"Virginia Senate Vows to Block Funding for Alexandria Arena in State Budget"

Sen. L. Louise Lucas, a top Democratic Virginia lawmaker, has vowed to keep language enabling the proposed relocation of the NBA’s Washington Wizards and NHL’s Washington Capitals to Alexandria out of the state budget, dealing a blow to Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s plan. The $2 billion development district featuring a new arena has faced opposition, with Lucas expressing skepticism about the project's financing. The budget bills are currently in the hands of a conference committee, and the full details of the compromise plan will likely be rolled out soon. If the arena is excluded from the budget, Youngkin has the option to seek amendments to legislation or call a special session.