What's Happening

Politics

The Off-Year That's Anything But

What’s going on: If the road to redemption from the 2024 presidential election began last night, then Democrats are celebrating big. All three major races saw Dems walk out victorious. In New York City, voters came out in droves and elected democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani as their next and first Muslim mayor. Elsewhere, women made history: Mikie Sherrill became her party’s first female governor in New Jersey, and Abigail Spanberger flipped the Virginia governor’s mansion blue as the state’s first woman in the role. Bonus: They used to be roommates. Dems also saw wins down the ballot. All three Democratic justices in Pennsylvania won reelection, preserving their 5-2 majority in the state Supreme Court. Meanwhile, California voters approved a new congressional map that favors Democrats — a direct counter to Republican redistricting efforts in Texas.

What it means: These victories could serve as early tests of what resonates with voters. Democrats wanted to prove they can still mobilize key blocs. Republicans aimed to show they can grow beyond President Donald Trump’s base. Both parties now walk away with fresh data and plenty to rethink. The results may help shape the 2026 midterms, which could flip the House and give Democrats a powerful check on Trump. And while races for governor and mayor took center stage, the down-ballot measures proved just as pivotal. Pennsylvania’s courts are expected to rule on abortion, voting rights, and redistricting measures ahead of the 2026 and 2028 elections. Off-year? More like the opening act.

Related: Texas Governor Threatens To Slap a “Tariff” on New Yorkers (Newsweek)

Work

Is the Performance Review Dead?

What's going on: It’s awkward, drags on forever, and is full of random small talk. This isn’t about running into your ex at the grocery store — it’s about performance reviews. The dreaded workplace ritual started in the 1920s as a way to track factory workers and boost productivity. By the ‘80s and ‘90s, it morphed into a tool to justify firings, and by the early 2000s, everyone was over it — employees dreaded them, managers hated the paperwork. So companies ditched numeric scales for narrative feedback, and the “360-degree” review was born, pulling in notes from peers, subordinates, and supervisors. The idea: a fuller picture. The reality: Who actually wants to read (or write) that much feedback?

What it means: Performance reviews have lost sight of their original purpose — helping people improve. Even as the dreaded canon event forces managers to choose between the compliment sandwich or something else, these reviews often come down to how well-liked an employee is. Personality hires for the win? Some firms, including Citi and JPMorgan, are even using AI to “assist” with review writing or generating summaries, skipping the awkward IRL meeting altogether. But experts say that no algorithm can build trust or replace a candid conversation. Until then, brace yourself for next year.

Related: Meet the People Who Aren’t Worried About AI or Job Security. Must Be Nice (CNBC)

Lifestyle

The Cool Kids Are Offline

What's going on: In 2025, the ultimate flex isn’t a verified badge or the newest iPhone. It’s not having them. More people are stepping back from screens in favor of presence — that old-school thing where you actually talk to someone instead of reacting to their Stories. Business Insider says “offline is the new luxury,” and people are paying for it. Apps like 222, Timeleft, and Kanso are cashing in on curated, phone-free hangs — think singles nights with bingo cards, mystery concerts, and lock-your-phone dinners. 222 has already raised $3.6 million and thrown thousands of unplugged events. Nothing says “I’m thriving” like having a quiet feed.

What it means: Going offline now signals both rebellion and privilege — a way to reclaim attention in a world built to steal it. These phone-free spaces offer what social media used to: conversation, connection, maybe even a meet-cute you don’t have to screenshot. One founder called unplugging for a week “the most luxurious thing you can do.” Most people can’t afford to disconnect while juggling bills, work, or childcare, but the urge to unplug is real. As one attendee put it: “The IRL events give people a reason to try stepping away from their screens.” Or, you know, you can also just go outside. For free.

Related: Gen Z Might Bring Back Flip Phones — Unironically (The Atlantic)