Good morning, Roanoke.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.