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President Trump grants federal employees two extra paid holidays this Christmas, offering a welcome reprieve after a challenging period. The additional days off, December 24th and 26th, affect approximately 83,000 federal workers in North Carolina, with some critical roles still requiring work. This move follows similar actions by President Trump and former President Biden, providing a much-needed break for federal employees.

The Triangle dining scene is thriving with new openings, from Italian-inspired cocktails at Capulet Cocktail Club to French-Asian pastries at Tous Les Jours. Raleigh Beer Garden expands to RDU Airport, and Cheeni opens a second location at Horseshoe at Hub RTP. Whataburger arrives in Mebane, with more exciting developments like Cottage Coffee and Park Bar in Dix Park, and Five Guys opening at Crabtree mall. Explore these new culinary experiences!

Actor James Van Der Beek, diagnosed with colorectal cancer in November 2024, shares his emotional journey on the Today show. He emphasizes the importance of patience, discipline, and self-love, crediting his faith and family for their unwavering support. Despite missing events due to health issues, he remains optimistic about his recovery, believing cancer has taught him the value of presence in life.

NASCAR legend Greg Biffle, his wife, and two children tragically lost their lives in a plane crash, along with family friend Craig Wadsworth and pilot Dennis Dutton and his son Jack. The incident occurred at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina, with the plane bursting into flames upon landing. The family was en route to Florida, bound for the Bahamas. The crash follows a close call Biffle experienced in 2011, where his planes landing gear malfunctioned. The families of the victims have expressed their heartbreak and requested privacy.

Amanda Seyfried, now married to Thomas Sadoski, opened up about their relationships beginnings on the Dear Chelsea podcast. They met in 2015 while working on a play, with Seyfried initially feeling unseen in her previous relationship. Despite being involved with others, they both ended their previous relationships by January 2016. Their connection grew, and they married in 2017, now with two children. Seyfried, currently balancing her career and motherhood, is proud of her latest projects, The Housemaid and The Testament of Ann Lee.

Nikki Garcia opens up about her personal life, revealing she hasnt been intimate in a long time, amidst rumors of a twenty-two-year-old football player. Despite the speculation, the player hasnt addressed the rumors, and Nikki remains single since her 2024 divorce, focusing on her son and self-growth.

Judge Hannah Dugan found guilty of obstructing federal immigration officers, not guilty of concealment charge; Trump administration hails verdict as victory, Democrats argue political motivation; Judge Dugans defense claims top levels of government involved, prosecutors maintain she prioritized personal beliefs over law; Judge Dugan did not testify, defense plans to appeal; charges stem from incident where Judge Dugan confronted immigration officers and led arrested man out private jury door.

Nurse at Duke University Hospital arrested for sexual assault, license suspended; two female patients allege abuse, one incident in May, another recently. Tugado set to appear in court Friday.

Existing home sales in the US saw a slight uptick in November, but annual sales still slowed down, marking the first annual decline since May. Despite this, home prices continue to rise, climbing for 29 months straight. The median price for a home nationwide reached $409,200, a 1.2% increase from last year. The housing market remains in a slump, with sales hovering around a 4-million annual pace, significantly lower than the historical average of 5.2 million.