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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.

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.

Sports

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.

CarMax Park debuts with concert, first look inside

The Taking Flight Festival gives locals an early look at Richmond's long-awaited stadium.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="CarMax Park" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/06/carmax-park-adds-playground-family-zone-richmond" data-vars-content-id="cfb1540f-32ee-4b16-a094-4cd90991cad6" data-vars-headline="CarMax Park debuts with concert, first look inside" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/06/carmax-park-adds-playground-family-zone-richmond" target="_self">CarMax Park</a> will get its first real test run this week with the venue&#x27;s inaugural concert, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Taking Flight Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://www.milb.com/richmond/news/carmax-park-to-host-taking-flight-festival-on-march-26" data-vars-content-id="cfb1540f-32ee-4b16-a094-4cd90991cad6" data-vars-headline="CarMax Park debuts with concert, first look inside" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.milb.com/richmond/news/carmax-park-to-host-taking-flight-festival-on-march-26" target="_blank">Taking Flight Festival</a>. Why it matters: The festival is also locals&#x27; first look at Richmond&#x27;s new, decades-in-the-making baseball stadium.

VCU comeback helps deliver record NCAA first-round  viewership

A dramatic Rams comeback helped lift first-round viewership to the best opening day ever recorded.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="VCU&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/01/16/vcu-basketball-siegel-center-home-court-advantage" data-vars-content-id="aa6f7726-9e21-41b0-97f0-bb9a58d5c3f3" data-vars-headline="VCU comeback helps deliver record NCAA first-round viewership" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/01/16/vcu-basketball-siegel-center-home-court-advantage" target="_self">VCU&#x27;s</a> epic win over UNC last week helped deliver the NCAA Tournament&#x27;s most-watched first round ever. Why it matters: Everybody loves the Rams, especially when they crush UNC in overtime.

Girls' flag football rises in Richmond as sport expands

Local schools add teams as the sport heads toward the Olympics and gains major backing from the NFL.

Women are increasingly joining high school football teams, despite fewer leagues and opportunities.Why it matters: Women&#x27;s football is growing, and Richmond schools are getting in on the push.

UVA, JMU and Virginia Tech spent $374K on football fireworks

That was just in the 2025 college football season. Guess how much "Enter Sandman" costs.

Three Virginia universities spent more than $120,000 each on fireworks during the 2025 college football season, according to records obtained by investigative newsletter <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="FOIAball." data-vars-click-url="https://www.foiaball.com/p/college-football-fireworks-budgets-2025" data-vars-content-id="aea21caa-067b-4c0b-a44f-9f34e0221fb8" data-vars-headline="UVA, JMU and Virginia Tech spent $374K on football fireworks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.foiaball.com/p/college-football-fireworks-budgets-2025" target="_blank">FOIAball.</a> Why it matters: As fireworks become a staple of the modern college football experience, one season of them can cost about double the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="median annual income" data-vars-click-url="https://data.census.gov/profile/Richmond_city,_Virginia?g=050XX00US51760" data-vars-content-id="aea21caa-067b-4c0b-a44f-9f34e0221fb8" data-vars-headline="UVA, JMU and Virginia Tech spent $374K on football fireworks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://data.census.gov/profile/Richmond_city,_Virginia?g=050XX00US51760" target="_blank">median annual income</a> in Richmond.

Sports 🏅

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

Richmond's Dystany Spurlock set to make NASCAR history

Gov. Spanberger, Mayor Avula throw first pitch at CarMax Park

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

What to know before going to CarMax Park