Is it game over for the proposed Alexandria arena?

The Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi

The deal bringing the Washington Wizards and Capitals to a new arena in Alexandria appears to be in trouble. On Thursday, Virginia lawmakers announced that they had stripped language authorizing the building of the arena from the state budget. It’s a move that Governor Glenn Youngkin has called a “colossal mistake.”

Del. Mark Sickles, who represents parts of Alexandria and is Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, was involved in those negotiations. He joins the show to give us his take on how it all went down.

The Purple Line is once again delayed and over budget. Prince George’s County Council Chair Jolene Ivey weighs in on this means for her county. Plus, we ask her why she thinks crime is down so far this year, where cannabis shops should be allowed to be open, and how new state legislation could give the county more authority over school funding.

The D.C. Council passed a massive crime bill earlier this week. Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie breaks down what did – and didn’t – end up in the final version of the legislation. Plus, we get his take on the possibility of the Capitals and Wizards staying downtown and the debate over restaurant service charges.

Become a member of WAMU: wamu.org/donate

Send us questions and comments for guests: [e-mail]

Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885

Follow us on Facebook:facebook.com/thepoliticshour