"Virginia Senate Delays Arena Plan Amid Controversy Over Youngkin's Role"

After Gov. Glenn Youngkin criticized Democrats in a speech, Senate Democrats have put his proposed $2 billion development for a professional basketball and hockey arena on hold. The Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee will not consider the legislation before the crossover deadline, and the proposal now depends on a separate bill pending before the House of Delegates and negotiations over the state budget. Democrats have linked their support of the legislation to Youngkin agreeing to some of their priorities, while Youngkin's communications director expressed confidence that the General Assembly will come together for the project, which is seen as beneficial for the entire Commonwealth.