James City County

Officials are hoping that Hampton Roads is in a better position to receive some of the $50 billion Obama is pushing to invest in highways and rail lines across the country.

The new Adult Mental Health Treatment Center at Eastern State Hospital is almost ready for its first patients.

Thousands of people employed by Hampton Roads contractors stand to lose their jobs if the Joint Forces Command Center closes as expected.

A new Hampton Roads Planning District Commission report says that local employment and retail activity is improving, but notes that the real estate market continues to underperform.

A Pentagon advisory board tasked with finding ways to cut defense spending has recommended eliminating the Joint Forces Command, which is located in Norfolk.

The military installation has a significant economic impact on Hampton Roads, underpinning the area's high-tech industry. That segment of the local economy provided almost 4,500 high-paying jobs and contributed about $365 million to the local economy in 2007, according to a 2007 Old Dominion University Report.

Read more in local news outlets:

• Pentagon advisory board recommends axing Joint Forces Command
• Report: Board pushes closing Norfolk's Joint Forces Command
• Opposition arises to closure of Norfolk command