Roanoke Rambler - The Roanoke Rambler

The Roanoke Rambler: Inside the Roanoke Newsroom Redefining What Local Journalism Can Be

A powerhouse team blending global credentials and deep hometown roots to report Roanoke with more depth, rigor, and heart. Roanoke, VA Author: Roanoke Rambler Staff Published: 2:05 AM EST May 27, 2026 Edited: 2:07 AM EST May 27, 2026 In an era when trust in media is fractured

Government and Politics

How Virginia’s Immigration Fight Is Playing Out in Roanoke’s Courts, Jails, and Living Rooms

Roanoke, VA Author: Roanoke Rambler Staff Published: 1:57 AM EST May 27, 2026 Edited: 1:57 AM EST May 27, 2026 The fights over immigration policy in Virginia usually start far from Roanoke, in Richmond hearing rooms or on cable news from Washington. Governors sign executive orders, members of

Happenings

Happenings: What’s On in the Roanoke Valley This Week

Happenings: Week of May 27 – June 2, 2026 - Roanoke Valley, VA We scoured a stack of community calendars so you didn’t have to. From live music to festivals, ballgames to bike rides, here’s what’s actually on tap in the Roanoke Valley this week. We encourage folks

Social Issues

Childcare at Work: How Virginia’s New Law Could Quietly Boost the Roanoke Region’s Economy

When Governor Abigail Spanberger signs Virginia’s new employer-backed childcare law on May 27, it won’t look like a jobs announcement, but for parents and businesses across the Roanoke Valley, it could be the policy shift that finally changes who can work, how much they earn, and whether local

America is Turning 250, the Least of These Sparks Debate, and Don't Get Caught on Camera on I-81

Good morning and thank you for subscribing to The Roanoke Rambler. This week, we mark the nations 250-year anniversary and look at the Roanoke Valley's historical impact on America, we attended zoning hearings that effect business owners and the homeless, and we also explore what new speed cameras

Transportation

New cameras on I-81 will soon ticket speeders

Roanoke, VA Author: Roanoke Rambler Staff Published: 5:05 AM EST May 20, 2026 Edited: 5:05 AM EST May 20, 2026 For Roanoke drivers, the newest hazard on Interstate 81 may not be the orange barrels, narrowed ramps or concrete barriers. It may be the envelope that arrives later.

History

As America Turns 250, Roanoke Valley Reflects on Its Revolutionary Roots

Frontier settlers in Southwest Virginia joined the call for independence months before the Declaration of Independence was signed. Roanoke, VA Author: Roanoke Rambler Staff Published: 2:01 AM EST May 20, 2026 Edited: 2:02 AM EST May 20, 2026 ROANOKE, VA. — As Virginia and the nation prepare to mark

Homelessness

A Roanoke Ministry says it’s Helping the Unhoused. Business Owners say Downtown is Paying the Price

After Roanoke upheld zoning violations against The Least of These Ministry, supporters, business owners and unhoused residents offered sharply different visions for what downtown should become. Roanoke, VA Author: Roanoke Rambler Staff Published: 2:05 AM EST May 20, 2026 Edited: 2:07 AM EST May 20, 2026 Tears, frustration,

Happenings

Roanoke Rambler Events Calendar

Week of May 19 to May 27, 2026 We scanned city, downtown and regional calendars so you don’t have to. Here’s what’s happening in and around Roanoke this week. As always, we recommend checking with the venue for last-minute changes or cancellations. Tuesday, May 19 * The Arts

Bowers and Moon Reynolds Run, RCPS Eyes Cuts, Gas Spikes and a Tribune Milestone

Happy Wednesday, all. This week in Roanoke, the stories shaping our city stretch from City Hall to the gas pump. First, in politics, we have breaking news! Former Mayor David Bowers and Former City Councilwoman Stephanie Moon Reynolds are jumping back into the arena, this time vying for City Council.

Government and Politics

Former Mayor Bowers and Councilmember Moon-Reynolds Go Independent and Plan to Run for City Council

Breaking News: David Bowers and Councilmember Stephanie Moon both informed the Roanoke Rambler that they plan to run as independents in Roanoke’s hotly contested city council race, a move that instantly reshapes the field and turns what had been a largely partisan contest into a test of name recognition,

A Man Born With a Job: Stan Hale and the 87-Year Heartbeat of The Roanoke Tribune

Travel

Paying Too Much for Gas? 5 Simple Fixes Most Drivers Overlook

Education

After‑School Rides and PLATO Program at Risk

Facing a $14–$16.5 million shortfall, Roanoke City Public Schools may cut after‑school buses, scale back its long‑running gifted program The board also discussed the possibility of phasing out the PLATO (Pupils Learning Appropriately Together) and defer maintenance, changes that would remove daily transportation for about 173

Happenings

Events Calendar You’ll Ever Need. Week of 5/13 to 5/20.

We scoured 30 disparate community calendars (yes, 30) so you didn’t have to. From live music to theatre, to lectures, we’ve got you covered. We encourage folks to contact the venue directly to learn of any last-minute changes or cancellations. 💡Want to know about regular weekly events, including

Data or Water? Safety or Privacy? Roanoke Faces Tradeoffs as New Technology and Legislation Reshape Daily Life

Good morning, and thank you for subscribing to The Roanoke Rambler, We are so excited to bring you news. This week, we dug into the stories shaping life in the Roanoke region. We examined Google’s plans to build three facilities in Botetourt County and reported from a public hearing

Government and Politics

Man Ejected from Roanoke City Council Meeting Amid Gun Detection Debate

HB1469 expands background checks for rideshare drivers, aims to keep Virginians safe

House Bills 1273 and 1469 would require ride share drivers to undergo a more extensive background check process, including fingerprinting, and raise the minimum driving age to 21. Roanoke, VA Author: Roanoke Rambler Staff Published: 2:57 AM EST May 6, 2026 Edited: 2:57 AM EST May 13, 2026