Story perspectives

Governors Declare Holiday Closures Amid Controversy

12/22/2025

Summary

Governors Announce Holiday Closures

Maryland Governor Wes Moore announced state offices will close December 24 (Christmas Eve) and December 25 (Christmas Day), with liberal leave on December 26.
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders defended her December 26 closure amid criticism from Freedom From Religion Foundation, citing Christmas as Jesus Christ's birth and disputing the group's unconstitutionality claims.
Baxter County, Arkansas, will also close on December 26 and align with federal and state holiday designations.

Summary

Cold Front Strikes

A strong cold front hit the Twin Lakes area on Thursday, triggering widespread outages that left nearly 7,500 residents without electricity.
By Friday morning, about 400 customers remained without power.
Winds gusted up to 55 mph, causing downed trees and transmission lines.
Temperatures dropped from the upper 50s to near 30 degrees within hours.
Friday's forecast calls for calm, sunny weather with highs around 51 degrees.

1 of 2

Governors Announce Holiday Closures

Maryland Governor Wes Moore announced state offices will close December 24 (Christmas Eve) and December 25 (Christmas Day), with liberal leave on December 26.
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders defended her December 26 closure amid criticism from Freedom From Religion Foundation, citing Christmas as Jesus Christ's birth and disputing the group's unconstitutionality claims.
Baxter County, Arkansas, will also close on December 26 and align with federal and state holiday designations.

1 / 2