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Ukrop's gets a bigger footprint inside Richmond-area Kroger

A renovated Midlothian Kroger will soon feature a dedicated section for Ukrop's favorites.

Business

The Kroger on Midlothian near Winterfield is getting a bigger and bolder section for Ukrop&#x27;s products. Why it matters: It&#x27;s like Ukrop&#x27;s Super Markets never left us.

Inside the Italian market tucked into a Church Hill garage

Giorno Market is bring Euro summer to Richmond with imported Italian goods, peachy umbrellas and no AC.

Things to Do

Sabrina here. The closest thing to an Italian summer in Richmond might be a converted garage in Church Hill.Why it matters: Almost everything at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Giorno Market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/giornomarket/?hl=en" data-vars-content-id="65986078-f114-408c-bd3d-a97c6e941fea" data-vars-headline="Inside the Italian market tucked into a Church Hill garage" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/giornomarket/?hl=en" target="_blank">Giorno Market</a> is imported from Italy, its peachy umbrellas are reminiscent of those on the Amalfi Coast and the lack of AC will make you feel very European in no time.

Richmond restaurant hit with erroneous $60K water bill

Her usual bill is about $1,500, but a meter issue led to a $58,486 charge and a cash crunch.

News

A Richmond restaurant owner says the city mistakenly pulled roughly $60,000 from her bank account this week for a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="utility bill" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/07/08/richmond-dpu-utility-billing-problems-new-system-payments-account-numbers" data-vars-content-id="1c440395-771c-4e8c-bb8c-1adac040b2f5" data-vars-headline="Richmond restaurant hit with erroneous $60K water bill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/07/08/richmond-dpu-utility-billing-problems-new-system-payments-account-numbers" target="_self">utility bill</a> that typically would&#x27;ve been around $1,500.Why it matters: The erroneous charge left <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Harry&#x27;s at Hofheimer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2023/10/16/scotts-addition-speakeasy" data-vars-content-id="1c440395-771c-4e8c-bb8c-1adac040b2f5" data-vars-headline="Richmond restaurant hit with erroneous $60K water bill" 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/scotts-addition-speakeasy" target="_self">Harry&#x27;s at Hofheimer</a> owner Natalie McNamara scrambling to get her money back and raised fresh questions about the city&#x27;s billing system amid ongoing problems.

Chesterfield bucks Richmond-area trend with lower-density plan

Its draft plan would cut residential density 9.6% as neighboring localities embrace denser growth.

Chesterfield expects to add more than 100,000 residents by 2050. But its proposed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="long-term plan" data-vars-click-url="https://online.encodeplus.com/regs/chesterfieldcounty-va-planmod/doc-viewer.aspx#secid-683" data-vars-content-id="ea6c7aba-aa20-4a0d-870b-0b7b2e055277" data-vars-headline="Chesterfield bucks Richmond-area trend with lower-density plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://online.encodeplus.com/regs/chesterfieldcounty-va-planmod/doc-viewer.aspx#secid-683" target="_blank">long-term plan</a> calls for less residential density countywide, not more. Why it matters: Chesterfield&#x27;s approach to growth stands out in the region. <ul><li>While <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Richmond" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/08/17/richmond-zoning-code-draft-three-duplexes-housing-corridors" data-vars-content-id="ea6c7aba-aa20-4a0d-870b-0b7b2e055277" data-vars-headline="Chesterfield bucks Richmond-area trend with lower-density plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/08/17/richmond-zoning-code-draft-three-duplexes-housing-corridors" target="_self">Richmond</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Henrico" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/08/06/lakeside-garden-district-mixed-use-development-traffic" data-vars-content-id="ea6c7aba-aa20-4a0d-870b-0b7b2e055277" data-vars-headline="Chesterfield bucks Richmond-area trend with lower-density plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/08/06/lakeside-garden-district-mixed-use-development-traffic" target="_self">Henrico</a> have explored adding more housing in neighborhoods and commercial corridors, Chesterfield is moving in the other direction.</li></ul>

Flying Squirrels reveal cause of viral fireworks mishap

The CarMax Park scare happened after a Roman candle tipped over, sending fireworks into the crowd.

<figure><img alt="a gif of a video showing fireworks across the flying squirrels " height="449" id="a0ed24b7-af97-4cd7-9a5c-97780c2bc312" src="https://images.axios.com/Z3lZeO_6Kd0sQLRAAB6IHqjfFiE=/2026/07/27/1785167787663.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Video: Nikkilas Walker</figcaption></figure>The culprit behind the &quot;In Your Face Fireworks&quot; mishap at the Flying Squirrels game last week has been identified: a Roman candle.Why it matters: The error led to fireworks heading horizontally into the crowd, looking like the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="time-traveling DeLorean" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWG3Dfss3Jc" data-vars-content-id="4c860692-b261-413d-81f9-35f16bc78b8a" data-vars-headline="Flying Squirrels reveal cause of viral fireworks mishap" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWG3Dfss3Jc" target="_blank">time-traveling DeLorean</a> from &quot;Back to the Future&quot; and sending fans scrambling for cover.

World Cup revives debate: Is "Country Roads" about Virginia?

Virginia, West Virginia and even Maryland all say John Denver's most famous song belongs to them. Here's why.

Culture

The World Cup turned John Denver&#x27;s &quot;Take Me Home, Country Roads&quot; into an international singalong at matches — even when the U.S. wasn&#x27;t playing.Why it matters: It&#x27;s reignited a decades-old debate: Is the song actually about Virginia?

Where to watch the World Cup final in Richmond

The World Cup ends Sunday. Here's where Richmond fans are likely packing bars for Spain vs. Argentina.

The time has finally come: the World Cup final.Why it matters: Spain and Argentina face off Sunday at 3pm — and it&#x27;s Richmond&#x27;s last chance to gather for a FIFA men&#x27;s World Cup watch party until 2030.

Richmond police use pepper spray at Cochiloco World Cup party

Here's what eyewitnesses told Axios — and what Richmond police say happened.

Multiple fights broke out at a packed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/06/10/rva-world-cup-bars-restaurants-specials-soccer" data-vars-content-id="3dad519d-7969-4af9-8224-8dc11b21fda4" data-vars-headline="Richmond police use pepper spray at Cochiloco World Cup party" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/06/10/rva-world-cup-bars-restaurants-specials-soccer" target="_self">World Cup</a> watch party outside of Cochiloco in Scott&#x27;s Addition, which ended with police pepper spraying fans Tuesday night to disperse the crowd.<ul><li>The scene left people inside scrambling out the kitchen and confused about what happened, per eyewitness accounts shared with Axios.</li></ul>Why it matters: The popular Mexican restaurant has become one of Richmond&#x27;s go-to spots for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup matches" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/06/10/rva-world-cup-bars-restaurants-specials-soccer" data-vars-content-id="3dad519d-7969-4af9-8224-8dc11b21fda4" data-vars-headline="Richmond police use pepper spray at Cochiloco World Cup party" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/06/10/rva-world-cup-bars-restaurants-specials-soccer" target="_self">World Cup matches</a>, with crowds regularly spilling onto the sidewalk before kickoff — especially when Mexico plays.<ul><li>Now, Cochiloco management tells Axios &quot;we will not be hosting big matches until further notice.&quot;</li></ul>

Richmond Kickers' new jersey lets fans pick a possum

Four illustrated possums. One jersey. Richmond wouldn't have it any other way.

Richmond&#x27;s unofficial mascot — the Virginia opossum — now has a spot on a Kickers jersey.Why it matters: Fans can <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="buy one" data-vars-click-url="https://shoprichmondsoccer.com/collections/kickers-jerseys/products/rva-wildlife-kit-unisex" data-vars-content-id="cb722700-b8d7-464c-9f72-f3e9a78684ea" data-vars-headline="Richmond Kickers&#x27; new jersey lets fans pick a possum" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://shoprichmondsoccer.com/collections/kickers-jerseys/products/rva-wildlife-kit-unisex" target="_blank">buy one</a> and choose from four (!) different illustrated possums.

This Richmond drink comes in a World Cup trophy glass

A Richmond spot is serving boozy aguas frescas in take-home trophy cups, and rewarding customers who bring them back.

Sabrina here. I&#x27;ve found my new favorite drink in the city, and it&#x27;s at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Abuelita&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/abuelitasrva/" data-vars-content-id="d9de109e-7358-4c5a-8e68-8f2444ce79a6" data-vars-headline="This Richmond drink comes in a World Cup trophy glass" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/abuelitasrva/" target="_blank">Abuelita&#x27;s</a> on Midlo Turnpike.Why it matters: It&#x27;s served in a World Cup trophy glass, topped with Airhead candy and can be spiked with tequila.<ul><li>Oh, and there&#x27;s a 15% discount on your next Abuelita&#x27;s meal if you bring the glass back.</li></ul>

Richmond's pickleball boom shows signs of slowing

The city's court count stayed flat this year after a rapid rise from 2023 to 2025.

Sports

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pickleball craze" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/04/04/walmart-free-pickleball-game-subway-sub" data-vars-content-id="361cff17-5cfe-4844-adc1-b8ae062555c0" data-vars-headline="Richmond&#x27;s pickleball boom shows signs of slowing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/04/04/walmart-free-pickleball-game-subway-sub" target="_self">pickleball craze</a> — so hot in the pandemic and immediately afterward — may be cooling off.Why it matters: America&#x27;s one-time fastest-growing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sport" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2021/02/24/pandemic-sport-pickleball" data-vars-content-id="361cff17-5cfe-4844-adc1-b8ae062555c0" data-vars-headline="Richmond&#x27;s pickleball boom shows signs of slowing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2021/02/24/pandemic-sport-pickleball" target="_self">sport</a> is also possibly one of the most <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="polarizing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.reddit.com/r/Pickleball/comments/1lzr8aw/why_is_there_such_an_immense_hate_stigma_on/" data-vars-content-id="361cff17-5cfe-4844-adc1-b8ae062555c0" data-vars-headline="Richmond&#x27;s pickleball boom shows signs of slowing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Pickleball/comments/1lzr8aw/why_is_there_such_an_immense_hate_stigma_on/" target="_blank">polarizing</a>.

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

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

Food and Drink

<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.

Richmond's Dystany Spurlock set to make NASCAR history

She's about to be the first Black woman to race in one of NASCAR's top national series.

Dystany Spurlock is about to become the first Black woman to race in one of NASCAR&#x27;s top national series.Why it matters: She grew up outside of the Richmond Raceway.

CarMax Park suites, perks in Richmond range from $25 to $6,000

Fans can pay for everything from first pitches to party decks, with some luxury spaces sold out.

With CarMax Park, the Richmond Flying Squirrels are going all-in on game-day extras for 2026.Why it matters: If you want to book one of the premium, private suites, it might cost you anywhere from $800 to $6,000, according to figures shared with Axios.

Sports 🏅

Flying Squirrels reveal cause of viral fireworks mishap

World Cup revives debate: Is "Country Roads" about Virginia?

Where to watch the World Cup final in Richmond

Richmond police use pepper spray at Cochiloco World Cup party

Richmond Kickers' new jersey lets fans pick a possum