Good morning, Hampton.

MP Island Cafe owner Mike Palmer and his wife Jackie have launched Jamaica Strong Hurricane Relief to collect nonperishable food items—like rice and baby formula—for families affected by severe storms in Jamaica.

Donations are now accepted at their three local locations and at E. Palmer Supermarket in Berkley.

The Virginia Arts Festival 2026 season was announced on Thursday and will begin in March with international acts in dance, musical theater, classical music and folk while featuring returning stars like Joshua Bell and Chesapeake native Adrienne Warren.

The season includes a revived performance of Stravinsky’s The Firebird—co-commissioned with the Dance Theatre of Harlem—and will offer a mix of new and nostalgic shows in Newport News, Virginia Beach and other local venues.

The Hampton Roads Community Foundation awarded $500,000 over five years to the Norfolk State University Foundation to fund the NSU Career Accelerator Program—designed to provide career coaching, job placement, and certification support to students beginning their sophomore year after orientation.

Today, SNAP benefits are set to lapse and food assistance groups in Hampton Roads are bracing for a surge in need as families lose federal aid—state emergency funds will provide weekly benefits until the end of November if the shutdown continues.

Local pantries, mobile markets, and community centers are expanding services and urging residents to plan ahead for food support.

Senator Mark Warner warned that SNAP cuts are straining families in Virginia as rising grocery prices force many to make hard choices.

He said lawmakers must act soon to restore food assistance and protect those who depend on it.

The Virginia Department of Transportation is warning drivers to be cautious during deer mating season today as increased deer activity has been reported near wooded areas and streams in the evenings.

The agency advises checking headlights and cleaning windshields—steps aimed at reducing crashes that typically peak in November.

Virginia's health insurance open enrollment begins today—about 360,000 eligible customers got notifications that they are automatically enrolled in plans that may cost up to five times more due to rising premiums and the pending expiration of federal tax credits; state officials said they will adjust rates if Congress extends the credits.

On Another View, host Barbara Hamm Lee met with mental health experts who discussed services available in Hampton Roads and how to support individuals and families in crisis — experts Dr. Shante Williams, Akela Wallace, and Dr. Keith Newby shared their advice during the program that aired on October 31. The discussion included research on rising mental health challenges among African Americans and offered resources to address these issues.

Jazz Legacy Foundation 2025

5-9 p.m. — Hampton Roads Convention Center — $33 — Experience five days of live jazz and music supporting education in the community.

Nathan Mitchell Late Night Jam Session

11:30 p.m.-2:00 a.m. — Hampton Roads Convention Center — Ticket required — Experience an electrifying late-night jam session with Nathan Mitchell, an accomplished contemporary artist.

Morris Day Concert

6:00 – 7:30 p.m. — Hampton Roads Convention Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the vibrant contemporary jazz sounds of Morris Day.

Jonathan Butler Concert

3:00 – 4:30 PM — Hampton Roads Convention Center — Enjoy a star-studded lineup featuring Jonathan Butler and friends in an unforgettable music experience.

MAGIC SHADOWS by CATAPULT

3:00 – 4:30 p.m. — The American Theatre — Cost info not provided — Experience the enchanting blend of dance, storytelling, and sculpture in a mesmerizing shadow performance.

Brandy & Monica: The Boy Is Mine Tour

7-8:30 p.m. — Hampton Coliseum — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of classic R&B hits with two legendary artists.

5th Annual Black Excellence Gala

6:30-11 p.m. — Virginia Air & Space Science Center — $50 early bird tickets available — A classy event honoring community heroes and their achievements.