Good morning, Baton Rouge.

The WBR Parish Sheriff’s Office is hosting a Christmas Crusade Toy Drive today from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Walmart in Port Allen (3255 LA Hwy.

1) to support neighbors in need this holiday season.

On Friday, school counselors picked up 7,000 coats + 175 schools benefited from Pat's Coats for Kids, a 38-year effort led by Pat Shingleton to keep Baton Rouge students warm this winter.

The program may continue next year with ongoing donations.

On Friday, Dec. 5, LSU Food Pantry served 5,000 students at the Student Union by offering free groceries to meet food needs.

Run by student volunteers, the pantry operates *from noon to 5 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday* and accepts Tiger Cards for access.

The Sullivan Theater debuts 'Elf the Musical' (a festive production) that brings Christmas joy, laughter, and heartwarming surprises as Buddy finds his identity.

The show runs with performances Thursdays to Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m. through Dec. 21.

Glen Oaks Magnet High School debuts its new Theatrical Arts Department with a staging of Langston Hughes' Black Nativity at its auditorium today at 6:30 p.m. (tickets cost $10).

LSU AgCenter crawfish expert Todd Fontenot said the season was expected to be normal as rice fields showed good conditions, stocking went well, and apple snails in surface water areas near south I-10 posed minor challenges.

Farmers anticipated stable yields with no outrageous price hikes if no extreme cold occurred.

On Friday morning, Baton Rouge witnessed the inaugural graduation of the 19th Judicial District Domestic Violence Intervention Court Pilot Program.

Judge Foxworth-Roberts and her team recognized 33-year-old Daronshel Blackman, who met all program requirements (weekly counseling, court hearings, and treatment) to boost accountability and victim safety.

Homeowners in Baton Rouge are facing higher property taxes and many called the EBR Assessor’s Office for answers.

The rises stem from last year’s reassessment and a new fire department millage, leaving residents confused about the jump in their bills.

Mayor-President Sid Edwards warned that budget cuts could force parade organizers to cover police security at the Spanish Town parade, which cost ($65,000) in overtime last year.

Rising expenses may threaten this cherished tradition as the city re-evaluates spending ahead of the 2026 Mardi Gras season.

Several new sweets spots have opened in the Capital Region, offering French pastries at Sucré (5720 Corporate Blvd.), party trays at Crafted Nibbles, and Southern-style cheesecakes at Cheesecake Lab, among others.

They opened between November 2024 and October 2025, giving Baton Rouge residents fresh dessert options.

The Southern Jaguars women’s basketball team upset the 6-0 Arizona Wildcats 63-57 in Tucson on Wednesday, Dec.

3. The team improved to a 2-5 record and will take on the University of Houston Cougars on Sunday, Dec. 7.

Lamar Brown, the nation’s No. 1 overall defensive recruit from University Lab, signed with LSU Friday afternoon and met with new head coach Lane Kiffin Sunday (his commitment remained firm since July).

He becomes LSU’s first No. 1 signee since Leonard Fournette in 2014.

LSU announced Friday that football season ticket prices for 2026 will remain unchanged at home.

The school credited loyal fans & scrapped plans approved by the Board amid prior criticism.

LSU linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. — an active community volunteer — was named to the SEC Community Service Team on Thursday.

He has supported local efforts at Shop with a Player, the Food Bank, and the Boys and Girls Club since arriving in 2022.

Baton Rouge welcomed the 2025 USBC Open Championships at Raising Cane’s River Center (Mar. to Jul.), where over 58,000 bowlers and 11,684 teams competed and generated about $150 million for the local economy.

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.