Good morning, Longview.

Volunteers distributed Turkey Day meals to nearly 2,000 families on Tuesday at Maude Cobb Convention & Activity Center after community members donated food on Monday.

This 40th annual food drive marked the highest number of meals provided in its history.

The Longview Arboretum and Nature Center will host its inaugural Bright!

A Season of Lights event from Nov. 28 to Jan. 3 with nightly hours from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursdays and extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays — the event will feature a Dec. 6 concert with East Texas Men in Harmony and local choirs performing on Dec. 18.

AAA has projected 5.8 million drivers in Texas and 81.8 million drivers nationwide to travel from Wednesday to Monday so drivers are advised to leave early and take breaks every 100 miles to avoid heavy traffic.

In East Texas, residents like Victoria Jones express concern over delays and distracted driving while gas prices in Smith County average $2.53 per gallon — lower than the state average.

Community members are rallying to support the family of Madison Riley Hull—a 23-year-old dog-sitter fatally attacked by three pit bulls in Tyler on Friday—as an online fundraiser has been set up for funeral expenses after one dog was shot by a deputy and the other two are set for euthanasia.

Members of the Pine Tree High School UIL academics team had their first letter jacket ceremony after winning the UIL academic district championship in 2024—a first win in nearly 20 years—and sent a record 42 students to the UIL regional meet at East Texas A&M University in Commerce.

Texas DPS is urging East Texans to shop safely online as Cyber Monday approaches — officials warn shoppers to verify website security, avoid unsolicited links, and use secure connections to protect personal data.

With Thanksgiving approaching, the SPCA of East Texas is urging pet owners to avoid holiday foods like turkey bones, corn on the cob, and sugary treats that may cause blockages or dehydration — they suggest serving pet-safe options such as plain turkey meat, cooked pumpkin, or boiled carrots. Pet owners are advised to watch for signs of distress like vomiting or lethargy and seek emergency care if needed.

High school playoff games will take place Friday in East Texas as Pine Tree faces second-year Fort Bend Crawford at 7 p.m. at Groesbeck Stadium.

Other games in Kilgore, McKinney, Tyler, Henderson, Corsicana and Tatum will decide which teams move on — each contest may change the playoff picture.

Longview Mall Christmas Tree Lighting

2-6 p.m. — Longview Mall — Free entry — Celebrate the holiday season with a festive tree lighting, local vendors, and family fun.

Peppermint Land Holiday Expo

10 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Longview Exhibit Center — Free entry with RSVP — Celebrate the festive season with shopping, food, and enchanting holiday characters.

Longview Code and Coffee Meetup

2-4 p.m. — Silver Grizzly Espresso — Free entry — A relaxed environment to code, learn, and sip coffee with fellow developers.

Bright! A Season of Lights

5:30 p.m. — Longview Arboretum and Nature Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a magical walk-through winter wonderland filled with sparkling lights and festive music.