Roanoke shooting renews debate over newly approved gunshot detection system
Read full article: Roanoke shooting renews debate over newly approved gunshot detection systemCity leaders say the RAVEN Sensors system is data-driven and cost-free — but some residents warn it could open the door to expanded surveillance.
Carilion expands women’s care with dedicated midwifery clinic in Roanoke
Read full article: Carilion expands women’s care with dedicated midwifery clinic in RoanokeThe demand for midwives continues to grow across the country as more women seek greater involvement in their birth plans and overall health journeys.
Roanoke rolls out “Slow Your Roll” campaign to boost traffic safety
Read full article: Roanoke rolls out “Slow Your Roll” campaign to boost traffic safetyBefore you speed through your morning commute, Roanoke City is asking drivers to tap the brakes. The city is launching its 2026 traffic safety campaign, ‘Slow Your Roll,’ encouraging drivers to slow down, stay alert, and watch for people walking and biking - especially in school zones.
Roanoke City closes $19M budget gap without raising taxes, but cuts 100+ jobs and $50M in projects
Read full article: Roanoke City closes $19M budget gap without raising taxes, but cuts 100+ jobs and $50M in projectsOfficials say a combination of small revenue increases and spending cuts closed the remaining $5 million shortfall.
WATCH: Ribbon cutting held for dual-language playground at Roanoke City library
Read full article: WATCH: Ribbon cutting held for dual-language playground at Roanoke City libraryThe weather cooperated long enough for the ribbon-cutting ceremony of Plaza de Esperanza at Roanoke City Libraries’ Williamson Road location on Friday.
Roanoke health officials confirm case of rabies in fox in Roanoke City
Read full article: Roanoke health officials confirm case of rabies in fox in Roanoke CityRoanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts announced Thursday that it had confirmed a case of rabies in fox found in the southwestern part of Roanoke City.
Roanoke proposes $421.5M budget with hiring freeze on 80–95 city positions
Read full article: Roanoke proposes $421.5M budget with hiring freeze on 80–95 city positionsRoanoke city leaders presented a proposed budget for the next fiscal year that would keep spending balanced, but it would freeze dozens of vacant jobs and leave other positions unfunded.
High Turnout in Virginia Special Election as Voters Weigh Redistricting Question
Read full article: High Turnout in Virginia Special Election as Voters Weigh Redistricting QuestionMany Virginians have already cast ballots in the state’s special election, where voters are deciding a single, high-stakes question: whether Virginia should temporarily redraw its congressional map.
Roanoke City leaders work through tensions as budget pressure continues
Read full article: Roanoke City leaders work through tensions as budget pressure continuesRoanoke City Council and School Board held a joint meeting Monday afternoon to talk through where the school system stands, and budget pressure.
Roanoke City to close lane at the intersection of Campbell Ave. SW and 1st Street SW to allow for construction
Read full article: Roanoke City to close lane at the intersection of Campbell Ave. SW and 1st Street SW to allow for constructionRoanoke City officials announced Tuesday that a lane will be closed at the intersection of Campbell Ave Southwest and 1st Street Southwest during the afternoon and evening on Wednesday, March 11 and overnight Thursday, March 12.
Roanoke’s Hope Center launches free youth dance program to keep kids engaged and off the streets
Read full article: Roanoke’s Hope Center launches free youth dance program to keep kids engaged and off the streetsLeaders say the program offers a safe outlet for expression and a path toward life skills and future goals.
5 Virginia Bills You Need to Know About Right Now
Read full article: 5 Virginia Bills You Need to Know About Right NowThis year’s Virginia General Assembly session is in full swing, and with hundreds of bills moving through the House and Senate, it can be tough to know what matters most. Many of these bills impact your daily life - from how much you earn to housing, energy costs, and even gun laws.
Explaining Roanoke City Public Schools’ new five-block schedule for middle schoolers
Read full article: Explaining Roanoke City Public Schools’ new five-block schedule for middle schoolersFor the past three years, James Breckinridge and Lucy Addison have operated on a 75-minute “block” period during their school year. Now, Roanoke City Public Schools will be pivoting the rest of their schools to this function.
Roanoke City schools: proposed cuts could end activity buses, trim Plato, eliminate 150+ roles
Read full article: Roanoke City schools: proposed cuts could end activity buses, trim Plato, eliminate 150+ rolesRoanoke City Public Schools is working to finalize the 2026-27 budget before a March 10 deadline as it faces a $16.5 million shortfall that could force deep program and staff cuts.
Monterey Elementary School in Roanoke opening two hours late due to power outage
Read full article: Monterey Elementary School in Roanoke opening two hours late due to power outageMonterey Elementary School will be opening two hours late on Thursday due to a power outage in the area, according to Roanoke City school officials.
ReFreshing Church partners with city officials to enhance safety after double homicide
Read full article: ReFreshing Church partners with city officials to enhance safety after double homicideBishop Jackson and city leaders collaborate on security measures to restore peace and trust at Refreshing Church.
Roanoke City School Board hosts meeting Tuesday night to discuss school budget and millions in deficit
Read full article: Roanoke City School Board hosts meeting Tuesday night to discuss school budget and millions in deficitThe Roanoke City School Board hosted a meeting Tuesday night to discuss the school budget and the millions in deficit.
Roanoke hospitals report significant rise in sledding injuries among children, stress safety measures
Read full article: Roanoke hospitals report significant rise in sledding injuries among children, stress safety measuresRoanoke hospitals are emphasizing the importance of sledding safety as they report a significant increase in injuries among children, urging parents and guardians to take necessary precautions.
Winter storm adds obstacles for Roanoke firefighters during house fire response
Read full article: Winter storm adds obstacles for Roanoke firefighters during house fire responseFirefighters battling a house fire in Roanoke Thursday faced an additional opponent: winter weather conditions that turned every movement into a challenge.
City of Roanoke awarded $2.5 million to support affordable housing development at former Walker Foundry site
Read full article: City of Roanoke awarded $2.5 million to support affordable housing development at former Walker Foundry siteThe City of Roanoke’s Economic Development Authority announced Wednesday that it had received a $2.5 million award to support affordable housing development of the former Walker Foundry Site on behalf of developer Greg Kaknes and The Foundry Realty, LLC.
Empty storefronts plague downtown Roanoke: What the city is doing to turn things around
Read full article: Empty storefronts plague downtown Roanoke: What the city is doing to turn things aroundKeith Clinton, co-owner of R.T. Smith's Deli, shares insights on the challenges facing downtown Roanoke's business environment, from empty storefronts to decreased foot traffic, while city officials work on solutions.
Last-minute shoppers in Roanoke face crowded stores, rising prices as they hunt for Christmas gifts
Read full article: Last-minute shoppers in Roanoke face crowded stores, rising prices as they hunt for Christmas giftsDespite economic pressures, Roanoke shoppers are determined to keep the Christmas spirit alive, with local businesses hoping for a seasonal boost.
Locals speak against potential casino at Roanoke City Council meeting
Read full article: Locals speak against potential casino at Roanoke City Council meetingBack in October, Roanoke City announced their intention to bring an entertainment center to Roanoke. This included a potential casino in the Berglund Center. Ever since then, many locals have been speaking out about the casino, including at city council meetings.
Roanoke’s Hope and Home Task Force working to present new strategies in Spring 2026
Read full article: Roanoke’s Hope and Home Task Force working to present new strategies in Spring 2026As winter temperatures drop, Roanoke’s network of existing homeless services has helped reduce the region’s homeless population by 3.2%, while a new task force develops plans for future initiatives.
Volunteers shaping Angel Tree Holiday House
Read full article: Volunteers shaping Angel Tree Holiday HouseThe Salvation Army of the Roanoke Valley, serving Roanoke County, Roanoke City, Craig and Botetourt counties, is supporting 430 local families this Christmas. That includes roughly 1,000 children who will receive gifts through the Angel Tree program.
Roanoke first responders partner with Carilion Children’s to create magical Christmas for hospitalized kids
Read full article: Roanoke first responders partner with Carilion Children’s to create magical Christmas for hospitalized kidsFirst responders and hospital staff collaborate to create unforgettable holiday memories for children and families facing health challenges.
Toy Like Me program boosts inclusion for kids with disabilities in Roanoke
Read full article: Toy Like Me program boosts inclusion for kids with disabilities in RoanokeAt Virginia Heights School, the faces of children light up when they see toys that look just like them, complete with hearing aids and other assistive devices. The Toy Like Me program is making sure kids with disabilities see themselves reflected in the toys they play with — and that inclusion is making all the difference.
How Roanoke school officials decide on closures during freezing weather
Read full article: How Roanoke school officials decide on closures during freezing weatherRoanoke City Schools and Roanoke County Schools have comprehensive approaches when deciding on cancellations, with early morning road crews and constant communication.
Roanoke struggles with deer population as culling season approaches
Read full article: Roanoke struggles with deer population as culling season approachesLocal leaders in Roanoke are raising concerns about the city’s persistent deer overpopulation problem as the animals increasingly venture into densely populated areas.
Roanoke’s Williamson Road project aims to improve safety, faces local business pushback
Read full article: Roanoke’s Williamson Road project aims to improve safety, faces local business pushbackRoanoke City is in the middle of a six-month project to improve safety on Williamson Road, but not everyone is happy with the changes.
Hermitage rallies to beat Patrick Henry 28-25 in Region 5C semifinals
Read full article: Hermitage rallies to beat Patrick Henry 28-25 in Region 5C semifinalsRegion 5C semifinals feature both Roanoke City schools for first time since 2019. Patrick Henry, the top seed, has allowed just 21 points in their last four games.
Roanoke father claims son endured bullying at school, resulting in injuries
Read full article: Roanoke father claims son endured bullying at school, resulting in injuriesA Roanoke father says his son endured months of bullying at James Madison Middle School, resulting in serious injuries and prompting the family to consider moving from their home.
Seniors swing into action at Kirk Family YMCA’s debut Golden Paddle Pickleball event
Read full article: Seniors swing into action at Kirk Family YMCA’s debut Golden Paddle Pickleball eventThe Kirk Family YMCA in Roanoke City is set to host its first-ever senior pickleball tournament, called the “Golden Paddle Pickleball Invitational,” with more than two dozen participants ready to compete.
ICYMI: Hamlar-Curtis Funeral Home & Crematory to offer free rides to the polls on Election Day
Read full article: ICYMI: Hamlar-Curtis Funeral Home & Crematory to offer free rides to the polls on Election DayHamlar-Curtis Funeral Home and Crematory announced on social media Monnday that it would be offering Roanoke City Residents free rides on Election Day.
Community-led “bike buses” rolled through Roanoke City Elementary Schools
Read full article: Community-led “bike buses” rolled through Roanoke City Elementary SchoolsCommunity-led “bike buses” this fall brought students to school by bicycle at Roanoke City’s Crystal Spring Elementary School and Morningside Elementary School.
Hope for Healing Fall Festivals honors legacy of Jakolbi Taylor
Read full article: Hope for Healing Fall Festivals honors legacy of Jakolbi TaylorThe family of Jakolbi Taylor, alongside members of the community, gathered for the Hope For Healing Fall Festival, which saw the community rally together and take part in a night of fun and festivities.
Roanoke City Sheriff Candidates Enter Final Campaign Week
Read full article: Roanoke City Sheriff Candidates Enter Final Campaign WeekRoanoke City Sheriff candidates greeted voters at polls this week as the race enters its final days, with both contenders emphasizing mental health services and department staffing as key priorities.
Halloween comes early: Family-friendly events across Southwest Virginia
Read full article: Halloween comes early: Family-friendly events across Southwest VirginiaSouthwest Virginia residents don’t have to wait until October 31st to get into the Halloween spirit, as numerous family-friendly events are scheduled across the region this weekend.
No student injuries reported after incident involving Roanoke City school bus
Read full article: No student injuries reported after incident involving Roanoke City school busA Roanoke City school bus was involved in an incident Wednesday morning while stopping to pick up students on its morning route, according to school officials.
Roanoke residents face poorer health outcomes compared to state, health department reveals
Read full article: Roanoke residents face poorer health outcomes compared to state, health department revealsRoanoke city health department says the city’s health is falling behind state averages in several key areas. A presentation presenting data at the recent city council meeting opened discussion on these challenges.
Youth and Gang Violence Program bringing down violence and shootings among Roanoke’s youth
Read full article: Youth and Gang Violence Program bringing down violence and shootings among Roanoke’s youthThe Youth and Gang Violence Program and their Intervention and Prevention team have been working since 2021 to bring down crime rates amongst Roanoke's youth
Leaders propose bringing casino to Roanoke City Berglund Center
Read full article: Leaders propose bringing casino to Roanoke City Berglund CenterLeaders in Roanoke City have proposed bringing an “entertainment district” to the area, and the possibility of a casino being housed within the Berglund Center.
WATCH: Construction underway for the Wasena skate park
Read full article: WATCH: Construction underway for the Wasena skate parkConstruction is underway for the Wasena skate park in Roanoke City. Crews are currently focused on installing an underground stormwater system and will soon begin shaping the terrain and setting elevations for skatepark features.
Deadline to register for Salvation Army Angel Tree Program is October 9th at midnight
Read full article: Deadline to register for Salvation Army Angel Tree Program is October 9th at midnightMidnight, October 9 is the deadline to register for the Angel Tree program through the Salvation Army of the Roanoke Valley. This branch serves Roanoke City, Roanoke County, Salem, Vinton, Craig, and Botetourt counties.
New substance abuse treatment option to open in Roanoke
Read full article: New substance abuse treatment option to open in RoanokeA new outpatient treatment facility aimed at helping those struggling with substance abuse is set to open next week on Peters Creek Road in Roanoke, marking another step forward in the city’s improving battle against drug addiction.
Roanoke residents and officials experience the highs and lows of transit during Week Without Driving Challenge
Read full article: Roanoke residents and officials experience the highs and lows of transit during Week Without Driving ChallengeRoanoke residents and city officials are discovering both opportunities and obstacles in their transportation system during the Week Without Driving Challenge, an initiative revealing the daily realities of life without a car.
Roanoke City is moving forward with first steps for improving Williamson Road
Read full article: Roanoke City is moving forward with first steps for improving Williamson RoadThis initiative includes adding a center turn lane and single turn lanes in both directions to address the alarming rate of pedestrian fatalities and car crashes.
Vehicle crash on I-581 Northbound in Roanoke causing delays
Read full article: Vehicle crash on I-581 Northbound in Roanoke causing delaysA vehicle crash on I-581 Northbound at mile marker 0.7 is causing delays in the City of Roanoke. Motorists can expect delays and the north center lane, right lane and right shoulder are closed. The on-ramp from Williamson Road to I-581 North is narrowed, according to VDOT.
Roanoke’s homelessness task force holds first meeting
Read full article: Roanoke’s homelessness task force holds first meetingRoanoke’s new homelessness task force held its first meeting Tuesday evening at the Berglund Center, bringing together community members, service providers and city leaders to begin developing long-term solutions to address homelessness.
Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts confirm case of rabies in fox found in Roanoke
Read full article: Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts confirm case of rabies in fox found in RoanokeThe Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts has confirmed a case of rabies found in a fox in the area near Van Winkle Road and Narrows Lane in southwest Roanoke City.
Roanoke housing prices, population on the rise
Read full article: Roanoke housing prices, population on the risePopulation growth drives a surge in apartment development across Roanoke, with downtown experiencing significant expansion through projects like The Bower, which opened its doors last year.
Roanoke’s Community Empowerment Center offering back-to-school physicals and vaccinations on Tuesday
Read full article: Roanoke’s Community Empowerment Center offering back-to-school physicals and vaccinations on TuesdayIf you still need to get your kid vaccinated or get them their physicals for school, you can do so for free or low cost on Tuesday at the Community Empowerment Center in Roanoke.
CHIP of Roanoke Valley to host annual Back-to-School Celebration with free supplies and services
Read full article: CHIP of Roanoke Valley to host annual Back-to-School Celebration with free supplies and servicesHundreds of families will receive free school supplies, haircuts, and wellness services during CHIP of Roanoke Valley’s fourth annual Back-to-School Celebration today.
‘Load the Bus’ School Supply Drive Returns August 1–3 to Support Local Students
Read full article: ‘Load the Bus’ School Supply Drive Returns August 1–3 to Support Local StudentsBack-to-school season is just around the corner, and local school divisions are once again teaming up with Walmart to help students start the year off strong. The “Load the Bus” school supply drive returns August 1st through 3rd.
Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Departments offering school-required immunizations
Read full article: Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Departments offering school-required immunizationsRoanoke City and Alleghany Health Departments are offering school-required immunizations for students in need of required vaccines over the coming weeks.
Local educators concerned about millions in frozen federal school funding
Read full article: Local educators concerned about millions in frozen federal school fundingThe Trump administration has withheld billions of dollars nationwide in grants that were supposed to have been given out on July 1. The U.S. Department of Education said it reviewing the programs to ensure they align with the administration’s priorities.
Virginia’s early voting for the 2025 Primary Election ends Saturday
Read full article: Virginia’s early voting for the 2025 Primary Election ends SaturdayVirginia voters have until Saturday to cast their early votes for the 2025 Primary election, with several key races on the ballot, including the Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General positions.
Carilion Clinic is ending nursing contracts with Roanoke City Public Schools
Read full article: Carilion Clinic is ending nursing contracts with Roanoke City Public SchoolsCarilion Clinic announced that it will not be renewing nursing contracts with Roanoke City Public Schools (RCPS), ending its years-long partnership.
Roanoke Families Seek Alternatives as Popular RCPS+ Summer Program Gets Cut
Read full article: Roanoke Families Seek Alternatives as Popular RCPS+ Summer Program Gets CutOne of the most affordable and popular options in Roanoke City, RCPS+, is off the table this summer after its funding was not renewed. That leaves hundreds of families to figure out new summer plans.
New postmaster sworn in to represent Roanoke
Read full article: New postmaster sworn in to represent RoanokeLaRue Dickerson has officially taken on the role of postmaster for the United States Postal Service in Roanoke City and Roanoke County. A native of Roanoke, Dickerson’s career began as a city carrier assistant. He has since progressed through various leadership roles, including supervisor, which he credits for preparing him for this latest responsibility.
How does Roanoke City bolster small businesses as beloved bookstore closes?
Read full article: How does Roanoke City bolster small businesses as beloved bookstore closes?It’s something many business owners can’t fathom: closing a business they’ve put so much into. But for Doloris Vest, Co-owner of Book No Further, that becomes a reality this Saturday.
