The Roanoke Rambler

Roanoke Rambler Recommendations: Best places to watch the World Cup

The countdown to the FIFA World Cup final has begun. Roanoke, VA Author: Roanoke Rambler Staff, Naomi Campbell Lead Published: 2:00 AM EST July 15, 2026 Edited: 2:00 AM EST July 15, 2026 On July 19, the world’s biggest soccer tournament will conclude at MetLife Stadium in

Government and Politics

Melrose Mixer: Nine Council Candidates Spar Over Schools, Flock Tech, and Housing Reform

Roanoke, VA Author: Roanoke Rambler Staff, Hart Fowler Lead Published: 2:00 AM EST July 15, 2026 Edited: 1:00 PM EST July 15, 2026 FEATURING The Incumbents * Peter Volosin (Democratic Incumbent) * Vivian Sanchez-Jones (Democratic Incumbent) The Challengers * Stephanie Moon Reynolds (Independent) * David Bowers (Independent) (participated via teleconference) * Raekwon

History

“Give Me the Ball”

Alfred “Al” Holland Sr., Roanoke’s big-league original, leaves a legacy larger than the final out. From Lucy Addison to North Carolina A&T, from Salem to Philadelphia, Holland carried the confidence of home everywhere he pitched. Roanoke, VA Author: Roanoke Rambler Staff Published: 2:00 AM EST

Investing in Roanoke’s Future: Freedom First Powers New Downtown Concert Venue, Restaurant and Hotel

A music hall, Spanish restaurant and boutique hotel are reviving a historic Downtown Roanoke building, thanks to Freedom First Credit Union financing.

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Happenings

Happenings Calendar: 7/15-7/22

Events Happening in the Roanoke Area (July 15h - July 22nd)

Government and Politics

The Zoning Debate Isn't Over: Council Punts Housing Density Decisions into 2026 Election Cycle

The Roanoke City Council voted 4-3 on Monday night to delay a highly anticipated decision on rolling back its 2024 single-family zoning overhaul, exposing a deep rift between council member ambitions and municipal capacity.

Transportation

Why These 10 Miles Keep Shutting Down the Valley

Just after 7 a.m. on a recent weekday, traffic on Interstate 81 in Roanoke County does what it has done for years: it stops.

Government and Politics

Roanoke City Council Repeals Gunshot Detectors

The devices were supposed to make people feel safer.

Happenings

Happenings Calendar: 7/8-7/15

The Roanoke Rambler Featured Event: 2026 Roanoke City Council Candidate Mixer & Information Session Saturday, July 11, 2026 · 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Melrose Branch Library – Community Room Meet the people who want to lead Roanoke and ask them your questions face to face. This free, public

Criminal justice

June Gun Violence Awareness

In Roanoke, June’s Gun Violence Awareness Month Ends With Another Young Life Lost

Education

AI Has Already Arrived in Roanoke’s Classrooms. Here’s What Parents, Students, and Workers Should Know.

Roanoke’s schools, colleges, and employers are quietly building one of the most coordinated AI workforce ecosystems in the region. Most people here have no idea it exists, and that matters.

Happenings

Happenings Calendar: 7/1 - 7/8

The Roanoke Valley heads into Independence Day with carnivals, fireworks and plenty of chances to run, dance, craft and sing. As always, please check with event organizers for any last-minute changes. Also, mark your calendar: a special chance to meet Roanoke City Council candidates face-to-face is coming

Government and Politics

"Are You Going to Complain About It, or Fix It?"

A Conversation with Councilman Phazhon Nash For his first interview with the Roanoke Rambler, Hart Fowler sat down with Roanoke City Councilman Phazhon Nash for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of the Berglund Center, the casino debate, Evans Spring, the reopening of the Eureka Center, and what it

Literature

The Mountains That Made Me

How Roanoke Shaped Author Jennifer Brody’s Stories—and Her Summer Reading List Roanoke, VA Author: Roanoke Rambler Staff, Tina Charisma Lead Published: 8:05 AM EST June 24, 2026 Edited: 8:05 AM EST June 24, 2026 As summer settles across the Roanoke Valley, many readers are building their

Government and Politics

Puff, Puff has Passed in the Budget: Moving from Criminalization to Commercialization with Nick Hagen

Roanoke City Councilman and cannabis attorney Nick Hagen is questioning how Virginia’s newly approved recreational marijuana framework, which launches in 2027 with a 350-license cap and a 6% starting tax rate, will impact the city. Roanoke, VA Author: Roanoke Rambler Staff, Lead Hart Fowler Published: 8:00 AM

Happenings

Happenings Calendar: Week of 6/24-7/2

Here’s what’s happening in and around Roanoke from Wednesday, June 24 through Thursday, July 2nd. As always, check with the venue for last‑minute changes or cancellations. Wednesday, June 24 10 to 11 a.m. — Fossil Dig Storytime (Roanoke Public Library). Little paleontologists can dig into dinosaur tales,

Food Access

The Line Keeps Growing. The Food Is Running Short.

St. Francis House cut its operating days after federal food shipments fell by more than 60%. The change comes as one of Roanoke's largest emergency food providers serves more people than ever. Roanoke, VA Author: Roanoke Rambler Staff, Tina Charisma Lead Published: 7:00 AM EST June 17,

Food

Requesón, Ricotta Recall Linked to One Death: What Roanoke Consumers Need to Know

A tub of cheese in your fridge has been tied to a deadly contamination and health officials say some local shoppers may have already brought it home. Roanoke, VA Author: Roanoke Rambler Staff, Naomi Campbell Lead Published: 7:00 AM EST June 17, 2026 Edited: 7:00 AM EST June

Business and Economy

New $85M Investment and 435 Jobs for Roanoke

RINGANA plans to establish its first U.S. headquarters, production and distribution facility in the City of Roanoke. The Austrian life sciences company will invest $85 million over five years. Roanoke, VA Author: Roanoke Rambler Staff Published: 7:00 AM EST June 17, 2026 Edited: 7:00 AM EST June