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Va. unions oppose Alexandria arena, but governor sticks by it
The AFL-CIO’s Virginia member unions announced Tuesday that they oppose the proposed Alexandria arena for the Washington Capitols and Wizards teams and a surrounding entertainment district. The $2 billion deal has been promoted by Gov. Glenn Youngkin and some City of Alexandria officials, while receiving significant pushba[...]
Alexandria arena proposal economic impact report released
An economic and fiscal impact analysis released Friday by the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership forecasts that the proposed Washington Capitals and Wizards arena in Alexandria could generate up to $7.96 billion in annual economic output for the state. Additionally, the report says the arena could be completed as soon a[...]
Bills advance to protect state employees who access medical cannabis
RICHMOND, Va. — State lawmakers have advanced bills that would allow public sector employees to use medical cannabis without losing their job. House Bill 149, introduced by Del. Dan Helmer, D-Fairfax, extends to state public employees rights that already exist in the private sector. The bill passed with bipartisan support on a[...]
Bills to cap rent increases don’t advance this session
RICHMOND, Va. — State lawmakers did not advance legislation this session that aimed to slow rising rent prices, although affordable housing remains a big concern for constituents. Two proposed bills would have allowed localities to adopt anti-rent gouging provisions, prevent landlords from increasing rent without at least t[...]
Lucas: Alexandria arena deal is dead as far as she’s concerned
A bill that would establish a state authority for the proposed Alexandria basketball and hockey arena is not on the Virginia State Senate’s Finance and Appropriations Committee’s docket “because [Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s] proposal is not ready for prime time,” wrote Sen. Louise Lucas, the committeeR[...]
House advances bill to ensure state minimum wage for migrant workers
RICHMOND, Va. — Lawmakers were split over a House bill to guarantee a state minimum wage for thousands of Virginia farm and migrant workers, with debate around the housing costs often included in the wage. Del. Adele McClure, D-Arlington, introduced House Bill 157, which passed the House last month on a party line vote. The [...]
Va. Beach makes economic development head permanent
Charles E. “Chuck” Rigney Sr. has worked in economic development all over Hampton Roads; in Norfolk, Portsmouth and Hampton. Last February, he joined Virginia Beach’s economic development team as a business development administrator and since June 2023, he has been the department’s interim director. Now h[...]
Virginians wager $633M on sports in December
Virginians bet about $633 million on sports in December 2023, up 25.9% from December 2022, according to data released by the Virginia Lottery on Feb. 1. December’s handle is a 0.88% decrease from November 2023, when Virginians bet $638.8 million on sports. Virginia bettors won more than $569.57 million in December 2023 and $59[...]
Dominion offshore wind farm earns final federal approvals
Richmond-based Dominion Energy has earned the final two federal approvals needed to move forward with the construction and operation of its $9.8 billion, 176-turbine offshore wind farm 27 miles off the coast of Virginia Beach. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management granted final approval of the construction plan for the Coastal V[...]
After long delay, Va. lawmakers appoint two SCC judges
The Virginia General Assembly unanimously elected two attorneys to fill two vacancies on the Virginia State Corporation Commission on Wednesday, after more than a year of understaffing and partisan battles. State senators and delegates voted 40-0 and 98-0, respectively, to approve the nominations of Kelsey Bagot, a former legal [...]
Fairfax, Petersburg could hold casino referendums
Two pending Virginia State Senate bills would change the list of locations eligible to host a casino, adding Petersburg and Fairfax County to the mix and removing Richmond. On Tuesday, the Senate Committee on General Laws and Technology’s gaming subcommittee met to discuss these and other measures regarding skill games, sp[...]
Va. casino revenues total $58.5M in December 2023
Virginia’s three casinos generated $58.5 million in December 2023 gaming revenues, according to data released Friday by the Virginia Lottery. Virginia’s first casino, the Bristol Casino: Future Home of Hard Rock temporary facility, opened July 2022. The Virginia Lottery Board approved HR Bristol’s casino license in April 2[...]
