Food Access

In A Northwest Roanoke Food Desert, An Urban Farm Takes Root

A new partnership will allow Roanoke farmer Cameron Terry to consolidate his patch of backyard plots into a 3.5-acre plot in Northwest Roanoke.

Homelessness

Overall, Homelessness in Roanoke Region Has Declined. But Count of Those Living Outdoors Projected To Reach Record Highs.

Officials who track homelessness are finding more people eschewing shelter life in favor of living outdoors.

Education

Overdue Books? No Problem. Roanoke Valley Libraries Aim To Eliminate Late Fines Permanently

Libraries across the Roanoke Valley are preparing to eliminate late fines, making permanent a policy put in place during the pandemic.

Business

This Roanoke Couple Has Launched A 'War on Books.' Don't Worry, It's Not What You Think.

War on Books is a pop-up, mobile bookstore focused on just the kind of controversial literature being challenged across the country.

City Hall

As Roanoke City Council Appoints Anita Price to Seat, Jockeying Begins for Special Election

Her appointment has prompted jockeying for the special election that will determine Price’s successor.

Policing

Who Is Roanoke Police Chief Sam Roman? Sometimes Even He Doesn't Know For Sure.

Sam Roman's two years as top cop has faced a pandemic, gun violence, protests for racial justice and a severe officer shortage.

Letter

Letter from the Editor: Help Us Fund a New Reporter As We Look Ahead To Our Next 6 Months

We're seeking $75,000 to fund a reporter position focused on covering political and economic power in Roanoke.

Education

Two of These Four Applicants Will Serve on Roanoke School Board. City Council Will Decide Soon.

Roanoke City Council on Monday will interview four finalists for the positions.

Development

Fire, Collapse and an Amputated Foot: The History of Roanoke's Campbell Court Facades

Former city leaders warn historic facades will be destroyed as a developer plans to transform a former downtown bus station.

Addiction

Potent Batch of Opioid Drugs Leads to Uptick in Overdoses, Deaths in Roanoke Region

A potent batch of opioids has led to an uptick in overdoses and deaths in recent weeks, according to advocates.

Demographics

Roanoke Population Dips Below 100,000 Over Pandemic Year, Census Data Show

People moving out of Roanoke led to a slight drop in the city’s population between 2020 and 2021, data show.

History

The Rise and Fall of Robert Jeffrey Jr.

This is an account of Jeffrey’s ascent to power in Roanoke, and his swift downfall across two criminal trials last week.

City Hall

Tax Bills Could Spike As Roanoke Leaders Disagree Over Options To Assess Value of Used Vehicles

Disagreement has broken out among Roanoke leaders over how and whether the city can tweak car tax bills.

Business

Black Dog Salvage Store, Tap House No Longer Coming to Roanoke Historic Fire Station

Economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic has forced the developer to seek new tenants for the mixed-use property.

Transportation

Debut of Roanoke's Bus Station Heralds Changes to Downtown, Transit System Improvements

The unveiling of Roanoke’s station last week marks the debut of several developments in the city’s public transit scene.

Education

Roanoke School Board To Host New Face As Chair Declines To Seek Reappointment

Roanoke residents interested in serving for a three-year term have until tomorrow to apply.

Investigation

Roanoke City Schools Spent $1.5 Million on Covid-Killing Air Cleaners. But Do They Work?

While school officials defended the use of bipolar ionization, experts said there's no convincing evidence the technology is effective.

Investigation

Police, Not Roanoke Councilman, Destroyed Computer Records During Embezzlement Probe

Police's initial statement left the impression that Councilman Robert Jeffrey Jr. tried to destroy potentially incriminating information.