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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.

Richmond drivers squeezed by rising car ownership costs

Monthly payments, insurance and repairs are all climbing faster than wages in Virginia.

Even if you put aside <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="gas prices" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/05/06/virginia-gas-tax-holiday-richmond-pump-prices-aaa" data-vars-content-id="5a64973c-8d76-4fdc-9acd-73a671aac31c" data-vars-headline="Richmond drivers squeezed by rising car ownership costs" 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/virginia-gas-tax-holiday-richmond-pump-prices-aaa" target="_self">gas prices</a> for the moment, car ownership has gotten a lot more expensive in recent years.Why it matters: Despite Richmond&#x27;s free bus service, ample bike lanes and ever-improving pedestrian infrastructure, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most locals" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/07/31/richmond-biking-walking-transportation-stats" data-vars-content-id="5a64973c-8d76-4fdc-9acd-73a671aac31c" data-vars-headline="Richmond drivers squeezed by rising car ownership costs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/07/31/richmond-biking-walking-transportation-stats" target="_self">most locals</a> still rely on cars, making rising ownership costs hard to avoid.

Memorial Day travel dips in Virginia amid higher gas prices

AAA says rising gas prices and economic uncertainty are keeping some Virginians off the road.

Fewer Virginians are expected to travel for Memorial Day this year, according to AAA.Why it matters: &quot;Economic uncertainty&quot; and surging gas prices will keep thousands at home for the unofficial start of summer travel, AAA says.

Westwood and Powhatan's birthplace land on endangered places list

Preservation Virginia says development could endanger two sites with deep cultural significance.

Two Richmond-area spots have landed on this year&#x27;s list of Virginia&#x27;s &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most endangered" data-vars-click-url="https://preservationvirginia.org/our-work/preservation/most-endangered-historic-places/" data-vars-content-id="fad59c1e-3810-4fb3-88ab-d1c90f8d9641" data-vars-headline="Westwood and Powhatan&#x27;s birthplace land on endangered places list" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://preservationvirginia.org/our-work/preservation/most-endangered-historic-places/" target="_blank">most endangered</a>&quot; sites.Why it matters: Preservation Virginia, the group behind the list, hopes to save the historically significant spaces at risk of being demolished or erased.

GRTC reveals redevelopment vision for future Pulse line

The concepts could see Chamberlayne, Hull Street and Midlothian Turnpike transformed over the next few decades.

New apartments, redesigned shopping centers and more walkable streets could transform parts of Richmond under plans tied to the proposed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="North-South Pulse bus line" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ridegrtc.com/community/projects/brt-expansion/" data-vars-content-id="42562e7f-29ba-4f8a-a0e3-bcb6f2c85142" data-vars-headline="GRTC reveals redevelopment vision for future Pulse line" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ridegrtc.com/community/projects/brt-expansion/" target="_blank">North-South Pulse bus line</a>.Why it matters: The newly unveiled concepts show how the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="years-in-the-making" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2023/10/16/grtc-north-south-rapid-transit-route" data-vars-content-id="42562e7f-29ba-4f8a-a0e3-bcb6f2c85142" data-vars-headline="GRTC reveals redevelopment vision for future Pulse line" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2023/10/16/grtc-north-south-rapid-transit-route" target="_self">years-in-the-making</a> transit line could drive redevelopment across the city.

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.

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 pauses bike-lane buffer tickets after backlash

Enforcement resumes June 1, despite complaints that some parking spaces are too narrow for cars to fit legally.

Richmond is backing off its bike-lane buffer ticketing until June 1 after residents complained they were blindsided by the policy change.<ul><li>But officials aren&#x27;t yet addressing another issue: Some parking spaces are so narrow that cars spill into the buffer zone even when parked correctly.</li></ul>Why it matters: When enforcement starts back up, the city&#x27;s message is essentially that if your car doesn&#x27;t fit, park somewhere else — or risk a citation.

News 🗞

Richmond businesses are growing — but feeling squeezed

Richmond drivers squeezed by rising car ownership costs

Memorial Day travel dips in Virginia amid higher gas prices

Westwood and Powhatan's birthplace land on endangered places list

GRTC reveals redevelopment vision for future Pulse line