Government and Politics - The Roanoke Rambler

Melrose Mixer: Nine Council Candidates Spar Over Schools, Flock Tech, and Housing Reform

Roanoke, VA Author: Roanoke Rambler Staff, Hart Fowler Lead Published: 2:00 AM EST July 15, 2026 Edited: 1:00 PM EST July 15, 2026 FEATURING The Incumbents * Peter Volosin (Democratic Incumbent) * Vivian Sanchez-Jones (Democratic Incumbent) The Challengers * Stephanie Moon Reynolds (Independent) * David Bowers (Independent) (participated via teleconference) * Raekwon

Government and Politics

The Zoning Debate Isn't Over: Council Punts Housing Density Decisions into 2026 Election Cycle

The Roanoke City Council voted 4-3 on Monday night to delay a highly anticipated decision on rolling back its 2024 single-family zoning overhaul, exposing a deep rift between council member ambitions and municipal capacity.

Government and Politics

Roanoke City Council Repeals Gunshot Detectors

The devices were supposed to make people feel safer.

Government and Politics

"Are You Going to Complain About It, or Fix It?"

A Conversation with Councilman Phazhon Nash For his first interview with the Roanoke Rambler, Hart Fowler sat down with Roanoke City Councilman Phazhon Nash for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of the Berglund Center, the casino debate, Evans Spring, the reopening of the Eureka Center, and what it

Government and Politics

Puff, Puff has Passed in the Budget: Moving from Criminalization to Commercialization with Nick Hagen

Roanoke City Councilman and cannabis attorney Nick Hagen is questioning how Virginia’s newly approved recreational marijuana framework, which launches in 2027 with a 350-license cap and a 6% starting tax rate, will impact the city. Roanoke, VA Author: Roanoke Rambler Staff, Lead Hart Fowler Published: 8:00 AM

Education

Roanoke County Quietly Approves $11M Hollins Library Overhaul, A Small Vote with Big Stakes for Thousands

For many in Hollins, the library isn’t just a building—it’s where homework gets done, job searches begin, and life steadies; now, a long-delayed renovation could redefine what that space makes possible. Roanoke, VA Author: Roanoke Rambler Staff Published: 7:10 AM EST June 3, 2026 Edited:

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

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,

Government and Politics

Man Ejected from Roanoke City Council Meeting Amid Gun Detection Debate

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

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

Government and Politics

What does $15.3 Million in GO Virginia Funding to Grow Virginia’s Economy mean for Roanoke

Can State Grant Money Turn Training Into Real Wages? Last week, Governor Abigail Spanberger announced, more than $15.3 million in Growth and Opportunity for Virginia (GO Virginia) grants to support a new portfolio of projects across the Commonwealth focused on workforce development, advanced manufacturing, unmanned systems, life sciences, and

Government and Politics

Virginians Vote Yes - Officials and Citizens React while Candidates Emerge

With 95% reporting, Virginia narrowly votes to temporarily redistrict with 51% of the vote. According to the Associated Press, over 1.5M Virginians voted to redistrict yesterday. Some speculate that this will lead to further seats by the Democrats, giving them "a better chance" to win ten out

Government and Politics

The Real Stakes Behind Virginia’s Redistricting Yes-or-No Vote

Politics

Roanoke Council Race Ramps Up with Five More Candidates

The race for three council seats includes seven candidates as of Tuesday, including five Democrats.

Development

Blue Ridge Land Conservancy in Talks to Buy Most of Evans Spring — But Needs City Action

The conservancy is partnering with a national group to potentially find a solution to appease all involved.

Neighborhoods

Residents Worry Roanoke Is Backtracking on Neighborhood Investment Promises

The city fell short of its own spending goals last year in the Belmont-Fallon area, according to a federal report.

Arts

New Model for Cash-Strapped Jefferson Center Pursued Through Management Firm Idea

“I am very encouraged and very hopeful that there is a path forward,” the facility's board director said.