A proposal to bring a 900-acre solar project to southern Chesapeake passed planning commission and now heads to City Council for approval or denial. The project highlights an interesting debate: the rights of landowners to sell or lease their property out to a solar project or other use versus what's good for the overall community, particularly with its long ties to farming. Some say farming is slowly disappearing to development and that if the city continues down a path of losing agriculture land, farming will cease to exist as an economic driver.Â
Read more in this Sunday's Main News section
First, the good news.
For now at least, the worst of the economic storm that has pummeled restaurants in Hampton Roads over the past year has likely subsided. Nearly half of Virginia has gotten a swift vaccine shot to the arm, the springtime sun is shining on hundreds of new patios, and a new round of CARES Act funding is waiting (perhaps too patiently) in the wings.
And this spring, an entire generation of diners has returned to restaurants and breweries, after being early in line to receive their vaccines.
 Read more in the Sunday Break section.
Dutch author and historian Mieke Kierkels and Portsmouth author Chris Dickon have been collaborating on several projects to remember and illuminate the sacrifices and work of African American soldiers during World War. The two also co-authored a book released in September, "Dutch Children of African American Liberators." While tens of thousands of children were born to American soldiers and European women during and after the war, the military's racial policies and customs made it more difficult for the offspring of African American soldiers.
Visit DICK'S Sporting Goods and Shop a Wide Selection of Sports Gear, Equipment, Apparel and Footwear! Get the Top Brands at Competitive Prices. Sign up for a chance to win a $50 gift card at 
