Year in Review: What Moment Defined 2024? Newsweek Writers’ Verdicts

Joe Manchin of West Virginia, who left the Democratic Party and registered as an independent, criticizes the party as "toxic" and out of touch with mainstream America. He blames progressives for pushing the party too far left and emphasizes the need for common-sense solutions on issues like gun control and the federal budget. Despite considering a third-party run for president, Manchin ultimately decides against it, citing the challenge of getting on the ballot in all...

Bluesky, a social media platform that emerged from Twitter and championed by former CEO Jack Dorsey, has experienced rapid growth following the U.S. presidential election as users seek alternatives to other platforms like X and Meta's Threads. With a user base exceeding 25 million, Bluesky faces challenges with the influx of bots and harmful content. The platform's decentralized approach and focus on user control have attracted users looking for a different social networking experience. Full...

The Drop is a revolutionary wearable nutrition tracker that automates the process of tracking calories and nutritional intake, utilizing advanced technology to provide accurate insights effortlessly. By using computer vision and artificial intelligence, The Drop captures meal images and analyzes them in the cloud to calculate detailed nutritional breakdowns in real-time. Additionally, users have access to the companion app, Rex Premium, which offers personalized meal plans, integrates with fitness platforms, and provides a comprehensive dashboard...

Beginning in the new year, Ron Grossman will be writing occasional columns on Chicago for the Sunday Life+Travel section, alongside his regular history features. In a preview, Grossman reflects on his childhood experiences in Albany Park, where he navigated the intersection of Jewish and non-Jewish traditions during the holiday season. Through anecdotes of Hanukkah celebrations, cultural exchanges, and historical teachings, he vividly portrays the diverse and rich tapestry of his upbringing in a pluralistic American...

Sarah Wright, 37, was arrested in Florida for allegedly hitting a 16-year-old boy with her truck, covering her license plate, and fleeing the scene. The teenager suffered a serious head laceration and arm injury but is expected to recover. Wright was located, arrested, and booked on charges of leaving the scene of a crash with injuries and driving with a suspended license. Full Article

Alissa McCommon, a former Tennessee teacher, was sentenced to 25 years in prison for raping a 12-year-old boy and becoming pregnant as a result of the assault. She pleaded guilty to multiple sex charges involving possible victims and will have to register as a Violent Sex Offender. McCommon exploited her position of authority to form relationships with students, sending explicit messages and violating release conditions by contacting victims, leading to her arrest and subsequent imprisonment...