The Last Mile, Rolling the Dice, and Youngkin's Exit Strategy
IN THE NEWS: Virginia is getting a huge infusion of cash from Uncle Sam to help expand broadband coverage to underserved parts of the state -- especially areas where speeds are less than 25 megabits per second. Thanks to a program created by the Inflation Reduction Act, Virginia is getting $1.5 billion for broadband expansion Governor Glenn Youngkin wants Virginia to leave the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, and he's already removed Virginia from the Electronic Registration Center. One has to do with the environment, and the other is about elections. David Becker at the Center for Election Innovation and Research tells me the multi-state compact known as ERIC has helped Virginia though Republican administrations and Democratic administrations. Richmond is getting a first look at new plans for a proposed casino from Churchill Downs and Urban One. Voters will have to approve of the casino proposal in November, which is why the developers are taking this opportunity to unveil the new name and brand identity. At the Watercooler: Bobby Scott's Cookout, plus turnover at Virginia's Parole Board. TRIVIA: James Monroe has two non-consecutive terms as governor.