Fears Rise Over Possible Nixing of Neighborhood Commitment, New Path Sought for Jefferson Center, Bus System at Crossing Roanoke underspent a targeted Belmont-Fallon goal; a management firm is sought for Jefferson Center; a brief work stoppage signals a key stage of Valley Metro talks.
Police Grant Audit Finds Youths Treated Questionably, 11th St. Dreams Shaping Up, Rambling's Include Papa's Parting Words An audit prompts frustration among city officials; a group continues to grow toward a revitalization in Northwest; Ramblings also include news on Fishburn park cottage.
Ramblings Ramblings: Papa Issues Statement on Departure; Delay Approved for Fishburn Cottage; State Stingy on Roanoke Asks Also, a historic house owned by Roanoke College may not be demolished after all.
Roanoke's Planning Director Exits Amid High Vacancies, City Finances Generate Debate, Grits and Wine on Corner Booth Menu Jillian Papa is the latest manager to leave City Hall; the city's budget discussions ramp up; and Layla is back with her monthly food column.
Rambler Gets Data Center Info After Lawsuit, Huntingdon Gets Reprieve, Brittney Flowers' Journey Detailed in Our Q&A The Roanoke Rambler gets Botetourt data center water usage details; a dilapidated historic Roanoke property gets good news; Four Quadrants, One City returns.
On the Thrifting Scene in Roanoke, History Taking a Hit in the Roanoke Valley, Kathy Cohen Enters Council Race Roanoke is a secondhand store mecca; there's a brewing frustration over the fate of historic properties; the first challenger talks about her Roanoke City Council campaign.
School Empowerment Center Taken Off Cut List Amid Rancor, Orvis Sells Warehouse to Coke, Walmart Ends Bus Stop Impasse Roanoke school officials to leave Community Empowerment Center open; tariffs prompt Orvis to sell building for $29 million; Walmart to build bus shelter at Valley View.
A Trio of Data Centers Planned in Botetourt, City Gets $75,000 from Casino Developer, Corner Booth Serves Up Vinegar Pie Google plans almost a million square feet of data center space in Botetourt; Roanoke gets casino developer payment, mum on purpose; Corner Booth includes mobile coffee opening.
Civic Center Said to Need Help Casino or Not, Booth Talks ICE, City Crime, Gateless Parking Brings Different Opinions It is an interesting time for Roanoke's downtown from Campbell to Williamson; Roanoke's police chief answers Rambler questions; parking is gateless, still not free.
Clear-Cut Planned To Prepare Site Near Read Mountain, Reparations Reality Check, City Votes To Cut School Funding A substantial tree-cutting is part of an industrial site prep; city's ability to handle reparations at issue; Ramblings also include news on early political starts for 2027.
Ramblings Ramblings: Roanoke Council Votes To Cut School Funding; White-Boyd Seeks Senate Rematch; Zoning, Vape Stores, Evans Spring Meetings Set Council members speak their minds on school money; positioning for 2027 election begins; city wants feedback on three major issues.
City May Buy Eyesore Garage, Judge Says Again Data Center Info Should Be Released, School Money Matters Bring Frustration The owner of a derelict downtown parking deck was fined; The Roanoke Rambler gets another favorable public information ruling; city council continues school money scrutiny.
A Ferris Wheel in Downtown Roanoke? Corner Booth Sizzles with 2026 Trends, Ramblings Include Another Municipal Exit Center in the Square is exploring a Ferris wheel attraction above the City Market; Layla Khoury-Hanold returns with her food column; Ramblings return, too.
Ramblings Ramblings: Another City Hall Manager Exits; Brandon Bell To Appeal Defamation Case; Real Estate Tax Pain Should Abate What are Ramblings? Ramblings are a collection of short items that have caught our attention for one reason or another.
Revered Roanoke Leader Sheila Umberger Retires, Nelson Harris Talks History — Good and Bad, Rambler's Top 7 Stories of 2025 Sheila Umberger's reading and food idea brought national attention; a former city mayor offers perspective; Roanoke County defamation finding was top-read story.
Newsroom These Were Our 7 Most Read Stories of 2025 Your favorite Roanoke Rambler stories of 2025 spanned issues from city hall drama and homelessness to defamation and strip clubs.
A Christmas Party with Meaning in Roanoke, Hollins Student Poems Bring Local Twist FEDUP brought joy to dozens this year whose lives have been affected by gun violence; The Roanoke Rambler sought literary contributions from Hollins University students.
Poetry Balcony Song By Kaley Hutter Mother I’ve been listening to the bees, and I’ve decided to memorize all their names, like how H knows the birds, and L can list the countries in Africa, and I keep a spot open on the balcony for our past selves, the ones who
