Friday, December 27, 2024

Good Morning! On this day in 1776, Gen. George Washington sent a letter to the Continental Congress describing his Christmas Day victory over the Hessians in a surprise attack at Trenton. "Our loss is very trifling indeed, only two officers and one or two privates wounded," he wrote.

We are gearing up for bowl season. Stop by Top Stories for more.

We are also enjoying time this holiday week with our families, so today's edition will be shorter than usual. We will be back in your inbox with a full edition on Monday.

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

Service Academies Go Bowling

Navy plays in the Armed Forces Bowl against Oklahoma today, and Army will face Louisiana Tech in the Independence Bowl tomorrow.

It's the first time since 2017 that Army and Navy are both going to a bowl in the same season. The teams combined to win 20 games this year.

These bowl games won't be the most important ones either team plays this year, however. That game has already happened. Army and Navy focus first on beating each other, and the winner brags about it all year long.

Virginia is home to an estimated 700,000 military veterans. We thank you for your service and congratulate all the Navy vets on this year's 31-13 victory in America's game.

Traveling Bricks Ends Jan. 5

LEGO is building its first American production facility in Virginia, which is set to open in 2027.

Visitors to Richmond have until Jan. 5 to get a flavor of what can be made with the tiny toy bricks. Traveling Bricks, now at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, includes over 100 models of classic land, air, sea, and space vehicles constructed from nearly one million bricks.

The exhibit features planes, cars, and ships (including a model of Titanic) made from LEGOs, plus a brick pit to encourage young minds to build their own creations.

If you miss Traveling Bricks, be sure to catch The Art of the Brick, also featuring LEGO blocks. It opens in January, just across the Potomac in D.C.

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.

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!

➤ Washington County: Members of Potomac Valley Church in Northern Virginia made the season brighter for victims of Hurricane Helene in Southwest Virginia. They donated and delivered $5,000 worth of toys to children. "We're all Virginians who come together. So helping kids, helping families, is what it means to be a Virginian," pastor Will Archer said. (Details)

➤ McLean: If you think the holidays have had you on the run, at least you aren't marathoner Frank Fumich. As part of The Great World Race, he completed seven marathons in seven days on seven continents. (Details)

➤ Blacksburg: Virginia Tech students looking to "eat local" have an easy option: apples from Associate Professor Susan Whitehead's research orchard, which provides certified organic produce for dining halls. (More)

➤ Northern Virginia: Regional and state leaders are mulling over about 15 different plans to establish dedicated funding streams for mass transit in the region. (Details)

➤ Virginia Beach: The city council moved forward this month with plans to pave the Violet Bank Trail. More than 70 trees must be taken down as part of the design. (More)

➤ Williamsburg: Looking for something unusual to do this holiday weekend? Book a rare Saturday visit to see "The Presidents Heads." (Details)