Hey, y’all. It’s Amie.

Are you looking for one last hurrah for the holidays? We’ve got you covered with today’s lead story—and I’m so glad you’re here. 

P.S. Our parent company kindly gives us time to spend with loved ones during the holidays, so we’ll be on a lighter newsletter schedule. You’ll see us in your inbox on Dec. 22, 23, and 30. We’ll be back to our regular schedule on Jan. 5.

Fireworks light up the sky at Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon. (Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association)

By Britteny Dee

Here’s what you need to know: Time is ticking to enjoy some of Virginia’s most fabulous year-end events.

Our top picks:

• Have you ever wondered what George Washington’s home might have looked like at Christmas time? You can find out at Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon, a Dec. 20 & 21 holiday event featuring historic spaces throughout the famed estate illuminated with festive lights, plus fireworks over the Potomac River, an artisan market, and tasty treats like s’mores and gingerbread.

• There is plenty of winter fun to be had at Ice & Lights–The Winter Village at Cameron Run. In the village, you’ll find winter-themed light displays, food vendors selling treats like hot chocolate, pizza, and s’mores kits, and private cabanas for rent. There is also an ice skating rink for day or night skating.
• Need some post-Christmas cheer? First Night Alexandria is a New Year’s Eve celebration that’s been bringing people together to close out the year every year for more than three decades. The family-friendly event features live music and performers, a dance party, and two firework displays over the Potomac River.

What are you waiting for? There’s still time to enjoy Virginia’s top holiday happenings. 

Earlier this week, we asked your opinion on what issues you’d like to see Abigail Spanberger take on when she takes office on Jan. 17.

We received many wonderful responses, and I’d like to highlight this one from Ava E.: “I’m hoping she tackles affordability. Things are just way too expensive, and I think everyone can use some relief ASAP.”

Missed out on the conversation? Shoot me a message at amie@couriernewsroom.com to express your opinion now. 

A cannabis plant that is close to harvest grows in a grow room at the Greenleaf Medical Cannabis facility in Richmond, Va., June 17, 2021. (AP Photo/Steve Helber, File)

By Michael O’Connor

Virginia’s retail cannabis sales could start next November, but debate continues about how to establish the market in a way that’s fair to workers and small businesses. 

A committee of state lawmakers met earlier this month to go over the details of how a retail cannabis market could be established and regulated in Virginia. The discussion is years in the making and comes after term-limited Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin has blocked Virginia’s entry into an industry that had over $30 billion in sales last year.

Democratic Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger has said she supports creating a legalized retail market, so it’s likely it will happen on her watch. Virginia already has medical cannabis dispensaries and it’s legal to possess up to one ounce for personal use. But unlike in neighboring Maryland, it’s still illegal to buy and sell cannabis—for now. 

Virginia lawmakers are developing legislation to establish a retail cannabis market in Virginia. They are balancing various goals like making sure small businesses don’t get pushed out by massive corporations; supporting local farmers in this ag-heavy state; righting the wrongs perpetuated by the racist prosecution of the War on Drugs, and protecting public safety. 

• A new report from Community Climate Collaborative shows that more than 28,000 Richmond households are spending an unaffordable share of their income on basic heat and electricity. (Watch here)

• A new analysis from Synapse Energy Economics finds that Virginia families are paying more for electricity largely because affordable clean energy projects can’t get connected to the grid. Meanwhile, data centers are driving record demand. (Read more)

• Tens of thousands of Virginians get kicked out of their homes every year at a time when affordable housing is scarce. (Read more)

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