Today is Friday, Dec. 22, the 356th day of 2017. There are nine days left in the year. • Today's Highlight in History • On Dec. 22, 1944, during the World War II Battle of the Bulge, U.S. Brig. Gen. Anthony C. McAuliffe rejected a German demand for surrender, writing "Nuts!" in his official reply. • On this date • In 1775, Esek Hopkins was appointed commander-in-chief of the Continental Navy.