ND 18.03.2023: US political commentary at home and in Ukraine

Good morning. This Saturday, our news is drawn from AllSides.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has faced criticism and support from both the left and right wings of politics following his recent statement about the Ukraine War. In response to a questionnaire, DeSantis said that the Ukraine-Russia territorial dispute was not a vital national interest for the US, which prompted warnings from the Wall Street Journal Editorial Board about political risks on foreign policy, and support from a Townhall opinion article. The Washington Post Editorial Board criticized DeSantis for “turning his back on the most inspiring freedom fighters in the world today.” – GOP Divided Over DeSantis’ Ukraine ‘Territorial Dispute’ Comments (AllSides ~ HEADLINE ROUNDUP)

Each year, Gallup (Center bias) polls Americans in its “Mood of the Nation” survey to better understand satisfaction levels among Republicans and Democrats on various aspects of life in the U.S. With the uneasiness of the U.S. economy, the COVID-19 pandemic, influx of unauthorized migrants to the U.S. southern border, and rise in violent crime, Americans’ overall satisfaction in the last few years declined. But on what issues do Republicans and Democrats agree – and disagree – on areas of life satisfaction? – Crime, Inflation, Homelessness: Partisans Align on Dissatisfaction With Key Issues (AllSides ~ Perspectives Blog – COMMON GROUND)

Local, state and federal law enforcement and security agencies are preparing for the possibility that former President Donald Trump will be indicted as early as next week, according to five senior officials familiar with the preparations. Law enforcement agencies are conducting preliminary security assessments, the officials said, and are discussing potential security plans in and around the Manhattan Criminal Court, at 100 Centre Street, in case Trump is charged in connection with an alleged hush money payment to Stormy Daniels and travels to New York to face any charges – Law enforcement agencies are prepping for a possible Trump indictment as early as next week (AllSides)

Slovakia said Friday it will donate 13 MiG-29 warplanes to Ukraine, becoming the second NATO member — following Poland — to pledge the aircraft, which the Kremlin warned would be “destroyed”. “We will hand over 13 of our MiG-29 jets to Ukraine,” Slovak Prime Minister Eduard Heger told journalists, adding that Bratislava would also deliver a Kub air defence system to Ukraine – Slovakia To Donate 13 MiG-29 Fighter Jets To Ukraine (AllSides)

Efforts to change the American workweek at the federal level have sparked a discussion on the benefits and drawbacks of a shortened workweek. A bill proposed by Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) would reduce the federal workweek to 32 hours and require overtime pay for employees exceeding 32 hours. A Newsweek analysis found that 71% of the 1,500 people surveyed were in favor of the four-day workweek, with only 4% opposing the idea. Recent trials have shown lower burnout rates, stress levels, staff resignations, and sick days with the four-day workweek, but it does not work in all occupations. The service industry is a sector where a shortened workweek would result in lower pay. Some experts believe American work culture’s focus on hard work, competitiveness, and accomplishments could represent a major obstacle to the introduction of the four-day workweek at a nationwide level – Would a Four-Day Workweek Increase Americans’ Productivity? (AllSides ~ HEADLINE ROUNDUP)