The Roanoke Rambler

Eleven candidates. Five seats.

In the U.S. Senate race, Democratic incumbent Mark Warner is seeking a fourth term against Republican challenger Bert Mizusawa, a retired Army major general.

Happenings

Happenings: The Roanoke Rambler Events Calander Week of 11/3-11/9

Election Day opens the week. Veterans take Jefferson Street Saturday, Jim Messina plays the Jefferson Center, the Rail Yard Dawgs have two home games, and the Roanoke Symphony closes the week with a VA250 salute.

Government and Politics

What Mark Warner's Record Means for Roanoke

Mark Warner has spent decades fighting for the Roanoke community and now he is up for re-election on Tuesday, November 3rd. On a Tuesday afternoon three weeks before Election Day, Mark Warner sat in a circle of folding chairs on Melrose Avenue in northwest Roanoke and listened.

Broad Coalition Backs Kathy Cohen for Roanoke City Council

Former mayors, vice mayor, council members, business leaders, and faith leaders line up behind the independent candidate.

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Healthcare

The Care Behind the Cancer Breakthroughs

For families facing cancer, progress includes new treatments — and help paying for a mammogram, getting to surgery and finding their way through care. Roanoke, VA Author: Roanoke Rambler Staff, Tina Charisma Lead Published: 9:20 AM EST October 28, 2026 Edited: 9:21 AM EST October 28, 2026 Listen Here:

Happenings: Week of 10/27 to 11/2.

Don't miss Saturday is your last chance to vote early. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. The Roanoke City Office of Voter Registration and Elections is open for early voting Saturday, Oct. 31, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and that's the final day.

Healthcare

Same Calories, Different Response: Roanoke Researchers Test Ultraprocessed Foods, and Find a Surprise

Two meals with nearly identical nutrient totals produced different responses inside a Roanoke laboratory, raising questions about what a food label can tell us.

Ramblings

Five Wins, One Loss, and a Reason to Keep Showing Up (Return of the MAC IV)

At Champ’s Gym, the work of keeping young people focused continues after the bell.

Happenings

Happenings: The Only Roanoke Events Calendar You'll Ever Need. Week of 10/21 to 10/30.

Fun nights, one town and a lot of costumes. We went through the city, downtown, venue and neighborhood calendars so you didn't have to. Plans change, so check with the venue before you head out.

Transportation

Kirk Avenue Is on the List: City Confirms All Seven Downtown Streets in Roanoke's Overnight Paving Project

Roanoke confirmed that Kirk Avenue and a block of Salem Avenue are part of the downtown repaving that started this week. Here's the full map, what an overnight garage stay costs, and who to call if your car gets towed.

Government and Politics

Beyond the Headlines: More from Roanoke's Council Candidates

From homelessness and Flock cameras to Evans Spring, race and religion, five candidates answer questions from Roanoke residents.

Happenings

Happenings: The Only Roanoke Events Calendar You’ll Ever Need. Week of 10/13 to 10/20.

Healthcare

Your Medicare Plan May Change in 2027. Here’s What Roanoke Residents Should Check Before Renewing

Open enrollment begins Oct. 15. Local counselors say the most common mistake is assuming this year’s coverage will work the same way next year.For people with Medicare, keeping the same insurance card in 2027 does not necessarily mean keeping the same costs or coverage.

Healthcare

Roanoke's Biotech Incubator Went from One Tenant to Nine in Months and Now it's Getting Federal Money

Roanoke's biotech incubator went from one tenant to nine in three months. Now it's getting $1 million in federal money for lab equipment.

Transportation

Downtown Roanoke’s Month of Street Paving Starts Sunday

Downtown Roanoke’s month of overnight paving starts Sunday. Here’s where to park, and what to do if your car gets towed. rews will work from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. every night, starting at Salem Avenue and 1st Street and moving west. The city says the job should take about a month.

Happenings

Happenings: The Only Roanoke Events Calendar You’ll Ever Need. Week of 10/7 to 10/14.

We scoured over 30 disparate community calendars (yes, 30) so you didn’t have to. (10/7-10/14)

Policing

Roanoke Gets $2.9 Million to Stop Violence Before It Starts

The state grant pays for teen jobs, free gun locks and neighborhood outreach. It arrives after a year that began with a spike in homicides.

Government and Politics

A Full House with Five Council Contenders

Highlights from the Roanoke Rambler's Roanoke City Council Candidate community forum and dinner at Melrose Library.

Neighborhoods

Roanoke Buys Its Last Big Open Space. What Happens to Ole Monterey Now?

The city paid $8 million for 236 acres off Tinker Creek Lane, one of the only large, open pieces of land left inside city limits. A school, housing, parks and jobs are all being considered. Council members say a data center is not.