The D.C. Council advanced a major crime bill earlier this week, but not without a few changes. A second and final vote is expected in a few weeks as the Council continues its debate about the Secure D.C. omnibus bill. D.C. Council Chair Phil Mendelson joins the show to give us a behind-the-scenes look at the discussions going on with the bill. Plus, the Council voted in favor of moving forward with a restaurant relief bill. WAMU reporter Amanda Michelle Gomez breaks down the legislation for us.

Many residents still have lots of questions about the potential deal that would build a new sports arena in Alexandria. Debate gets underway in the Virginia General Assembly on legislation this week, with traffic, needed Metro improvements, and parking topping locals’ concerns. Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson gets behind the mic to answer questions from Kojo, Tom, and listeners about the new arena that could be coming to his community. Plus, what are his thoughts on the potential of a retail cannabis market debuting in Virginia as early as January 2025?

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