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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.

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.

A new Richmond soccer bar aims to open before the World Cup

Think a giant LED screen, Venezuelan food and World Cup watch parties.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="House of Futbol" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/houseoffutbolcoffeebar/" data-vars-content-id="ee3138ac-c448-4bff-b649-a87d4ed3f507" data-vars-headline="A new Richmond soccer bar aims to open before the World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/houseoffutbolcoffeebar/" target="_blank">House of Futbol</a>, a new spot near Scott&#x27;s Addition, wants to become Richmond&#x27;s home for World Cup watch parties.Why it matters: Once fully open, it&#x27;ll be the city&#x27;s only dedicated soccer bar serving up coffee, big-match watch parties and Venezuelan food.

Kobop launches $1 wing Wednesdays in South Richmond

The Korean fried chicken special is at Kobop inside Väsen on Forest Hill.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kobop" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/12/19/vasen-kobop-forest-hill-brewery-korean-bbq" data-vars-content-id="3e2b4c09-8d7f-47da-848d-71e1745bd178" data-vars-headline="Kobop launches $1 wing Wednesdays in South Richmond" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/12/19/vasen-kobop-forest-hill-brewery-korean-bbq" target="_self">Kobop</a> on Forest Hill just launched a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$1 wing Wednesday" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DX-g6SMJsjc/" data-vars-content-id="3e2b4c09-8d7f-47da-848d-71e1745bd178" data-vars-headline="Kobop launches $1 wing Wednesdays in South Richmond" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DX-g6SMJsjc/" target="_blank">$1 wing Wednesday</a> special.Why it matters: That&#x27;s about 40% off the regular price of six wings for $10.

Richmonders nominated for James Beard Media Awards

Richmond food storytellers are up for national honors from the James Beard Foundation.

A bunch of Richmonders were nominated for James Beard Media Awards.Why it matters: Richmond is once again getting the Beard love it deserves.

Richmond Common House drops name amid management shakeup

The shift follows a closure and dispute in Charlottesville, raising questions about the brand's future.

Business

Arts District social club <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Common House" data-vars-click-url="https://www.commonhouse.com/richmond-links?utm_source=ig&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_content=link_in_bio&amp;fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGn8JVeKGoepio4WzJZUGIXmkrpx96-gWVc-MPz4o4s1wQN_77A_ley0Lz-4SA_aem__Gki1OedeRYa4svFb_xKSA" data-vars-content-id="8bfe58d8-a2b0-4307-acdc-9c6bb2947c3e" data-vars-headline="Richmond Common House drops name amid management shakeup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.commonhouse.com/richmond-links?utm_source=ig&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_content=link_in_bio&amp;fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGn8JVeKGoepio4WzJZUGIXmkrpx96-gWVc-MPz4o4s1wQN_77A_ley0Lz-4SA_aem__Gki1OedeRYa4svFb_xKSA" target="_blank">Common House</a> will soon go by a different name. Why it matters: The swanky members-only club is cutting ties with the brand and reopening under new management — an abrupt shift that follows a sudden closure at the original Charlottesville location.

Hardywood debuts River On! IPA for summer on the James River

The new low-cal, 3.9% ABV brew supports James River cleanup efforts with every barrel sold.

Hardywood is out with a new low-cal, low-ABV brew, just in time for summer sippin&#x27; on the James. Why it matters: Sales of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="River On!" data-vars-click-url="https://www.hardywood.com/river-on" data-vars-content-id="a3472dc4-9318-4c9c-a647-9074847963c0" data-vars-headline="Hardywood debuts River On! IPA for summer on the James River" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.hardywood.com/river-on" target="_blank">River On!</a> help support efforts to keep the river clean.

Richmond brewery named Sam Adams experienceship finalist

Glen Allen's Intermission Beer Co. heads to Brooklyn to compete for a yearlong Sam Adams mentorship.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Intermission Beer Company" data-vars-click-url="https://www.intermissionbeer.com/" data-vars-content-id="ad2435bf-92bf-432e-ab56-4728bdc487d6" data-vars-headline="Richmond brewery named Sam Adams experienceship finalist" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.intermissionbeer.com/" target="_blank">Intermission Beer Company</a> is in the running to win an &quot;experienceship&quot; at Samuel Adams, the Boston brewery <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announced last week" data-vars-click-url="https://www.brewingtheamericandream.com/" data-vars-content-id="ad2435bf-92bf-432e-ab56-4728bdc487d6" data-vars-headline="Richmond brewery named Sam Adams experienceship finalist" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.brewingtheamericandream.com/" target="_blank">announced last week</a>.Why it matters: The woman-owned Glen Allen brewery is one of six finalists selected from a nationwide pool.

Create your own latte at this hidden Richmond dessert spot

Sweet Treat RVA also has a secret menu that includes a Fruity Pebbles latte and is open until 11pm.

There&#x27;s a place off Mechanicsville Turnpike where you can create your own latte.Why it matters: This is what coffee dreams are made of.

Richmond among cheapest for DoorDash breakfast basics

A basic breakfast delivery costs far less in Richmond than most cities, but real orders may vary.

Richmond is one of the cheapest cites in the nation to DoorDash breakfast, according to the food delivery company.Why it matters: With these <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="gas prices" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/21/gas-prices-high-iran-strait-hormuz" data-vars-content-id="0b5a209f-9ac9-4904-ac66-fe9058f7b85b" data-vars-headline="Richmond among cheapest for DoorDash breakfast basics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/21/gas-prices-high-iran-strait-hormuz" target="_self">gas prices</a>, we could all use a pocketbook win.

Food and Drink 🍽

Richmond is fighting over rainbow cookies

Stella's Grocery opens long-awaited Chesterfield spot

A new Richmond soccer bar aims to open before the World Cup

Kobop launches $1 wing Wednesdays in South Richmond

Richmonders nominated for James Beard Media Awards