As the United States approaches the November 3 midterm elections, a range of domestic issues—from a sharp decline in democratic norms to soaring burger prices and the designation of a new national park—has attracted attention.
Democracy in Decline
The French‑speaking daily Tribune de Genève warned that American democracy is experiencing a historic setback, citing the V‑Dem report that recorded the sharpest decline in democratic performance since 1965. The analysis highlighted a lack of parliamentary and judicial oversight, with the Republican‑controlled Congress offering little resistance to executive actions. The Supreme Court was also noted for decisions that often favored the president.
A Pew Research Center poll showed that 69 % of Americans are dissatisfied with the state of democracy in their country, and many have lost trust in political leaders. The poll suggests that this discontent could drive higher turnout, potentially benefiting the Democratic Party. Political scientists view the midterms as a pivotal moment that could either restore moderate influence or accelerate the erosion of democratic institutions.
Political Hamburger
The German‑speaking daily Neue Zürcher Zeitung reported on rising burger costs as cattle numbers hit an 80‑year low, largely due to drought. In the small town of Turlington, a 300‑kg Angus steer can fetch up to $2,500 at auction. The overall beef shortage has made burgers a political issue, with the president signing an executive order to temporarily lift tariffs on Brazilian lean beef for 90 days in an attempt to curb prices. The order covers the period leading up to the midterms.
Chilkowa National Park
The daily Lüüt reported that Arizona’s Chilkowa area was designated the country’s 64th national park. Environmental groups criticized the move as a publicity stunt, arguing that the park’s boundaries and protection levels remain unchanged. The 49‑square‑kilometre area is the fourth smallest national park in the United States, and the designation has not brought additional funding or staff. The National Park Service had seen thousands of employees laid off during the Trump administration, and the park’s management has faced aging infrastructure without a budget boost.
Critics from the National Park Rangers Association and the National Park Conservation Association called for a restoration of the National Park Service’s workforce and resources to ensure the park’s long‑term viability.
These stories illustrate the breadth of issues facing the United States as it approaches a pivotal election: democratic erosion, economic pressures on everyday consumers, and debates over environmental stewardship.
