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What's next for Chesterfield's $173M Shoosmith Landfill cleanup

The bigger fights over test results, long-term funding and accountability are just beginning.

News

Virginia lawmakers are demanding the release of environmental test results at the bankrupt Shoosmith Landfill as work to stabilize the site moves forward, saying they want proof that it poses no public health risks.Why it matters: The Chesterfield landfill has become one of Virginia&#x27;s biggest environmental cleanup challenges, with an estimated $173 million cleanup cost that may ultimately fall to taxpayers.

Richmond's potato building gets the love it deserves

An architecture-loving creator spotlighted the quirky Markel Building and its baked potato inspiration.

Real Estate

Richmond&#x27;s baked potato-inspired office building is finally getting the love it deserves, thanks to a roving <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="architecture-loving content creator." data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DadrEcutX2I/?hl=en" data-vars-content-id="feefba92-8865-4318-bfe4-37b437f379b2" data-vars-headline="Richmond&#x27;s potato building gets the love it deserves" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DadrEcutX2I/?hl=en" target="_blank">architecture-loving content creator.</a> Why it matters: Once maligned as one of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;10 ugliest buildings in the world" data-vars-click-url="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-markel-building-richmond-virginia" data-vars-content-id="feefba92-8865-4318-bfe4-37b437f379b2" data-vars-headline="Richmond&#x27;s potato building gets the love it deserves" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-markel-building-richmond-virginia" target="_blank">&quot;10 ugliest buildings in the world</a>,&quot; The Markel Building is a local treasure and now at least one influencer seems to agree.

A make-your-own ramen bar in Short Pump has 100+ flavors

The Ramyum Zip has floor-to-ceiling shelves filled with over 100 different ramen flavors.

Food and Drink

There&#x27;s a newish make-your-own ramen bar in Short Pump.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ramyun Zip" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/theramyunzip.richmond/" data-vars-content-id="73fbfe21-5cf8-4571-a1cb-0b608029bd52" data-vars-headline="A make-your-own ramen bar in Short Pump has 100+ flavors" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/theramyunzip.richmond/" target="_blank">Ramyun Zip</a> has floor-to-ceiling shelves filled with over 100 different ramen flavors.

Virginia's best-paying jobs are most exposed to AI, report says

Virginia ranks fifth for workplace AI adoption, putting many white-collar jobs at greater risk of change.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AI" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/04/02/richmond-ai-job-impact-young-workers-entry-level-hiring-decline-virginia" data-vars-content-id="b85c5a9e-11c9-4835-8490-fecd80d34dd9" data-vars-headline="Virginia&#x27;s best-paying jobs are most exposed to AI, report says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/04/02/richmond-ai-job-impact-young-workers-entry-level-hiring-decline-virginia" target="_self">AI</a> is rapidly reshaping Virginia workplaces and it&#x27;s doing so faster than previous technology shifts, according to a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://virginiaworks.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AI-Implications-Report-June-2026-FINAL-LOCKED.pdf" data-vars-content-id="b85c5a9e-11c9-4835-8490-fecd80d34dd9" data-vars-headline="Virginia&#x27;s best-paying jobs are most exposed to AI, report says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://virginiaworks.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AI-Implications-Report-June-2026-FINAL-LOCKED.pdf" target="_blank">report</a> from the state&#x27;s workforce development agency. Why it matters: Virginia&#x27;s high-paying, higher education-backed jobs are the ones most vulnerable to AI-driven disruptions.

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.

Things to Do

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.

<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.

What to know before going to CarMax Park

From parking and clear bag policies to food prices and fireworks nights, here's your full game-day guide.

Here&#x27;s everything to know if you&#x27;re planning to hit up a game for CarMax Park&#x27;s inaugural season.

CarMax Park opens amid $6.5M dispute, unclear VCU deal

As opening day arrives, there are unresolved questions about money and whether VCU will play at the ballpark.

A legal threat, a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$6.5 million funding dispute" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/02/27/carmax-park-flying-squirrels-funding-fight" data-vars-content-id="224f8fab-af0e-49e6-8397-bf7ba5c9bbd7" data-vars-headline="CarMax Park opens amid $6.5M dispute, unclear VCU deal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/02/27/carmax-park-flying-squirrels-funding-fight" target="_self">$6.5 million funding dispute</a> and an unresolved VCU deal are hanging over Richmond&#x27;s new ballpark on opening day. Why it matters: Officials aren&#x27;t publicly saying where those fights stand, and taxpayer money <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="is on the line" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/05/diamond-district-taxpayer-risk-richmond-avula" data-vars-content-id="224f8fab-af0e-49e6-8397-bf7ba5c9bbd7" data-vars-headline="CarMax Park opens amid $6.5M dispute, unclear VCU deal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/05/diamond-district-taxpayer-risk-richmond-avula" target="_self">is on the line</a>.

Richmond opens CarMax Park after decades of delays

It's one of the priciest minor league baseball stadiums ever.

Opening day at CarMax Park has arrived.Why it matters: It took three decades for Richmond to get here.

Sports 🏅

Richmond police use pepper spray at Cochiloco World Cup party

Richmond Kickers' new jersey lets fans pick a possum

This Richmond drink comes in a World Cup trophy glass

Richmond's pickleball boom shows signs of slowing

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