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Happenings: The Only Roanoke Events Calendar You’ll Ever Need. Week of 1/7 to 1/14.
Happenings

Happenings: The Only Roanoke Events Calendar You’ll Ever Need. Week of 1/7 to 1/14.

See what you can get into during the first part of 2026 in our weekly calendar.

  • Lindsey Hull
Lindsey Hull Jan 6, 2026 • 8 min read
Hailed as Visionary, Roanoke Libraries Director Sheila Umberger Retires after 43 Years
Feature

Hailed as Visionary, Roanoke Libraries Director Sheila Umberger Retires after 43 Years

Sheila Umberger, who began working for the city in 1982, leaves behind a transformative legacy.

  • G. Samantha Rosenthal
G. Samantha Rosenthal Dec 30, 2025 • 9 min read
Four Quadrants, One City: Q&A with Former Mayor and Historian Nelson Harris
Interview

Four Quadrants, One City: Q&A with Former Mayor and Historian Nelson Harris

In this Q&A series, we invite the community to reflect on living in a divided city. We sit down with Nelson Harris, whose experience brings a unique look at where Roanoke stands.

  • Sinclair Holian - Report for America
Sinclair Holian - Report for America Dec 30, 2025 • 10 min read
These Were Our 7 Most Read Stories of 2025
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.

  • Roanoke Rambler
Roanoke Rambler Dec 30, 2025 • 2 min read
Happenings: The Only Roanoke Events Calendar You’ll Ever Need. Week of 12/31 to 1/7.
Happenings

Happenings: The Only Roanoke Events Calendar You’ll Ever Need. Week of 12/31 to 1/7.

As 2025 turns to 2026, see what's on tap in our calendar listings.

  • Lindsey Hull
Lindsey Hull Dec 30, 2025 • 7 min read
Christmas Event Brings a 'Little Bit of Hope' to Those Impacted by Gun Violence in Roanoke
Gun violence

Christmas Event Brings a 'Little Bit of Hope' to Those Impacted by Gun Violence in Roanoke

FEDUP received a new level of community support this year as it strives to help those who have suffered from shootings in the city.

  • Sinclair Holian - Report for America
Sinclair Holian - Report for America Dec 23, 2025 • 7 min read
Balcony Song
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

  • Roanoke Rambler
Roanoke Rambler Dec 23, 2025 • 2 min read
Mountain Park, 1903
Poetry

Mountain Park, 1903

By James Lex The hospital sits at the base of the mountain where the amusement park used to be. The ghost of children, ice cream dripping down their small hands, haunt the ER waiting room. The faint squeal of teenagers on the wooden roller coaster echoes in the maternity ward

  • Roanoke Rambler
Roanoke Rambler Dec 23, 2025 • 1 min read
Down 220 at 9:59 p.m.
Poetry

Down 220 at 9:59 p.m.

By Gillian Lionberger Flee nothing with drunk vigor through highway flooded with one car’s headlights, roll windows down, let will of wind take its course acting as antibody to addiction, curve ear canals like mountain roads into hot air balloons, mind take flight, learn language unhinged from concrete slab

  • Roanoke Rambler
Roanoke Rambler Dec 23, 2025 • 1 min read
Happenings: The Only Roanoke Events Calendar You’ll Ever Need. Week of 12/24 to 12/31.

Happenings: The Only Roanoke Events Calendar You’ll Ever Need. Week of 12/24 to 12/31.

It's the prime part of holiday season -- see what's happening in our weekly calendar!

  • Lindsey Hull
Lindsey Hull Dec 23, 2025 • 8 min read
Roanoke Is Paying Richmond Lobbying Firm $6,000 Monthly To Pursue Casino Deal
City Hall

Roanoke Is Paying Richmond Lobbying Firm $6,000 Monthly To Pursue Casino Deal

The city will need to beat long odds at the moment to get a casino license.

  • Todd Jackson
Todd Jackson Dec 16, 2025 • 3 min read
Roanoke Weighs Reparations Fund as Council Warms to Urban Renewal Apology
Racial justice

Roanoke Weighs Reparations Fund as Council Warms to Urban Renewal Apology

City Council members offered positive comments about an Equity and Empowerment Advisory Board plan to make sure action follows an apology.

  • Sinclair Holian - Report for America
Sinclair Holian - Report for America Dec 16, 2025 • 5 min read
Turnover Tension Grips Roanoke City Hall As Two Key Figures Depart
City Hall

Turnover Tension Grips Roanoke City Hall As Two Key Figures Depart

City Attorney Tim Spencer is retiring March 1 and Finance Director Margaret Lindsey’s last day was Monday.

  • Todd Jackson
Todd Jackson Dec 16, 2025 • 4 min read
Happenings: The Only Roanoke Events Calendar You’ll Ever Need. Week of 12/17 to 12/24.
Happenings

Happenings: The Only Roanoke Events Calendar You’ll Ever Need. Week of 12/17 to 12/24.

Looking for something to do? See what's going on during the holiday season in our weekly Happenings events calendar.

  • Lindsey Hull
Lindsey Hull Dec 16, 2025 • 13 min read
As Rasoul Explores Run For Congress, Macy Responds That She's Not a 'Career Politician'
Politics

As Rasoul Explores Run For Congress, Macy Responds That She's Not a 'Career Politician'

An expected redistricting referendum next year could bring new opportunities and alter the status quo.

  • Todd Jackson
Todd Jackson Dec 9, 2025 • 3 min read
Roanoke Zoning Debate Isn't Over — and Could Seep into 2026 Council Race
Housing

Roanoke Zoning Debate Isn't Over — and Could Seep into 2026 Council Race

A zoning overhaul that prompted litigation remains an issue that will extend into 2026.

  • Todd Jackson
Todd Jackson Dec 9, 2025 • 4 min read
Roanoke Federal Courthouse Was Renamed for Civil Rights Leader Reuben Lawson. Then His Name Disappeared.
Legal

Roanoke Federal Courthouse Was Renamed for Civil Rights Leader Reuben Lawson. Then His Name Disappeared.

When Lawson's name will be reinstalled is unclear as a project that faces complications is dealt with by the GSA.

  • Todd Jackson
Todd Jackson Dec 9, 2025 • 3 min read
Happenings: The Only Roanoke Events Calendar You’ll Ever Need. Week of 12/10 to 12/17.
Happenings

Happenings: The Only Roanoke Events Calendar You’ll Ever Need. Week of 12/10 to 12/17.

Check out our Happenings for places to go over the next week.

  • Lindsey Hull
Lindsey Hull Dec 9, 2025 • 14 min read
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