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Richmond is fighting over rainbow cookies

Spoiler: The biggest skeptics aren't transplants.

Culture

The results are in on the great <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rainbow cookie debate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/05/19/richmond-rainbow-cookie-debate-poll" data-vars-content-id="3c70dee4-f109-4424-a565-ecb94ee16888" data-vars-headline="Richmond is fighting over rainbow cookies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/05/19/richmond-rainbow-cookie-debate-poll" target="_self">rainbow cookie debate</a> of 2026, and it turns out the biggest skeptics aren&#x27;t transplants — they&#x27;re Richmonders who grew up here.Why it matters: Over 900 Axios Richmond reader responses show the split among longtime locals comes down to one thing: whether they experienced Ukrop&#x27;s as a kid.

Spanberger vetoes Virginia marijuana bill, delaying sales again

The governor said Virginia's cannabis marketplace lacked enough enforcement and oversight.

News

Gov. Spanberger on Tuesday vetoed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="legislation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/02/19/virginia-retail-marijuana-sales-bill-2026" data-vars-content-id="05e84a56-06fb-4ccf-8029-ced4b93477c9" data-vars-headline="Spanberger vetoes Virginia marijuana bill, delaying sales again" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/02/19/virginia-retail-marijuana-sales-bill-2026" target="_self">legislation</a> that would&#x27;ve launched legal retail marijuana sales in Virginia. Why it matters: It&#x27;s the third time in three years the Virginia governor vetoed this legislation — but the first time with a Democrat in the executive mansion, and while the party held a trifecta in state government.

Google's second Chesterfield data center could impact wetlands

The proposed campus could disturb streams and possible unmarked graves.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Google" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/11/17/google-chesterfield-county-virginia-data-center-plans" data-vars-content-id="34211d05-f6b3-44ef-87e9-8cf15d75d039" data-vars-headline="Google&#x27;s second Chesterfield data center could impact wetlands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/11/17/google-chesterfield-county-virginia-data-center-plans" target="_self">Google</a>&#x27;s proposed western Chesterfield data center campus could disturb wetlands, streams and possible unmarked graves, according to newly released <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="federal permit filings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nao.usace.army.mil/Media/Public-Notices/Article/4484789/nao-2026-00182-vmrc-project-loch-chesterfield-county-virginia-wauford-prm-site/" data-vars-content-id="34211d05-f6b3-44ef-87e9-8cf15d75d039" data-vars-headline="Google&#x27;s second Chesterfield data center could impact wetlands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nao.usace.army.mil/Media/Public-Notices/Article/4484789/nao-2026-00182-vmrc-project-loch-chesterfield-county-virginia-wauford-prm-site/" target="_blank">federal permit filings</a>. Why it matters: The documents offer one of the clearest looks yet at &quot;Project Loch,&quot; which is part of Google&#x27;s broader $9 billion expansion in Virginia.

17 things to do in Richmond this Memorial Day weekend

Events include a bike ride with the mayor, an Indian food festival and Sting performing at Allianz.

Things to Do

We&#x27;ve made it to Memorial Day weekend! Here&#x27;s what to do if you&#x27;re still in town.

Richmond businesses are growing — but feeling squeezed

Higher wages, rent and taxes are forcing many local businesses to raise prices this year.

Americans are starting businesses at a record pace, and Richmonders are getting in on the entrepreneurial hot streak. Why it matters: Small businesses employ <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="about half" data-vars-click-url="https://advocacy.sba.gov/2025/06/30/new-advocacy-report-shows-the-number-of-small-businesses-in-the-u-s-exceeds-36-million/" data-vars-content-id="b5b1121f-65bf-46f8-b484-17b95dc5a783" data-vars-headline="Richmond businesses are growing — but feeling squeezed" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://advocacy.sba.gov/2025/06/30/new-advocacy-report-shows-the-number-of-small-businesses-in-the-u-s-exceeds-36-million/" target="_blank">about half</a> of the American private-sector workforce, and they&#x27;ve created <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="half of all new jobs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/20/small-business-economy-gas-prices" data-vars-content-id="b5b1121f-65bf-46f8-b484-17b95dc5a783" data-vars-headline="Richmond businesses are growing — but feeling squeezed" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/20/small-business-economy-gas-prices" target="_self">half of all new jobs</a> nationwide over the last half-decade.

BookTok fans are flocking to this Richmond pop-up bookstore

Paperback Parlor is bringing romance, fantasy and sci-fi books to local breweries and wineries.

Danielle Tawney was sitting on her couch in New Kent last spring when she realized the nearest bookstore was nearly 40 minutes away in Richmond or Williamsburg.<ul><li>So she started one herself.</li></ul>Why it matters: Now the 27-year-old VCU grad runs <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Paperback Parlor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/paperbackparlorbooks/" data-vars-content-id="b1607bc0-51ad-41a8-ae85-069f5958c6b1" data-vars-headline="BookTok fans are flocking to this Richmond pop-up bookstore" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/paperbackparlorbooks/" target="_blank">Paperback Parlor</a>, a traveling pop-up that brings romance, fantasy and sci-fi books to breweries, wineries and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="workout classes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DWzpAiBAFB_/" data-vars-content-id="b1607bc0-51ad-41a8-ae85-069f5958c6b1" data-vars-headline="BookTok fans are flocking to this Richmond pop-up bookstore" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DWzpAiBAFB_/" target="_blank">workout classes</a> in Central Virginia.

Stella's Grocery opens long-awaited Chesterfield spot

The Richmond gourmet market chain opened its newest Midlothian location last week at Winterfield Crossing.

Food and Drink

Stella&#x27;s Grocery opened their newest location last week in the Winterfield Crossing shopping center in Midlothian. Why it matters: Chesterfield got itself a Stella&#x27;s market, as we all insist on calling it despite the &quot;grocery&quot; in its name.

What the Dominion-NextEra merger could mean for Richmond

The proposed utility deal touches everything from electricity bills to Richmond's corporate footprint.

Dominion Energy plans to merge with Florida-based NextEra Energy to create the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="world&#x27;s largest electricity company" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/18/nextera-dominion-merger-power-electricity" data-vars-content-id="cf6c9207-fbb0-4f02-9ff8-9a64219d1107" data-vars-headline="What the Dominion-NextEra merger could mean for Richmond" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/18/nextera-dominion-merger-power-electricity" target="_self">world&#x27;s largest electricity company</a>, the companies announced Monday. Why it matters: The deal could have a big impact on Richmonders&#x27; power bills and possibly on Dominion&#x27;s more than <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="5,000 local workers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.grpva.com/research-data/major-employers/" data-vars-content-id="cf6c9207-fbb0-4f02-9ff8-9a64219d1107" data-vars-headline="What the Dominion-NextEra merger could mean for Richmond" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.grpva.com/research-data/major-employers/" target="_blank">5,000 local workers</a>.

Richmond ranks as Virginia's top metro for new grads

ADP says Richmond offers Virginia's strongest mix of jobs, pay and affordability for grads.

Richmond is the best metro in the state for new college grads, according to a new report. Why it matters: We love being in first place — for anything.

Most young Virginia kids live in child care deserts

A new report highlights statewide child care shortages as costs strain working families.

More than half of Virginia families with young children live in a &quot;child care desert&quot; — a region with a shortage of licensed day care providers, according to a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.americanprogress.org/article/americas-licensed-child-care-deserts/" data-vars-content-id="ac1009dd-9bb9-45a4-a0db-75edfb4c715a" data-vars-headline="Most young Virginia kids live in child care deserts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.americanprogress.org/article/americas-licensed-child-care-deserts/" target="_blank">analysis</a>.Why it matters: Quality child care is a crucial benefit for parents with jobs — particularly mothers — and shortages are a financial and logistical headache for families, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios&#x27; Emily Peck reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/29/child-care-daycare-working-parents" data-vars-content-id="ac1009dd-9bb9-45a4-a0db-75edfb4c715a" data-vars-headline="Most young Virginia kids live in child care deserts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/29/child-care-daycare-working-parents" target="_self">Axios&#x27; Emily Peck reports</a>.

Richmond lands nonstop Cancún flights with Breeze

Breeze will fly twice weekly to Mexico, marking Richmond's first direct route there in years.

Breeze Airways will launch nonstop fights from Richmond to Cancún in January. Why it matters: We&#x27;re already packing for our Caribbean vacation.

Richmond brand Kelley Kouture rethinks the high heel

Kelley Kouture's Italian-made shoes are designed to stay comfortable even at 3.4 inches.

Business

Richmonder Kelley Williamson just launched a new high heel designed to be worn all day. Why it matters: If you&#x27;ve got $600 to spare, you can dance your way through wedding season without a pair of flip flops crammed in your clutch.

Richmond climbs in racial inclusion rankings, Brookings finds

New data shows Richmond narrowing racial gaps, though wage and prosperity gains lag peers.

Richmond is making big strides toward <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shrinking the pay" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/02/14/racial-wealth-gap-widens-despite-wage-progress" data-vars-content-id="1235f9a5-c990-4bfe-9327-84af350b4340" data-vars-headline="Richmond climbs in racial inclusion rankings, Brookings finds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/02/14/racial-wealth-gap-widens-despite-wage-progress" target="_self">shrinking the pay</a> and employment gap between its white residents and residents of color, according to a new report from Brookings Institution.Why it matters: Narrowing racial gaps can expand economic opportunity and make the region more attractive to businesses and employers.

Spirit exit adds pressure to Richmond summer fares

With Spirit gone, fewer budget seats could push Richmond fares higher as peak travel season ramps up.

Embattled budget carrier <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Spirit Airlines" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/23/spirit-airlines-bailout-trump-republicans" data-vars-content-id="93a7e750-dd90-4d84-bf71-d951b25afff0" data-vars-headline="Spirit exit adds pressure to Richmond summer fares" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/23/spirit-airlines-bailout-trump-republicans" target="_self">Spirit Airlines</a> ceased operations on Saturday.Why it matters: Spirit was one of a handful of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="low-cost carriers" data-vars-click-url="https://flyrichmond.com/airline-information/" data-vars-content-id="93a7e750-dd90-4d84-bf71-d951b25afff0" data-vars-headline="Spirit exit adds pressure to Richmond summer fares" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://flyrichmond.com/airline-information/" target="_blank">low-cost carriers</a> that flew out of Richmond.

Business 🏦

Richmond businesses are growing — but feeling squeezed

BookTok fans are flocking to this Richmond pop-up bookstore

Stella's Grocery opens long-awaited Chesterfield spot

What the Dominion-NextEra merger could mean for Richmond

Richmond ranks as Virginia's top metro for new grads