Todd Jackson

Todd Jackson is The Rambler's managing editor and covers city government. Before joining in 2025, Todd spent 30 years at The Roanoke Times as a reporter, editor and New River Valley bureau chief.

Investigation

Roanoke City Manager Accuses Schools of Possibly Breaking Law As Superintendent Blasts 'Veiled Threats', Letters Show

The heated exchange — in the middle of a tight budget year — played out in letters last week between City Manager Valmarie Turner and Superintendent Verletta White.

City Hall

Who Is Roanoke's Mayor? City's AI Chatbot Stumped for Now.

A new AI chatbot - Virtual Assistant Virginia - is now at work on Roanoke’s municipal website.

Housing

City Seeks Dismissal of Zoning Lawsuits; Housing Data Shows Little Impact Based on Changes

The city released data that shows the zoning changes, so far, have had little impact on housing permits.

Politics

Push for Cline Town Hall Ramps Up in Roanoke, As Congressman Remains Uncommitted

A group of protesters continues to pressure 6th District U.S. Rep. Ben Cline to hold a town hall with them; he has yet to agree.

Federal Effects

Roanoke Equity Board Will Meet, Online Scrubbing Aside

The Roanoke Equity and Empowerment Advisory Board will continue to meet and pursue its mission, its chair says.

City Hall

Knives Out: Restaurant Owners, School Advocates Pick Apart Proposed City Budget

City Council has two significant decisions ahead: whether to raise the meals tax and to keep school funding level.

Legal

Roanoke Pastor, a Former City Council Candidate, Faces Felony Election Fraud Charges

Jackson, who ran as a Democrat in 2024, dropped out of a party primary after questions arose over campaign-related filings.

Politics

Prosecutor Runs as Democrat For Commonwealth's Attorney; Absent 'Craziness,' Caldwell To 'Bow Out Gracefully'

Roanoke prosecutor John McNeil is running for commonwealth’s attorney, meaning Don Caldwell, the longest serving commonwealth’s attorney in the state, plans to retire.

Federal Effects

Christiansburg Institute Joins Washington Park Cottage Effort, But Uncertainty Looms After Federal Funding Cuts

The Christiansburg nonprofit was gutted by Trump administration budget cuts last week and that prompted a layoff of its staff.