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.
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.
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.
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.
Roanoke Hires Lobbyist Solely for Casino, Reparations Fund for Urban Renewal Floated, Top Leaders Exiting City Hall A Richmond-based firm has been working on Roanoke's pursuit of a casino for months; an urban renewal apology appears imminent; there's troubling turnover times at city hall.
Rasoul Explores Bid for Congress as Macy Responds, Zoning Debate to Enter 2026, Lawson's Name Disappears A potential race of sizable proportions is brewing; possible political implications enter zoning debate as time drags on; GSA deals with reinstalling Reuben Lawson's name.
Roanoke Casino Proceeding on 'Different Path,' Strip Club Gets Building Permit, Corner Booth Details Hot Stuff, Café Openings Roanoke's state legislative wish list process takes a turn; a Franklin Road 'gentleman's club' is on a path to reopen; our monthly food column returns with Mama Jean's take.
Market on Melrose's First Year Includes Challenges, Runway Plan Still Up in the Air, Mahuron Takes on Southeast Perceptions An extensive plan remains in place to try to ensure a Northwest grocery's survival; city, airport negotiate over land sale; I Heart SE's Jessica Mahuron offers candid thoughts.
Judge Sides with Rambler Over Data Center Info, Roanoke's Beth Macy Enters Politics, School Money Scrutiny Evolves A judge says data center details should be public, appeal is expected; author Beth Macy next story will be on the campaign; Roanoke schools brace for less money.
Roanoke Financial Skies Cloudy, Urban Renewal Apology Moves Ahead, Commission Says No to Valley View Treatment Clinic A money consultant gives a reality check on Roanoke's future; city council to receive planned urban renewal apology; a substance abuse clinic gets a planning commission no.
It's Lust or Bust for Strip Club, Hash Wins Saying He Didn't Need to 'Sling Mud,' Corner Booth Dishes Promissory News There's a plan to reopen a Roanoke strip club on Franklin Road; Rasoul and McNamara re-elected along with Hash; Layla Khoury-Hanold's food column returns.
Eventful Roanoke Sheriff Race Closing Like It Began, Big Change for Valley Metro at 50? Carolina Smales Talks Unity Concerns over candidate's address, issues with incumbent's operations mark end of sheriff race; Valley Metro plans 50th bash; Rambler series features Latino voice
Is a Roanoke House Upset Possible? Vice Mayor: No Dice on Casino, Ramblings Feature SoRo Bench Removal Update Two challengers in Roanoke-related House races face steep odds; Roanoke's odds for a casino appear steep, too; Ramblings also include City Hall job, downtown parking news.
Maps Show How Segregation Shapes Roanoke, Vigilante Act in South Roanoke?, Roanoke Bets on Casino at Civic Center Click on our interactive map to learn about Roanoke's racial lines over 50 years; a bench disappeared and ignites homelessness debate; can Roanoke casino project succeed?
Virginia Tech Plans Hotel Roanoke Sale, Durham Is Bullish, Private Meetings Will Hash Out Roanoke School Funding Future Virginia Tech will test the market to see if there's a buyer for a Roanoke landmark; a trip to Durham can offer plenty to do; a task force's decision awaits on school money.
Goat Patrol Adds to Roanoke's Toolbox, Corner Booth Serves Up New Restaurant Openings, Equity Board Faces Low Turnout In a first, goats are clearing Roanoke park land; Layla Khoury-Hanold reports on new downtown restaurants; Equity Board faces challenge with turnout on proposed apology.
