Good morning, Baton Rouge.

Mysti Byrnes explains that the Red Stick Farmers Market will add new features for local visitors, offering a peek at upcoming changes and events in the area.

A state agency warns Baton Rouge buyers after a local woman's used car purchase turned into a nightmare when problems surfaced before she could leave the dealership.

Buyers are urged to thoroughly inspect vehicles to avoid similar issues.

The Denham Springs Animal Shelter is now housing 90 dogs after taking in 20 extra, far exceeding its usual capacity (below 50) as temperatures drop; staff urge local residents to foster animals to ease overcrowding.

Councilman Darryl Hurst, the United Cajun Navy and the Charles R.

Kelly Community Center are hosting the fourth annual Holiday Angel Tree Pick-Up and Community Toy Giveaway (offering toys, warm clothes and craft stations for families) on Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the community center.

LSU’s Integrative Community Studies program received a $2.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to expand its two-year track into a four-year program that gives intellectually-disabled students more time for earning credentials, engaging in campus life and preparing for careers (meeting growing enrollment needs).

The Southern University Board of Supervisors will seek an interim president with strong business ties starting Jan.

1 after President Dennis Shields departs, and a search committee will present candidates within five to six months to boost industry partnerships and research funding.

Nominations for the Louisiana Wildlife Federation's 60th annual Conservation Achievement Awards opened Dec.

4 and must be submitted online by Jan. 30; honorees will receive a wildlife statuette at a spring banquet in 2026.

Louisiana Works has updated unemployment insurance rules by requiring new claimants to complete five job search activities a week, with changes effective Dec.

31 and new claims filed after Jan. 4 subject to updated eligibility requirements (designed to support active job seekers).

Organizers of the Spanish Town Mardi Gras Parade are asking Metro Council to fund security costs in the 2026 budget after new police rules shifted expenses to event groups; public officials reached a tentative compromise at a Wednesday hearing to keep the parade on track.

Residents in Baton Rouge experienced plumbing troubles on Dec.

4 when heavy rain filled the city's sewer systems, affecting toilet flushing and bathtub draining. City officials said repairs + drainage improvements should finish once the rain stopped.

The CDC report says Louisiana has the highest rate of flu-like illnesses in the country since early November, with doctors urging Baton Rouge residents to get their safe flu shots and follow prevention tips as the state has not yet reached its typical peak between Christmas and mid-February.

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels dedicated custom cleats to honor his late LSU teammate Kyren Lacy.

The striped cleats, featuring the message 'Mental Health is Real' (with details like #988 and a painted portrait), support mental health and youth empowerment as part of the My Cause, My Cleats campaign.

75th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee Gala

6-11 p.m. — Raising Cane's River Center — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate 75 years of legacy and leadership with a night of dining, music, and special programming.

Louisiana Cultural Music & Arts Festival

All day — Cary Saurage Community Arts Center — Free entry — Celebrate Louisiana's vibrant culture through music, arts, and food at this family-friendly festival.

Parent Meeting for ADHD

5-6:30 p.m. — Professional Development Center — Free entry — Experience an impactful ADHD simulation designed to help parents understand their children's challenges in everyday life.

Do The Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl

4:30-9 p.m. — Somewhere Neighborhood Bar — Tickets required — Embrace the holiday spirit at the most delightfully tacky pub crawl in Baton Rouge.

The Nutcracker - A Tale From The Bayou

6-9 p.m. — Raising Cane's River Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the enchanting story of 'The Nutcracker' like never before as it unfolds in the bayou setting.

The Nutcracker - A Tale From The Bayou

2:00 – 2:01 PM — Raising Cane's River Center — Prices set by resellers — Experience a unique blend of holiday magic and Southern charm in this captivating performance.

Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland

7-9:30 p.m. — Raising Cane's River Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a magical blend of circus artistry and holiday cheer for the season.

Skating On the River

11:59 p.m. – 1:29 a.m. — Raising Cane's River Center Arena — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate the holiday season with Baton Rouge's favorite winter tradition of skating on the river.

Parish County Line Concert

9:00 – 10:30 PM — Texas Club — Ticket prices vary — Experience the heartfelt country music of Parish County Line in an intimate setting.

Alabama State vs. LSU Women's Basketball

3:00 – 4:30 PM — Pete Maravich Assembly Center — Free trial available — Watch the undefeated LSU Tigers face off against the Alabama State Lady Hornets in an exciting college basketball matchup.