The Roanoke Rambler

After‑School Rides and PLATO Program at Risk

Facing a $14–$16.5 million shortfall, Roanoke City Public Schools may cut after‑school buses, scale back its long‑running gifted program The board also discussed the possibility of phasing out the PLATO (Pupils Learning Appropriately Together) and defer maintenance, changes that would remove daily transportation for about 173

Travel

Paying Too Much for Gas? 5 Simple Fixes Most Drivers Overlook

As gas prices continue to strain household budgets, many drivers assume there’s little they can do beyond driving less. But the reality is, your vehicle could be quietly wasting fuel every day and fixing it may be easier than you think. Most of the biggest gains in fuel efficiency

Happenings

Events Calendar You’ll Ever Need. Week of 5/13 to 5/20.

We scoured 30 disparate community calendars (yes, 30) so you didn’t have to. From live music to theatre, to lectures, we’ve got you covered. We encourage folks to contact the venue directly to learn of any last-minute changes or cancellations. 💡Want to know about regular weekly events, including

Racial justice

A Man Born With a Job: Stan Hale and the 87-Year Heartbeat of The Roanoke Tribune

Before he could spell his own name, Stan R. Hale was folding newspapers in his grandfather’s living room — a child born into a Black press legacy that would outlast Henry Street, segregation, and even his own punk rock detours. Roanoke, VA Author: Roanoke Rambler Staff Published: 5:07 AM

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Government and Politics

Man Ejected from Roanoke City Council Meeting Amid Gun Detection Debate

HB1469 expands background checks for rideshare drivers, aims to keep Virginians safe

House Bills 1273 and 1469 would require ride share drivers to undergo a more extensive background check process, including fingerprinting, and raise the minimum driving age to 21. Roanoke, VA Author: Roanoke Rambler Staff Published: 2:57 AM EST May 6, 2026 Edited: 2:57 AM EST May 13, 2026

Roanoke’s Water, the Region’s Growth

Roanoke already supplies most of the region’s water, and the new data center boom makes that reality impossible to ignore Roanoke, VA Author: Roanoke Rambler Staff Published: 5;05 AM EST May 6, 2026 Edited: 5:05 AM EST May 6, 2026 In 2004, Roanoke and Roanoke County merged

Happenings

Happenings: The Only Roanoke Events Calendar You’ll Ever Need

Week of 5/6 to 5/13 We scoured community calendars, city listings, downtown postings, and regional event pages so you didn’t have to. From ribbon cuttings and public meetings to concerts, races, and museum events, here’s what’s happening in Roanoke and surrounding areas this week. We

The Governor Visits Roanoke, Judge Declares Vote Invalid, April is Autism Acceptance Month in Roanoke City

We hope you are having a wonderful week and great Wednesday! We are excited to share our weekly newsletter with you. We truly appreciate your subscription and your continued support of local journalism here at the Roanoke Rambler. To keep covering the stories that matter most to our community, we

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

Autism Acceptance Month in Roanoke: More Than Awareness, More Support Needed

The first‑ever Autism Acceptance Month proclamation in Roanoke tied directly to real‑world service gaps Boxing Champions and City Leaders are more than their diagnosis, but can the Roanoke Valley meet the growing demand, and can the community accept their differences? Author: Roanoke Rambler Staff Published: 2:57 AM

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

A Divided Road, Changing Lanes: A Steering Committee Drives Williamson Rd Debate

The data and experiences are mixed as the steering committee is asked to have an authentic consensus by August Earlier this year in January, a nine year old girl was struck by a drunk driver on Williamson Road in Roanoke, VA. Police say the girl was hit after "trying

Government and Politics

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

Roanoke Has Seen Redistricting Change Power Before. Voters Now Decide If It Can Happen Again Roanoke Rambler Newsroom In Virginia, the most powerful political act isn’t always casting a vote. Sometimes, it’s drawing the line around it. A century of shifting district lines, from separate representation to a

Policing

Public Safety Week in Roanoke

In Roanoke, a quieter shift: Crime is falling, but not gone Data shows improvement, but challenges remain as policing evolves and communities weigh safety and surveillance By The Roanoke Rambler Staff ROANOKE, Va. (AP) — On a spring morning in Roanoke, Public Safety Week does not arrive with sirens. It comes

What the Iran War Means for Roanoke and Southwest Virginia

Happenings: The Only Roanoke Events Calendar You’ll Ever Need. Week of 4/15 to 4/22

Happenings: The Only Roanoke Events Calendar You’ll Ever Need. Week of 4/15 to 4/22. We scoured 30 disparate community calendars (yes, 30) so you didn’t have to. From live music to theatre, lectures to drag shows, we’ve got you covered. We encourage folks to contact

Happenings

Happenings: The Only Roanoke Events Calendar You’ll Ever Need. Week of 4/8 to 4/15.

As the weather warms up, find something to do in our weekly listings.

Letter

Roanoke Entrepreneur Ollie Howie Joins The Roanoke Rambler As Its New Owner

"I believe a healthy newspaper helps build a stronger, more connected city," Ollie Howie said.