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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-area free pools and splash pads open

Free water spots across Richmond, Henrico and Chesterfield are now open as temperatures rise.

Richmond-area free public pools and splash pads are officially opening for the summer. Why it matters: Sure, it might rain all Memorial Day weekend, but we&#x27;ve got three whole months of summer heat ahead of us, so count this as your promise of relief later.

Lewis Ginter debuts $31M expansion in Richmond

Richmond visitors can now explore new gardens, lake trails and tropical butterflies all year.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/05/06/lewis-ginter-union-pay-negotiations-thrive-expansion-opening" data-vars-content-id="fefbf16e-433b-4900-b1f8-ed94ff2130b6" data-vars-headline="Lewis Ginter debuts $31M expansion in Richmond" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/05/06/lewis-ginter-union-pay-negotiations-thrive-expansion-opening" target="_self">Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden&#x27;s</a> expanded conservatory and new gardens open this weekend. Why it matters: The expansion comes with more gardens, meadows and views to enjoy — plus butterflies year-round.

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.

First look at RACC's new Fan adoption center

Renderings show cat lounges, dog adoption space and a bold pink facade in the Fan.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Richmond Animal Care &amp; Control" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/03/14/richmond-animal-shelter-funny-pet-names" data-vars-content-id="6cae300c-713a-4cd3-bccc-42290a5bc4e8" data-vars-headline="First look at RACC&#x27;s new Fan adoption center" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/03/14/richmond-animal-shelter-funny-pet-names" target="_self">Richmond Animal Care &amp; Control</a> just shared renderings of its animal adoption center in the works in the Fan. Why it matters: The one-time <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jeep dealership and artist studios property" data-vars-click-url="https://phrehomes.com/home-search/listings/2674123855958210832-2310-W-Cary-St" data-vars-content-id="6cae300c-713a-4cd3-bccc-42290a5bc4e8" data-vars-headline="First look at RACC&#x27;s new Fan adoption center" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://phrehomes.com/home-search/listings/2674123855958210832-2310-W-Cary-St" target="_blank">Jeep dealership and artist studios property</a> will give the city shelter more space for cat and dog adoptions — and for animals in need.

Poll: Do you like Ukrop's rainbow cookies?

Richmond has strong opinions about rainbow cookies. We want yours.

Ukrop&#x27;s bite-sized rainbow cookies have become a critical part of Richmond&#x27;s culinary identity, popping up in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="lattes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DVMhTtnkXff/" data-vars-content-id="993b178e-78f7-4ed3-a918-bbf833d13cce" data-vars-headline="Poll: Do you like Ukrop&#x27;s rainbow cookies?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DVMhTtnkXff/" target="_blank">lattes</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="art prints" data-vars-click-url="https://ukropshomestylefoods.com/product/rainbow-cookie-print-from-rva-coffee-stain/" data-vars-content-id="993b178e-78f7-4ed3-a918-bbf833d13cce" data-vars-headline="Poll: Do you like Ukrop&#x27;s rainbow cookies?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ukropshomestylefoods.com/product/rainbow-cookie-print-from-rva-coffee-stain/" target="_blank">art prints</a> and as Kickers&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="jerseys" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CyOWuAoOmt6/" data-vars-content-id="993b178e-78f7-4ed3-a918-bbf833d13cce" data-vars-headline="Poll: Do you like Ukrop&#x27;s rainbow cookies?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CyOWuAoOmt6/" target="_blank">jerseys</a>.<ul><li>They&#x27;ve been an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ice cream flavor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/gelaticelestiicecream/posts/rva-in-a-scoop-rainbow-cookie-our-homemade-ice-cream-legendary-ukrops-homestyle-/927437656087307/" data-vars-content-id="993b178e-78f7-4ed3-a918-bbf833d13cce" data-vars-headline="Poll: Do you like Ukrop&#x27;s rainbow cookies?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/gelaticelestiicecream/posts/rva-in-a-scoop-rainbow-cookie-our-homemade-ice-cream-legendary-ukrops-homestyle-/927437656087307/" target="_blank">ice cream flavor</a>, turned into a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="popsicle" data-vars-click-url="https://rvahub.com/2017/03/22/king-of-pops-creates-special-rainbow-cookie-popsicle-and-you-can-try-one-for-free-thursday/" data-vars-content-id="993b178e-78f7-4ed3-a918-bbf833d13cce" data-vars-headline="Poll: Do you like Ukrop&#x27;s rainbow cookies?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://rvahub.com/2017/03/22/king-of-pops-creates-special-rainbow-cookie-popsicle-and-you-can-try-one-for-free-thursday/" target="_blank">popsicle</a> and declared by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="one TikTokker" data-vars-click-url="https://bit.ly/3POIy4r" data-vars-content-id="993b178e-78f7-4ed3-a918-bbf833d13cce" data-vars-headline="Poll: Do you like Ukrop&#x27;s rainbow cookies?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bit.ly/3POIy4r" target="_blank">one TikTokker</a> as &quot;the best cookies on earth.&quot;</li></ul>Why it matters: With so many <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="newcomers in Richmond" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/31/metro-richmond-population-growth-2025-census-immigration-henrico-chesterfield" data-vars-content-id="993b178e-78f7-4ed3-a918-bbf833d13cce" data-vars-headline="Poll: Do you like Ukrop&#x27;s 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/2026/03/31/metro-richmond-population-growth-2025-census-immigration-henrico-chesterfield" target="_self">newcomers in Richmond</a>, we wanted to see whether rainbow cookies are loved by everyone or mostly longtime locals who grew up with them.

What's changing at Riverrock in Richmond this year

K9 Superwall, Fit-X and free concerts at Allianz Amphitheater headline Riverrock's changes.

It&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Riverrock" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/20/top-richmond-spring-events-festivals-concerts-races-2026-guide" data-vars-content-id="6dc66966-5bb8-4828-8b38-08fa2f01357f" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s changing at Riverrock in Richmond this year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/20/top-richmond-spring-events-festivals-concerts-races-2026-guide" target="_self">Riverrock</a> weekend in RVA, and changes are afoot this year.Why it matters: With Brown&#x27;s Island still <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="under construction" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/09/03/richmond-browns-island-park-revamp-2026-amenities" data-vars-content-id="6dc66966-5bb8-4828-8b38-08fa2f01357f" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s changing at Riverrock in Richmond this year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/09/03/richmond-browns-island-park-revamp-2026-amenities" target="_self">under construction</a>, the outdoor sports festival has a new footprint for 2026, plus a few other additions on tap.

Richmond's weekend lineup goes beyond Riverrock

From dog jumping to bear breakfasts, Richmond has a packed lineup of local fun.

It might be Riverrock weekend, but there&#x27;s still plenty else going on in town. <ul><li>Here&#x27;s what you can get into. </li></ul>

Richmond exhibit revisits Best Products' radical design

The exhibit shows how Frances and Sydney Lewis helped reshape national retail architecture.

A new exhibition at The Branch Museum of Design explores how the &quot;radical design&quot; of Richmond-based <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Best Products" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/30/henrico-best-products-demolition-eagle-statues" data-vars-content-id="a4d8c906-7249-4786-aba3-fcd420f52bcb" data-vars-headline="Richmond exhibit revisits Best Products&#x27; radical design" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/30/henrico-best-products-demolition-eagle-statues" target="_self">Best Products</a> helped reshape the national retail landscape.Why it matters: Generations of Richmonders grew up with these stores — and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Best&#x27;s catalogue" data-vars-click-url="https://www.reddit.com/r/nostalgia/comments/10hfya1/the_best_store_catalog/" data-vars-content-id="a4d8c906-7249-4786-aba3-fcd420f52bcb" data-vars-headline="Richmond exhibit revisits Best Products&#x27; radical design" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.reddit.com/r/nostalgia/comments/10hfya1/the_best_store_catalog/" target="_blank">Best&#x27;s catalogue</a>.

VCU move-out season brings alley dumping complaints

Neighborhoods near VCU brace for the wave of discarded furniture and curbside clutter ever year.

VCU Police just dropped a new video campaign reminding students not to junk up city alleys and curbs with their unwanted stuff when they move out. Why it matters: It&#x27;s long been a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="thing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.reddit.com/r/rva/comments/1l1z9jg/alley_trash_update/" data-vars-content-id="74c7831d-1303-408f-a2ef-218d55d998e7" data-vars-headline="VCU move-out season brings alley dumping complaints" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.reddit.com/r/rva/comments/1l1z9jg/alley_trash_update/" target="_blank">thing</a>, particularly in the half-dozen or so neighborhoods around campus where many students live.