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North Carolinas womens basketball team suffered a tough overtime loss to Louisville, falling seventy-six to sixty-six. Despite a valiant comeback and a standout performance from freshman Taliyah Henderson, the Tar Heels struggled with finishing inside and protecting the ball, committing sixteen turnovers. Senior guard Indya Nivar had an uncharacteristic night with seven turnovers, and the teams defensive performance was also a concern. Coach Courtney Banghart remains confident in the teams development, despite the disappointing loss.

N.C. States football team, led by Coach Dave Doeren, is defying the trend of opt-out bowl games, embracing the Gasparilla Bowl against Memphis. Doeren emphasizes the importance of bowl games for team development and finishing strong. Players like Sebastian Harsh, Devon Marshall, and C.J. Bailey are eager to play, with Harsh and Marshall seeing it as their final chance to end their college careers on a high note. Bailey aims to secure his first bowl win. The discussion around bowl game opt-outs continues, with Doeren advocating for changes in the college football calendar and rules. Bailey is expected to play in the bowl game, but his future with N.C. State after the game remains uncertain.

Ah Louis Store in San Luis Obispo faces holiday challenges due to late shipments and increased taxes on imported goods. Co-owner Emily Butler shares the struggle to maintain profitability, focusing on more lucrative items and observing a shift in consumer behavior towards more cautious spending. The broader economic pressures are reflected in a Gallup index showing a seventeen-month low in Americans economic assessments and a significant drop in estimated gift budgets.

Former President Donald Trumps endorsement of North Carolina Senate leader Phil Berger, along with a job offer to Bergers primary opponent, highlights the influence of presidential endorsements in Republican primary elections. Despite Trumps endorsements often being seen as a powerful boost, candidates still need to run strong campaigns. The impact of Trumps endorsements has been varied, with some candidates winning primaries and general elections, while others have lost. Political science professors and consultants agree that a Trump endorsement is a significant asset in a Republican primary, but its effect in a general election is often less pronounced. This situation in North Carolina provides a fascinating case study on the dynamics of political endorsements and their real-world impact on local and state elections.

Ruth Gerringers award-winning fruitcake recipe, featuring over five pounds of mixed candied fruit and nuts, has stood the test of time. Despite its dense reputation, Gerringers fruitcake, with its minimal flour and generous fruit and nut content, has won over even the most skeptical haters. Norma Hoots Lynch, a dedicated home baker, still bakes Gerringers fruitcake every year for her church group, proving its enduring appeal. A recent reporters test of the recipe resulted in a well-received treat, challenging the negative stereotypes surrounding fruitcake.

As the fall semester concludes, Duke University students enjoy a variety of activities during winter break, despite reduced campus services. The Durham area offers a Winter Solstice Faire, Festibull of Lights, and sports events. The Barriskill Dance Theatre School presents The Nutcracker, and the Duke Chapel hosts Christmas Eve services and a holiday concert. Campus dining and libraries have limited hours, with residence halls reopening on January third.

Renowned filmmaker and actor Rob Reiner, known for iconic films like The Princess Bride and When Harry Met Sally..., passed away at 78. Found deceased with his wife in their Brentwood home, Reiners legacy lives on through his humorous yet heartfelt storytelling, leaving a lasting impact on cinema.

Slop is Merriam-Websters word of the year for 2025, referring to low-quality, often strange, and clearly fake digital content, especially when produced in large amounts using AI. This term, with a history dating back to the 1700s, has evolved to describe the flood of poor-quality content we encounter online, and its increased awareness signifies a growing discernment for genuine content.

Iconic director and actor Rob Reiner, known for films like This is Spinal Tap and When Harry Met Sally, and his wife, Michele, were found dead in their Los Angeles home, victims of an apparent homicide. Reiner, 78, and Michele, 68, both suffered stab wounds. The couple, married since 1989, had three children. Reiners death is mourned by the entertainment industry and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who praised his contributions to American culture and social justice advocacy.