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Nov. 20 Newsletter: Local bookstores (still) need support

Weather: Clouds and small showers, with cold air coming overnight. High of 66.

On this date in 2006, Virginia home sales dropped 24% as the economy continued to worsen. But the statewide slump didn’t put a dent in Richmond’s home values – they rose to a median sale price of $231,400, prompting fears that residents were being priced out of the city.

Today's newsletter sponsored by: Virginia Commonwealth University. As a top 20% global university, Virginia Commonwealth University is an unparalleled powerhouse of innovation and creative problem solving. VCU attacks challenges as opportunities to do what others can’t or won’t. It's truly a university unlike any you’ve ever seen.

With COVID-era support waning, Richmond's independent bookstores are finding new ways to reach readers

Remember when everybody was rushing to support local bookstores?

“All that feels like ancient history, in terms of like, ‘support small business,’” said Jordan Pulaski, co-owner of Small Friend Books & Records in the Fan.

With the pandemic in the rear-view mirror, Richmond's booksellers are back in marketing mode.

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Events are a big focus, as the stores try to create a sense of community among those who love reading and learning.

Brandon Haffner checked in with four indie bookstores inside city limits to see how they're working to reach readers and raise awareness.

Read the full story here.

Richmond medical marijuana company among seven businesses suing state over lucrative cannabis license

Virginia is divided into five districts, each of which has one legally authorized medical marijuana provider.

In September the final license was awarded, but the matter is far from settled.

A Richmond company is one of seven suing over the process.

  • The lawsuit alleges that instead of evaluating the candidates on merit, the committee declared a 33-way tie, and broke it, according to the lawsuit, “through the ‘Random.org’ lottery website (seriously).”

The license for the Richmond area was awarded years ago, and belongs to The Cannabist Company, which operates gLeaf and Cannabist stores in the area.

Read more from Sarah Vogelsong here.

Winter weather outlook: Snow forecast not great, but all it takes is one

Sean Sublette has all the weather news you need.

  • The first frost could arrive on Friday or Saturday morning, with cold air arriving overnight tonight.
  • There could be some showers late next week during the Thanksgiving holiday.
  • He's not optimistic about snow possibilities this winter, but "all it takes is one."

Read the full forecast here.

Skill game dispute rages on

The next battle in Virginia’s long war over skill games will be fought over a handful of the slots-like machines in the back of a Richmond-area Buffalo Wild Wings, according to Graham Moomaw.

The restaurant's owner and the skill games company, Queen of Virginia, are suing Attorney General Jason Miyares and Henrico County Commonwealth’s Attorney Shannon Taylor.

  • Miyares (R) and Taylor (D) are both running in primaries for the attorney general nomination next year, creating an unusual bipartisan element to the lawsuit.

Read more on the lawsuit, and Queen of Virginia's lobbying efforts, here.

Today's sponsor:

Welcome to Campus. Now Get Out of the Classroom.

VCU President Michael Rao says university students are more career-ready when they receive valuable experiences in and out of the classroom.

Rao shared his perspective recently in an article published by the Chronicle of Higher Education stating universities should do more to connect intellectual development with professional development. That we need to teach skills that are career-related. As leaders, it’s our responsibility to evolve how we fulfill our most basic mission: to give students the best preparation for the world in which they will live and work. Read more.

In other news...

The editor's desk

Field trips aren't just for kids.

I spent the day yesterday at ChamberRVA's Regional Action Summit. It was great to see leaders from all of Richmond's localities come together to discuss ways they can continue to ensure economic growth creates opportunities for everybody.

The Valentine's Bill Martin (above) led a walking tour of Broad Street, which ended with a panel discussion on reviving Richmond's Arts District. It felt like the area was on the verge of something pre-COVID, and while a lot of that growth was stunted, there's still plenty of opportunity to build a special destination along the historic block. As always, we'll be there as it happens.

Michael Phillips, founding editor
mphillips@richmonder.org

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