"DC Arena's Fate Hangs in the Balance as Political Drama Unfolds"

State Sen. L. Louise Lucas's opposition to the $1.5 billion public debt for the proposed Wizards and Capitals arena in Virginia has left the project hanging by a thread, dealing a blow to Gov. Glenn Youngkin's economic development plans. Lucas, chairwoman of the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee, views the project as a risk to the state's finances and a test of the newly ascendant Black lawmakers' leadership. Despite Youngkin's efforts, the arena is not included in the approved budget, and its failure so far reflects a struggle between the governor's office and legislative leaders.