Economy

The Supreme Court’s decision Thursday to vacate stays of activity, which were issued earlier this month, came on the same day that attorneys appeared before appellate judges to debate whether environmental cases against the pipeline should be dismissed.

Tuesday’s court filings mean both proponents and opponents of the controversial natural gas pipeline have now made their voices heard to Chief Justice John Roberts. It’s not clear when he will next act on the case.

If approved, the $417 million deal would create a combined company with nearly $24 billion in assets.

With the potential for tens of millions of dollars at stake, a regional consortium hopes a new federal economic development program will boost the nuclear industry in the Hill City and Southwest Virginia.

A locality without a tourism brand is going to fall behind, said Danville tourism manager Lisa Meriweather. Visit SoSi is meant to attract visitors, as well as change the perspective of current residents.

Advocates say adding daily flights would improve access to Washington, D.C., while boosting employment and lowering ticket prices. Opponents say it would increase congestion and delays, worsening service for Virginia’s regional airports.

Chicago-based Green Thumb Industries’ newest production site will help boost supply in Virginia’s medical marijuana market — and could position the company for further success if retail pot becomes legal.

Environmentalists say Tuesday’s order, which follows another stay issued Monday, should halt all work on the 303-mile pipeline through Virginia and West Virginia. The principal company behind the project says it might appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Attorneys for the natural gas project said that a Richmond-based appeals court has no jurisdiction to hear pending cases against it. That same court ordered the company to hold off on construction activity in Jefferson National Forest while cases are unresolved.

The neighborhood around the casino has remained largely unchanged since its opening, but property prices have spiked, and city officials say they’ve seen lots of interest from hotels and restaurants.