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THE BIG IDEA

The Tysons Corner casino debate hits a boiling point in Richmond

On Monday, Fairfax County residents wearing bright red "No Tysons Casino" t-shirts went to Richmond to testify against Senate Bill 982. For some background, the legislation from Senator Surovell (D-Alexandria) would authorize a massive 1.5 million square foot casino and entertainment district in Tysons by developer Comstock Hospitality Holdings.

Despite vocal opposition, the Senate Gaming Subcommittee advanced the bill in a 5-2 vote. Surovell dismissed residents' concerns as classic "Not In My Backyard" rhetoric, arguing the casino would generate sorely needed tax revenue for schools and jobs.

But critics aren't buying it. The "No Casino" coalition of neighborhood groups warns the project will overwhelm the area with traffic, increase problem gambling, and threaten national security by putting a honeypot for illicit activity close to thousands of federal workers.

The clash highlights the high stakes involved. Comstock has poured close to $600,000 into political contributions this past year, including $50,000 to Surovell himself to make this casino project a reality.

With billions in potential revenue on the table, labor unions have thrown significant support behind the casino, tantalized by the promise of 5,000 new union jobs with healthcare and pensions.

The bill now heads to the Senate General Laws and Technology Committee. But even if it passes, a county-wide referendum awaits to finally determine if the casino idea is here to stay in Tysons.

Bulletin Board 📌 

Reader Restaurant Recommendation: One of our readers, Ben, recommends you guys check out The Conche in Leesburg, a classy chocolate restaurant and dessert bar! If you need some chocolates in time for Valentine’s, this is probably the place to get them.

QUICK HITS

• Virginia Tech’s new Innovation Campus just opened its first building in Falls Church to kick off the semester 🎒 

• Northern Virginia’s GDP was $302 billion in 2024, making up 42% of the Commonwealth’s total GDP 📈 

• George Mason University is helping Fairfax County integrate artificial intelligence into 911 call centers 🚑️ 

LIVE EVENT LOWDOWN

• Ice Fest 2025 | ice skating, carving, smores, and fun for the whole family at the Village in Leesburg tomorrow afternoon ❄️ 

• Jurassic Quest | play with baby dinos, excavate fossils, and observe life-sized dinosaurs in Chantilly 🦖 

• Lunar New Year Celebration | the third annual celebration is back in Old Town Alexandria tomorrow afternoon 🥳 

• Bricks by the Lake | a family-friendly LEGO building competition in Reston tomorrow 🧱 

• Chocolate Festival | local specialty chocolate tastings at McLean Community Center on Sunday 🍫 

• Maple Syrup Boil Down | an outdoor event where you tap tree sap and boil syrup over fire, at Colvin Run Mill all through this month 🍁 

• Japanese New Year’s Festival | traditional Japanese games, a children’s shopping arcade, and snacks at GMU’s Arlington campus this Sunday! 🇯🇵 

• Winter Market 2025 | shop baked goods and local produce every Saturday in Old Town Manassas until March 1st 🛍️ 

• Chili Cook-Off | Lost Rhino’s 4th annual competition is back tomorrow afternoon in Ashburn. Tasting ticket sales will be donated to Loudoun Hunger Relief 🧑‍🍳 

• District of Panda Party | celebrate the debut of the new giant pandas at the National Zoo with tons of festivities from now until Feb. 9th 🐼 

• Commanders Watch Parties | check out this list by Northern Virginia Magazine with 44 local bars you can watch Sunday’s game at 🏈 

• Oakton Restaurant Week | a bunch of spots in Oakton are running specials until Sunday. Here’s a good excuse to try the ones you haven’t had before! 🍽️ 

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