Daily
Roanoke
Wednesday, November 26th, 2025
Good morning, Roanoke. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 26th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Sixteen-year-old Lili is a creative teen who loves painting as a way to cope and enjoys playing soccer with her friends. She is seeking a loving and supportive family that offers a safe environment — a place where she can grow and feel secure. WSLS 10
- ➤ The Rescue Mission of Roanoke will serve a free Thanksgiving Feast tomorrow from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 402 Fourth Street SE for over 500 people in need—offering meals to those in the shelter, unsheltered neighbors, and others facing food insecurity. WSLS 10
- ➤ Roanoke’s Huddle Up Moms will open a new diaper bank and office space at 501 Marshall Ave to support mothers and families in need in Southwest Virginia — the project will offer free diapers, wipes, formula, clothing and classes, with a ribbon-cutting and open house planned on Dec. 4 from 4 to 7 p.m. WSLS 10
- ➤ Smithfield Foods dropped off nearly 38,000 pounds of meat to Feeding Southwest Virginia in Salem this morning ahead of Saturday’s Commonwealth Clash football game between UVA and Virginia Tech— the proteins will be distributed soon to help assemble hundreds of Thanksgiving meal kits. WFIR News
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport is planning to expand by negotiating the purchase of city-owned land at the former Countryside Golf Course, but discussions over price and land use remain unresolved. City officials will review factors such as federal red tape and park acreage loss while seeking $7 million funding for a feasibility study in the 2026 session — a move that could boost future flight options. The Roanoke Rambler
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ A local comedian performed last night—using humor to raise mental health awareness with personal stories and lively jokes. The show aimed to reduce stigma and spark conversation among the audience. WDBJ7
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ A poll by Roanoke College shows that Virginia households plan to spend an average of $1,035 for the holidays—5% less than last year as they shift spending from personal needs to gifts. The report indicates that despite rising prices, a softer labor market, and tariff pressures, the economy remains strong with GDP increasing to 4.2%—a sign of steady growth amid budget adjustments. WDBJ7
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Department of Veterans Affairs sheltered 51,936 unhoused veterans in fiscal year 2025 with 113 of those permanently housed at Salem VA Health Care System—an increase of 4,011 from fiscal year 2024. The agency said its Getting Vets Off the Street initiative and community partners helped drive this progress, with interim executive director Tammy Snyder calling the effort life-changing and in many cases life-saving. WDBJ7
- ➤ Virginia State Police Trooper Jordan Coleman said drivers must buckle up and obey the speed limit this Thanksgiving weekend as part of Operation C.A.R.E.—an effort to reduce crashes with an increased trooper presence from Wednesday through Sunday. He stressed that drivers slow down, plan ahead, and remain alert on busy Virginia roads. ABC 13
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Therapist Shiloh Martin from Horizon Behavioral Health shares tips to reduce Thanksgiving stress by setting clear boundaries with family and planning meals ahead—she suggests using a fidget item to help manage anxiety during gatherings. WFXR-TV
-
The Rescue Mission Drumstick Dash
5 AM – 11 PM — Elmwood Park — Registration fee applies — Participate in a festive 5k run and family walk to support the Rescue Mission's meal services.
-
Phat Laces Concert
8-10 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Cost not specified — Celebrate a post-Thanksgiving night with a vibrant hip-hop tribute featuring rap and funk influences.
-
The Darkside Experience - Pink Floyd Tribute
8:00-9:30 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Cost Info Not Provided — Immerse yourself in the iconic sounds of Pink Floyd with a heartfelt tribute performance.
-
Holiday Pops Spectacular by Roanoke Symphony Orchestra
7:30-9 p.m. — Salem Civic Center — $31-$56, Children 12 & under $12 — Experience a heartwarming celebration of holiday classics with LaTetra Lewis and the Pops.
-
Peen: A Tribute to Ween
8:00-9:30 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — $ — Experience a lively tribute to the eclectic band Ween featuring The Big Debbies with their unique blend of groove and energy.
-
Fayetteville Marksmen at Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs
7:05-8:35 p.m. — Berglund Center — $3 beers all game long — Kick off the weekend early with Thirsty Thursday while cheering on the Rail Yard Dawgs.
-
Roanoke's Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl
4:30-9:00 p.m. — Martin's Downtown — Check Eventbrite for ticket pricing — Embrace the holiday spirit with contests, games, and cheers in your ugliest sweater at this festive pub crawl.
-
The Nutcracker by Southwest Virginia Ballet
3-5 p.m. — Berglund Center — Ticket purchase required — Experience the magic of The Nutcracker with a large cast and live orchestra in this beloved holiday classic.
-
Handel's Messiah Performance
7-8:30 p.m. — Jefferson Center, Roanoke, VA — Ticket info available — Experience the timeless power of Handel’s Messiah through choral and orchestral performance.
-
Roanoke Ballet Theatre Presents The Nutcracker
2-8 p.m. — Jefferson Center — $10 children's tickets — Experience the enchanting tale of Clara and her Nutcracker with stunning performances and holiday cheer.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The creative adult is the child who survived.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Daily Roanoke
Welcome to the Daily Roanoke, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Roanoke, Virginia community. If you like the Daily Roanoke, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Roanoke.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Roanoke and across Virginia. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Roanoke
A free Roanoke community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailyroanoke.com/sitemap