Friday, December 20, 2024

Good morning! On this day in 1861, Confederate Gen. J. E. B. Stuart led about 150 cavalry troops against Union Brig. Gen. Ord's soldiers near Dranesville. Stuart withdrew after a two-hour clash, marking the first time a Union force caused a Confederate group to retreat.

In The Virginia Flyover today, find out in our Sports section why our state is becoming a premier golfing destination. Also, a jury didn't take long to convict a former sheriff. We have details on that in Around Virginia.

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Today's sponsor is the Voice of Martyrs, who are helping provide aid to Christians in hostile territories.

Youngkin Seeks Budget Changes

Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced plans to introduce a series of amendments to the state budget when lawmakers return to Richmond next month.

Virginia’s two-year cycle allows lawmakers to revisit the budget after one year if the economy improves or drops off. Surging tax revenues throughout 2024 have driven a $2 billion surplus.

Youngkin proposed reducing the state car tax by providing a credit of $150-$300 per year, depending on income. The governor also proposed allocating an additional $1 billion in education spending.

Democrats have not yet committed to supporting or opposing the governor’s proposals. “We will go over the governor’s presentation. We will see what is applicable, what we can do, what we can’t do,” Delegate Luke Torian said.

Fresh Charges in Herndon Murder Case

A Herndon man accused of killing his wife in 2023 now faces additional charges of child abuse and child cruelty.

Prosecutors allege that 39-year-old Brendan Banfield lured a man to his home and then killed him and Banfield’s wife in an attempt to make it seem as if she was having an affair.

A Fairfax County grand jury has added the additional charges because Banfield’s daughter was allegedly left in the basement while her mother was being killed upstairs.

Banfield was purportedly helped in his plot by the family’s au pair. She has pleaded guilty to manslaughter charges in the case. Banfield’s murder trial is set to begin in February.

Fusion Reactor Planned for Virginia

Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) announced plans to build the world's first grid-scale fusion generator on a site in Chesterfield County.

Fusion is achieved when two particles collide, uniting and releasing massive amounts of energy. It has not yet been achieved to provide usable power cost-effectively.

Engineers at MIT expressed confidence that they can overcome the challenges with a reactor design based on a smaller demonstration machine, which they expect will produce power by 2026.

The company said it chose the site in the James River Industrial Park because "it’s in a state and county that has welcomed us. It can put the power to good use. It has a workforce that is capable and eager."

CFS stated that the plant is expected to be operational by the early 2030s, generating enough clean energy to power 150,000 homes.

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Be Inspired by Bold Believers

For 25 years, Todd Nettleton, the host of VOM Radio, has ventured into some of the world’s most hostile and restricted nations.

His mission? To meet the courageous men and women who have faced persecution for their unwavering faith in Christ. Todd has traveled far and wide to hear their powerful stories firsthand and to bring their voices to the world, sharing their extraordinary testimonies of faith and resilience.

In his new book, When Faith Is Forbidden: 40 Days on the Frontlines with Persecuted Christians, Todd invites you to meet these bold believers.

Each stop on this journey will challenge you to reflect on your own walk with Christ along the sometimes-difficult path toward our heavenly home.

Through their incredible stories of courageous faith, we pray you will be inspired to a deeper, bolder walk with Christ.

This compelling book is free for you with any gift—simply request your copy today!

➤ Charlottesville: A jury convicted former Culpeper County Sheriff Scott Jenkins on all 12 charges of conspiracy, fraud, and bribery. Jurors deliberated for just two-and-a-half hours before reaching the verdict. (Details)

➤ Statewide: State police are investigating more than 150 tips about drone activity over Virginia this month. The Virginia Fusion Center is leading the inquiry. (More)

➤ Augusta County: The Big Levels wildfire in George Washington and Jefferson National Forest is completely contained, according to the U.S. Forest Service. Some roads, including Bald Mountain Jeep Trail and Bald Mountain Spur Road, remain closed. (More)

➤ Wise County: The Office of the Department of Corrections Ombudsman was established by a law passed this year. Its first task will be to investigate allegations of abuse at Red Onion State Prison. (Details)

➤ Harrisonburg: A teacher who successfully sued the school district to stop a policy requiring employees to use students’ preferred pronouns said she was not alone in opposing the rule. "A lot of teachers didn't agree,” she said. (More)

➤ Roanoke: The city lost more than $55,000 in federal grant money for youth programs after an audit found errors in payments to a contractor. (Details)

➤ The Washington Commanders host the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. The team opened a 21-day practice window for defensive lineman Jonathan Allen to return from injured reserve, although he is not likely to play this week. (More)

➤ Commonwealth golfers don't have to go far to find world-class courses. The District of Sports podcast calls Virginia "America's new golf capital." (Details)

➤ Virginia Tech travels out of conference to take on Saint Joseph’s in Philadelphia at the "Holiday Hoopfest" at noon on Saturday. (Preview)

➤ Yesterday’s results: NCAAF | NBA | NHL | NCAAM | NCAAW

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➤ HITT Contracting is set to begin construction on its new headquarters in Falls Church next month. The building will also be home to Virginia Tech’s Coalition for Smart Construction. (Details)

➤ Apex Clean Energy inked a deal to sell electricity from its planned Rocky Forge wind farm in Botetourt County to Google. Power is expected to start flowing in 2026. (More)

➤ Virginia Western Community College is advancing driverless technology by offering courses that lead to a Career Study Certificate in Autonomous Vehicle Technology. (Details)

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Flying together with our sponsor

Be Inspired by Bold Believers

For 25 years, Todd Nettleton, the host of VOM Radio, has ventured into some of the world’s most hostile and restricted nations.

In his new book, When Faith Is Forbidden: 40 Days on the Frontlines with Persecuted Christians, Todd invites you to meet these bold believers.

Each stop on this journey will challenge you to reflect on your own walk with Christ along the sometimes-difficult path toward our heavenly home.

Through their incredible stories of courageous faith, we pray you will be inspired to a deeper, bolder walk with Christ.

This compelling book is free for you with any gift—simply request your copy today!

➤ A part of Grayson County is standing at the White House this Christmas season. The 30-foot Red Spruce National Christmas Tree was grown in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. (Details)

➤ Virginia Beach native Pharrell Williams was named UNESCO's latest goodwill ambassador. (More)

➤ An injured owl was taken into custody by Sheriff’s deputies and turned over to the Stafford County Animal Shelter. “We are hopeful it is just a mild case of Irritable Owl Syndrome,” quipped a post on the office's Facebook account. (Details)

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