Senator Joe Manchin, a fixture in West Virginia politics for over 40 years and a divisive national figure for nearly 15 years, is leaving public office while denouncing the Democratic Party as "toxic." A lifelong Democrat, Manchin became known for his willingness to cross party lines, prompting his recent switch of party affiliation to independent. Citing frustration with both major political parties' focus on ideological extremes, Manchin has been critical of Democrats for veering too far left and Republicans for lacking common sense on key issues.

HOW MANCHIN PLAYED A PIVOTAL ROLE IN MODERN POLITICS

The German government faced growing questions about whether more could have been done to prevent the Christmas market car-ramming attack that killed five people and injured over 200. The Saudi suspect, 50-year-old psychiatrist and anti-Islam activist Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, had made online death threats against German citizens and had a history of conflict with state authorities. A report said the Saudi secret service had warned Germany's spy agency BND a year ago about a tweet in which Abdulmohsen threatened Germany would pay a "price."

WATCH VIDEO OF ATTACK AFTERMATH, SUSPECT'S ARREST

"You're hired!" President-elect Donald Trump appointed Mark Burnett, the executive producer of "The Apprentice," the long running reality show that made Trump a TV star, as special envoy to the United Kingdom. Burnett, who was born in the UK, has been credited with Trump's image as a savvy developer and entrepreneur with the signature line, "You're fired!" Burnett's legendary TV career includes hits like "Survivor," "Shark Tank," "The Voice" and "The Apprentice."

SEE HOW BURNETT HELPED LAUNCH TRUMP'S GLOBAL BRAND

What was the name of executive producer Mark Burnett's first TV series that is credited (or blamed) for the birth of reality television?

Friday's answer: According to US data, Hawaii has the highest life expectancy at 80.7 years, while Mississippi has the lowest at 71.9.