Todd Jackson - The Roanoke Rambler

Arts

After Blunt Letter, City Warms to Solution for Jefferson Center

City Council members said the Jefferson Center is too important to lose.

Neighborhoods

Gainsboro Changes: Major Road Redo Starts, Park Planned

Millions in pandemic relief money will bring new development to an area where much has been discussed over the years.

Housing

Newest Roanoke Council Members Agree to Reassess Controversial Zoning Reforms

The council may act before a scheduled August court hearing on related lawsuits.

Letter

Letter From the Editor: Rambler Newsroom Welcomes Reporter Sinclair Holian

She will cover a unique beat, exploring the ongoing impacts of segregation.

Politics

Roanoke Sheriff Candidate Hill Ends Campaign, City Prosecutor Gets Hash Complaint

The race is now between incumbent Democrat Antonio Hash and Republican James Creasy, who worked with Hash on his campaign four years ago.

City Hall

'We're Not Going to Tolerate It': Incidents at Pools, Short Staffing Lead To Conundrum

Vandalism and violence in the days after the joyful June 6 opening of the new Washington Park pool frustrate city leaders and may prompt added security at taxpayer cost. City Parks and Recreation workers walked and searched the water and floor of the new Washington Park pool for hours looking

Federal Effects

Hundreds Could Lose Roanoke Housing As Authority Director Lobbies Cline

The largest subsidized housing provider in western Virginia can’t afford air conditioning for all of its tenants. And there’s a new federal program that requires that the Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority find American-made products for many of its rehab and new construction projects. That’s requiring more

Housing

Roanoke Board Denied Volosin's Request To Host an Airbnb. Here's an Inside Look.

There’s a four-poster bed, De’Longhi coffee maker and ensuite bathroom — but nobody to stay at Councilman Peter Volosin’s house. Most people find it pretty easy to get a city license to run an Airbnb out of their home. But not for Volosin and his husband, Malcolm Quigley.

Politics

Roanoke Sheriff's Race Off To Lively Start

Three men who know each other well are running for the office.

Feature

A Tale of Two Cottages: In White and Black Roanoke, Efforts To Save History Take Distinct Paths

Determination to save the Washington Park cottage was spurred by historic renovation of another dilapidated house in Fishburn Park.

Politics

Who Will Face McNamara?: Roanoke's Littlepage, Preston Vie For Democratic Nomination

Next Tuesday's Democratic primary will determine whether Donna Littlepage or Kiesha Preston face Del. Joe McNamara, R-Roanoke County.

Healthcare

Carilion Decision To End School Nurse Program Catches Roanoke Leaders By Surprise

The partnership between Carilion and Roanoke City Public Schools started in 2011.

Letter

Letter From the Editor: Sinclair Holian To Join The Rambler As Segregation Reporter in Report for America Partnership

Sinclair Holian will join The Rambler in July as our segregation reporter, in partnership with Report For America.

City Hall

Roanoke Council Eyes Moving School Finance System Back Under City Hall Oversight

Roanoke City Council members are considering whether to merge the city and school district's finance systems in a bid for more oversight.

City Hall

Volosin: 'Mismanagement' Put Roanoke in Budget Predicament

In a prepared statement Volosin blamed the former administration of City Manager Bob Cowell for numerous issues.

City Hall

Roanoke City Council Meals Tax Majority Sets Table for Increase

City officials said a private meeting with school officials after a dustup was productive.

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.