Virginia
Virginia budget leaders confirm Alexandria arena deal is out of the proposed spending plan
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Work on compromise budget legislation Virginia lawmakers will take up later this week is complete, and the bill does not include language enabling a proposed relocation by the NBA’s Washington Wizards and NHL’s Washington Capitals to Alexandria, top lawmakers said Thursday.
The development does not necessarily mean the end of the road for Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s plan to lure the teams across the Potomac River with a $2 billion development district featuring a new arena. But it deals yet another blow for the proposal, a top priority for Youngkin.
The governor said he believes lawmakers were set to make a huge mistake. He defended the outline of the proposal at a news conference in front of the Capitol.
“It could truly be a monumental opportunity,” Youngkin said, touting the project’s job and revenue creation potential, and saying he fears that the Senate’s handling of the discussions could damage the state’s business climate.
Sen. L. Louise Lucas, the top Senate negotiator, stood on the Capitol steps, looking on as he spoke. She told reporters earlier that she remains firmly opposed to a deal that relies on bonds backed by state and city governments.
Del. Luke Torian, who chairs the House Appropriations Committee and led negotiations for his chamber, confirmed that the arena-related provisions had been removed from the legislation, which lawmakers are expected to take up Saturday.
Torian, who had sponsored a standalone version of the legislation that was defeated earlier in the session, said he was “perhaps a little disappointed” the language didn’t make it into the budget.
“But that’s the nature of trying to govern here in the Commonwealth,” he said.
The budget had been the last remaining vehicle for the legislation underpinning the deal after other standalone versions failed earlier this session. The governor could pursue an amendment to the budget once lawmakers send it to him, restoring the project language, or he could call a special session on the issue.
Torian said the bill contained raises in each year for teachers and other public employees and important investments in core government services.
The text of the bill was not immediately available in the state’s online information system.
Youngkin and entrepreneur Ted Leonsis, the CEO of Monumental Sports and Entertainment, announced in December that they had reached an understanding on a deal to relocate the Capitals and Wizards.
The plan calls for the creation of a $2 billion development, partly financed by public money, in the Potomac Yard section of Alexandria that would include an arena, practice facility and corporate headquarters for Monumental, plus a separate performing arts venue, all just miles from Capital One Arena, where the teams currently play in Washington.
The AP sent an inquiry seeking comment to a representative for Monumental on the budget development.
Virginia
How to watch Syracuse Orange vs. Virginia Tech football: Time, TV channel, FREE live streams
The Syracuse Orange are underdogs on their home field as they face a big ACC matchup with the Virginia Tech Hokies Saturday at the JWA Wireless Dome. The game is scheduled to start at noon ET with TV coverage on CW Network and streaming on-demand.
- How to watch: Live streams of the Syracuse v.s Virginia Tech game are available with offers from FuboTV (free trial), SlingTV (low intro rate) and DirecTV Stream (free trial).
- For a limited time, FuboTV is offering $20 off the first month after the free trial period. With $20 offer, plans start at $59.99.
Virginia Tech Hokies (5-3) at Syracuse Orange (5-2)
NCAA football matchup at a glance
When: Saturday, Nov. 2 at noon ET
Where: JMA Wireless Dome, Syracuse, N.Y.
TV channel: CW Network
Live streams: FuboTV (free trial) | SlingTV (low intro rate) | DirecTV Stream (free trial)
Syracuse had built momentum with three straight wins before its hot streak came to a sudden halt last week in a 41-13 road loss to No. 19 Pittsburgh. Quarterback Kyle McCord threw five interceptions in that one, including three pick-sixes that made life easy on his opponents. For the season, Syracuse has been content to live and die by McCord’s right arm, ranking No. 3 nationally in passing (358.9 ypg) and No. 127 in rushing (90.3 ypg).
Virginia Tech is playing its best football of the season going into Week 10 with three straight wins over ACC competition in Stanford (31-7), Boston College (42-21) and, most recently, Georgia Tech (21-6). In that win over the Yellow Jackets, quarterback Kyron Drones did it all with touchdowns scored passing, rushing and receiving. The Hokies were outgained by Georgia Tech, but their defense forced two interceptions to sweep the turnover battle (2-0).
Syracuse Orange vs. Virginia Tech Hokies: Know your live streaming options
- FuboTV (free trial) – excellent viewer experience with huge library of live sports content; free trial lengths vary; monthly rate after free trial starts at $59.99 after current $20 discount offer.
- SlingTV (low intro rate) – discounted first month is best if you’ve run out of free trials or you’re in the market for 1+ month of TV
- DirecTV Stream (free trial) – not the same level of viewer experience as FuboTV, but the standard 7-day free trial is still the longest in streaming.
The Hokies and Orange are set for a noon ET start on FS1. Live streams are available from FuboTV (free trial), DirecTV Stream (free trial) and SlingTV (low intro rate).
Virginia
Trump to rally with Youngkin, Cao in Virginia as Harris takes lead in polls
SALEM, Va. – Former President Donald Trump is set to deliver remarks at the Salem Civic Center on Saturday, joined by Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and Senate candidate Hung Cao.
City officials are advising attendees to be prepared for increased congestion, particularly near the Taliaferro Complex.
Event details indicate that everything will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking will open at 8 a.m., with doors opening at noon.
Pre-programming for the event will begin at 2 p.m., and Trump is scheduled to speak at 4 p.m.
Attendees are encouraged to arrive no later than 1 p.m.
According to the Salem Civic Center, the Trump campaign managed the ticketing for the event. Participants must have a ticket for entry, as the exact number of tickets distributed is unknown.
TOPSHOT – Former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump dances as he leaves a campaign rally in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, on October 30, 2024. (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP) (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images)
Entry will also be on a first-come, first-served basis.
This rally comes as new polling from Roanoke College shows Vice President Kamala Harris with a significant lead in Virginia.
The Roanoke College Poll indicates Harris holds a 10-point advantage over Trump, with 51% of likely voters supporting her compared to 41% for the former president.
In the U.S. Senate race, Democratic Senator Tim Kaine is leading Hung Cao by 11 points. According to the poll, only 2% of likely voters are undecided, while 40% have already cast their ballots.
Dr. Harry Wilson, a senior political analyst for The Institute for Policy and Opinion Research (IPOR) at Roanoke College, commented on the polling results: “Kamala Harris has increased the slim lead she held in the August Roanoke College Poll. She is claiming 95% of Democrats and leads 49%-36% among independents. Trump is supported by 90% of Republicans, but that might not be enough for him to win in Virginia.”
With the election approaching and early voting already in progress, both parties are ramping up their efforts to mobilize supporters ahead of Election Day.
The Roanoke College Poll surveyed 851 likely registered voters in Virginia between October 25 and October 29.
Road closures and traffic alerts
- PLEASE OBEY ALL TRAFFIC SIGNS AND DIRECTIONS
- Please be patient as vehicle traffic and attendees make their way to the arena.
- Please avoid the area if you are not attending the rally Saturday afternoon.
- Expect delays on Roanoke Boulevard as traffic will enter one way and exit another.
- No parking will be allowed on Roanoke Boulevard from Electric Road to Texas Street.
- No parking on Texas Street from Roanoke Boulevard to Lynchburg Turnpike
What to know before you go
- NO BAGS, PURSES, or CAMERAS ALLOWED.
- No Tailgating – No Camping – No vendors or sellers will be allowed
- RVs and Overnight Parking are PROHIBITED.
- Food and Beverage will be available at our indoor concession stands.
- We encourage guests to carpool.
- Please Park in a single space.
- No EZ-UP Popup tents in parking spaces.
- All drive aisles must remain clear for emergency vehicles.
- All guests will be screened by the secret service.
- No reentry to the arena.
- No smoking sections.
- Can you bring a chair to wait in line? Yes but only outside. Chairs will not be allowed in the building.
- Will there be porta-potties outside? Yes.
US Secret Service prohibited items list
- Aerosols
- No bags or purses
- Alcoholic beverages
- Appliances (i.e. Toasters)
- Balloons
- Balls
- Banners, signs, placards
- Chairs
- Coolers
- Drones and other unmanned aircraft systems
- E-Cigarettes/ VAPES / lighters
- Explosives of any kind (including fireworks)
- Firearms
- Glass, thermal and metal containers
- Laser lights and laser pointers
- Mace and/or pepper spray
- Noisemakers, such as air horns, whistles, drums, bullhorns, etc.
- Packages
- Poles, sticks and selfie sticks
- Spray containers
- Structures
- Supports for signs or placards
- Tripods
- Umbrellas
- Weapons
- And any other items that may pose a threat to the security of the event
Virginia
Syracuse football: predictions and poll vs Virginia Tech
The Syracuse Orange (5-2, 2-2) welcome the Virginia Tech Hokies (5-3, 3-1) for the first game in the JMA Dome since September. What will happen when these longtime rivals collide at Noon on the CW? Here’s what we think….
Kevin: Syracuse 31, Virginia Tech 27
There’s no glossing over what happened last week in Pittsburgh, but I trust that Kyle McCord and the offense will make some plays tomorrow. I also trust that Marlowe Wax’s return gives the Orange three defenders who can contain Kyron Drones on the edge. Wax, Justin Barron and Fadil Diggs will keep the Hokies’ quarterback from using his legs to beat the Orange. I think the defense creates two turnovers putting the offense in short field situations and Trebor Pena finds his way into the end zone twice in this one.
Dom: Syracuse 35, Virginia Tech 28
Without a doubt the toughest game to predict all year. I would’ve said Syracuse would be the clear favorite weeks ago. Then the Pitt game happened, and now Virginia Tech is entering the Dome with its hottest stretch of the season so far. I went back-and-forth on this one, and Virginia Tech’s big strengths (running the ball and toughness on the defensive line) will be a headache to deal with, but a strong home environment and a bounce back performance from the offense lead to a win in a shootout.
Mike: Syracuse 37, Virginia Tech 31
The Hokies are hot at the right time and this should be down to the wire much like several games have been already, but with the right scheming the Orange can squeeze this one out. Antwaun Powell-Ryland is a beast no question, so it’s important to work as many plays to the weak side as possible. The VT secondary is better than the inflated stats from Miami and Rutgers can show, so McCord needs to stay calm, work underneath and wear them down. Pitt had a lot of season worst performances and this is a perfect bounce back environment.
Max (5-2): Virginia Tech 30, Syracuse 24
These teams are going in opposite directions coming into this one, with Tech on a three-game win streak and the Orange getting demolished by Pitt. I had high hopes for Syracuse last week, but after ripping my heart out, I can’t back them here, even at home. The Hokies have played some of the toughest opponents in the nation (19th in SOS compared to SU’s 74th), and their balanced offensive scheme will get them the win on Saturday.
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Now it’s your turn…
Poll
Who wins the game between Syracuse and Virginia Tech?
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0%
Syracuse wins and let’s go bowling
(0 votes)
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0%
Virginia Tech wins and good thing it’s basketball season
(0 votes)
0 votes total
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