Roanoke Rambler - The Roanoke Rambler (Page 5)

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,

Racial justice

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,

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

Government and Politics

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

Business and Economy

Roanoke’s Water, the Region’s Growth

Roanoke already supplies most of the region’s water, and the new data center boom makes that reality impossible to ignore Roanoke, VA Author: Roanoke Rambler Staff Published: 5;05 AM EST May 6, 2026 Edited: 5:05 AM EST May 6, 2026 In 2004, Roanoke and Roanoke County merged

Happenings

Happenings: The Only Roanoke Events Calendar You’ll Ever Need

Week of 5/6 to 5/13 We scoured community calendars, city listings, downtown postings, and regional event pages so you didn’t have to. From ribbon cuttings and public meetings to concerts, races, and museum events, here’s what’s happening in Roanoke and surrounding areas this week. We

The Governor Visits Roanoke, Judge Declares Vote Invalid, April is Autism Acceptance Month in Roanoke City

We hope you are having a wonderful week and great Wednesday! We are excited to share our weekly newsletter with you. We truly appreciate your subscription and your continued support of local journalism here at the Roanoke Rambler. To keep covering the stories that matter most to our community, we

Government and Politics

“Yes” or “No”? A Virginia Judge Has Already Rejected the Vote

The Supreme Court Decides What Comes Next. State Court Challenges the Vote’s Legitimacy Author: Roanoke Rambler Staff Published: 3:37AM April 29, 2026 Edited: 3:37AM April 29, 2026 On April 21, Virginians stood in line to vote “yes” or “no” on a constitutional amendment that would hand control

Government and Politics

Governor Abigail Spanberger marks 100th Day with Bipartisan Bill Signing at Roanoke Higher Education Center

Governor Abigail Spanberger signs 12 bipartisan education and workforce development bills on her 100th day in office on her 100th day as Virginia’s 75th governor at Roanoke Higher Education Center. Author: Roanoke Rambler Staff Published: 3:22AM April 29, 2026 Edited: 3:22AM April 29, 2026 Virginia’s 75th

Social Issues

Autism Acceptance Month in Roanoke: More Than Awareness, More Support Needed

The first‑ever Autism Acceptance Month proclamation in Roanoke tied directly to real‑world service gaps Boxing Champions and City Leaders are more than their diagnosis, but can the Roanoke Valley meet the growing demand, and can the community accept their differences? Author: Roanoke Rambler Staff Published: 2:57 AM

Letter

Roanoke Entrepreneur Ollie Howie Joins The Roanoke Rambler As Its New Owner

"I believe a healthy newspaper helps build a stronger, more connected city," Ollie Howie said.

Roanoke Council Race Zips to Higher Gear, Coffee, Calamari and Crab Bisque in Corner Booth, Check Out 'The News'

After a slow few months, the city council race is quickening; our food column returns; and we check our literary box with a new poem.

Poetry

The News

By Kaley Hutter Since we can’t speak of it anymore want to tuck in our blouses and go cartwheeling? Then we can spread our legs around the cello in the music store we can alphabetize the crepe-myrtles or go hang our yearning on the rumps of weekday cows