever-mayor-of-stockbridge-georgia-probed-over-alleged-spending-habits-reports/

Thomas L. Knapp

Why Trump’s Allies in Israel & AIPAC’s on the Hill are in Trouble

Source: Informed Comment
by H Scott Prosterman

“Two years ago, just 37 House Democrats voted to cut off U.S. aid for Israel. Now more than half of the Democratic representatives have come around to recognizing: 1.) That unconditional US support for Israel is no longer tenable, and 2.) Netanyahu’s Likud government has become a global pariah state, and 3.) Continued support of Israel brings the US global alienation; and BTW, probably cost Kamala Harris the 2024 presidential election. Though the Democratic leadership remains captive to the AIPAC payroll, the US-Israeli relationship has never been more tenuous. This occurs in tandem with the rise of similar grassroots movements within Israel.” (07/22/26)

https://www.juancole.com/2026/07/trumps-allies-trouble.html

Thomas L. Knapp

Trump approves US-Saudi nuclear deal

Source: NBC News

“President Donald Trump has approved a landmark civilian nuclear deal between the United States and Saudi Arabia that is expected to be announced Wednesday, a senior administration official told NBC News. The agreement will see the U.S. support the creation of a nuclear power program and see American companies build the program inside the kingdom, said the official, who was not authorized to speak publicly. … Congress will be required to vote on the agreement, but would need a veto-proof majority to actually block it. The deal could pave the way for the kingdom to pursue its own uranium enrichment, likely raising fears of nuclear proliferation.” (07/22/26)

https://www.nbcnews.com/world/saudi-arabia/trump-us-saudi-nuclear-deal-uranium-enrichment-iran-war-israel-rcna588660

Thomas L. Knapp