www.thecentersquare.com – By Shirleen Guerra | The Center Square – (The Center Square – ) 2025-05-19 12:35:00
Over $15 million in federal funding is allocated to Virginia’s coastline to combat rising seas, erosion, and flooding. Democratic U.S. Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner announced $10.3 million for Tangier Island’s dredging and shoreline work and $4.95 million for a coastal storm risk management study in Virginia Beach and nearby cities. Tangier Island faces rapid erosion, losing over three feet of land annually, threatening homes and docks. Virginia Beach has over 60,000 flood-prone homes and vulnerable evacuation routes. The study aims to map flood risks and explore solutions like shoreline barriers. The funding builds on long-standing efforts to protect the region from flooding.
(The Center Square) – Over $15 million in new federal funding is heading to Virginia’s coastline to help protect communities facing rising seas, crumbling shorelines and mounting flood risks.
The investment, announced by Democratic U.S. Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, includes $10.3 million for dredging and shoreline work on Tangier Island and $4.95 million for a coastal storm risk management study in Virginia Beach and nearby cities.
Tangier Island has been losing over three feet of land each year to erosion,according to federal reports— a pace that’s already carved away much of its shoreline and left homes and working docks dangerously close to the water.
Tangier is home to just over 400 people and is only accessible by boat or small plane, making it one of the most isolated communities in Virginia.Many residents rely on commercial crabbing for income, and over 70% lack health insurance, according to U.S. Census data.
The $4.95 million study will help the region prepare for rising water by mapping flood risks and testing long-term solutions like shoreline barriers and building elevations.
City planners say more than60,000 peoplein Virginia Beach live in flood-prone homes, and about 35% of the city’s evacuation routes are already vulnerable during heavy rain or tidal flooding.
Federal officials have studied erosion threats to Tangier Island formore than50 years, recommending a seawall as early as 1976. That project, along with other shoreline protections, was never built.
In Virginia Beach, the latest study builds on years of work between the city and the Army Corps of Engineers, including a 2022 federal partnership to model storm surge, erosion and long-term flood risk.
“Coastal Virginia has longbeen identifiedas one of themost vulnerable regions of the countryto flooding,” Warner and Kaine said in a joint statement.“Thanks to smart federal investments, we’re not just worrying about it anymore—we’re doing something about it.”
Note: The following A.I. based commentary is not part of the original article, reproduced above, but is offered in the hopes that it will promote greater media literacy and critical thinking, by making any potential bias more visible to the reader –Staff Editor.
Political Bias Rating: Centrist
The article primarily reports on the allocation of federal funding for flood protection and erosion control in Virginia, particularly for Tangier Island and Virginia Beach. The content remains factual and focuses on the actions of Democratic U.S. Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner. While the article highlights their announcement of the investment, the language is neutral and does not attempt to persuade readers toward a specific political stance. The framing of the situation emphasizes the challenges of erosion and rising seas, but it does not promote an ideological position on these issues. The coverage sticks to factual details and provides information on the needs of the communities involved.
Virginia’s general fund revenues surged 6.3%, nearly $1.5 billion above last year, with April alone up 8.8%, surpassing forecasts by $211.1 million. Gov. Glenn Youngkin highlighted strong job growth, noting 265,000 more Virginians employed over three years and over $100 billion in capital investments. While the national economy slowed, driven by a spike in imports and a GDP decline, Virginia added 5,900 jobs in March in sectors like construction and healthcare. Federal job losses, both state and national, pose risks. Inflation eased slightly in April, and the Federal Reserve maintained interest rates, indicating steady economic conditions amid cautious optimism.
Virginia’s general fund revenues rose sharply in April, bucking signs of a national economic cooldown as the state continues to post steady long-time job growth and rake in more tax dollars than projected.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced Monday that general fund revenues are up 6.3% — nearly $1.5 billion — compared to the same 10-month period last fiscal year. April alone brought in $322.4 million more than the same month in 2024, marking an 8.8% jump. Overall, revenues are tracking 0.8% — or $211.1 million — ahead of the state’s official forecast, with two months left in the fiscal year.
“Virginia’s financials remain strong, reflecting strong job growth and business investment,” Youngkin said in a statement. “With over 265,000 more Virginians working today versus three years ago and over $100 billion in capital investment commitments from companies eager to grow in Virginia, the Commonwealth’s financial performance is tracking ahead of forecast.”
The upbeat state report comes even as the national economy posted a notable dip in growth. According to a memo from Secretary of Finance Stephen Cummings to the governor, real U.S. GDP growth fell sharply in the first quarter of 2025.
The decline was largely driven by a surge in imports, as consumers rushed to beat expected tariffs. Imports grew at a 9% annual rate, while the rest of the economy posted a more modest 2% pace.
Despite the GDP slide, hiring remained solid. The U.S. added 177,000 jobs in April, and Virginia tacked on 5,900 jobs in March — the most recent month with available data — led by construction, health care and transportation. The state’s unemployment rate nudged up slightly to 3.2% in March, up from 3.1 percent the previous month.
Still, federal employment is showing cracks. Virginia lost an estimated 4,100 federal jobs in March, while nationally the federal government shed 9,000 jobs in April — figures that state officials say bear watching.
“Strong revenue results for April, a significant collection month, indicate that the Virginia economy continues to exceed our prudent forecast,” Cummings said in a statement. “While we continue to have confidence in our FY2025 forecast and the long-term resiliency and strength of the Virginia economy, we are cognizant of potential short-term risks associated with federal job reductions and the resetting of trade relationships.”
Cummings added that the governor’s final budget decisions reflect a “prudent and responsible plan on behalf of our taxpayers to provide additional cushion for the commonwealth’s general fund resources.”
Meanwhile, inflation cooled slightly in April. Consumer prices rose 2.3% compared to last year, down from 2.4% in March and well below the 3.3% rate seen a year ago. Core inflation, which excludes food and energy, held steady at 2.8%. The Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge also fell, with the core personal consumption expenditures index easing to 2.6% in March.
The Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged earlier this month and is expected to do so again at its June 18 meeting.
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Virginia Mercury is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Virginia Mercury maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Samantha Willis for questions: info@virginiamercury.com.
Note: The following A.I. based commentary is not part of the original article, reproduced above, but is offered in the hopes that it will promote greater media literacy and critical thinking, by making any potential bias more visible to the reader –Staff Editor.
Political Bias Rating: Center-Right
This content presents a largely factual and positive portrayal of Virginia’s economic performance under Gov. Glenn Youngkin, a Republican. The focus on strong job growth, increased revenues, and prudent fiscal management reflects a favorable view of conservative economic policies. However, the tone remains measured and avoids partisan rhetoric, emphasizing data and official statements without overt political critique or ideological framing. Thus, the content leans slightly right of center, aligning with pro-business and fiscally conservative perspectives typical of center-right reporting.
www.youtube.com – 13News Now – 2025-05-19 12:03:06
SUMMARY: The Washington Commanders are not expected to experience a sophomore slump despite their tough schedule. The team is mature, with experienced players like Bobby Wagner and Marshon Latimore mentoring younger members. On offense, leaders like Laramie Tunsil and Sam Cosmi add valuable stability. Unlike the 2023 Philadelphia Eagles, who struggled late partly due to coaching changes, the Commanders have retained their key coaches—defensive coordinator DQ and offensive coordinator Cliff Kingsbury—ensuring continuity. While other teams have adjusted to Jalen Daniels’s style, the Commanders’ defense remains strong, especially with a consistent coaching staff guiding them.
Will the Washington Commanders see a sophomore slump this season? We discussed the tough schedule ahead during the latest Sports Overtime podcast.
www.youtube.com – NBC4 Washington – 2025-05-19 05:45:34
SUMMARY: Former President Joe Biden, 82, has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones. His office confirmed the diagnosis following increasing urinary symptoms. Doctors are considering multiple treatment options, including hormone therapy, as the cancer is hormone-sensitive. Dr. Jonathan Wong, an expert in urology, noted that while this type of cancer is aggressive, hormone suppression can manage it, potentially keeping it in remission for an extended period. Biden’s age may complicate treatment, but the priority is controlling the cancer. Wong emphasized the importance of prostate cancer screening for men, especially those with a long life expectancy.
Former President Joe Biden was diagnosed with a more aggressive form of prostate cancer, his office announced. News4’s Tony Perkins, who underwent treatment for prostate cancer earlier this year, sat down with Dr. Jonathan Hwang, his surgeon at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, to learn more about the disease and who should ask for screenings.
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