Good morning, Baton Rouge.

Tanasha Faulk, 30, daughter of LSU football legend Kevin Faulk, passed away unexpectedly at a Lafayette hospital with no foul play suspected—The Advocate reported she graduated from Carencro High School in 2014 and was a mother of three.

Windy Hills Farms in Ethel opened Nov.

28 for its 23rd year selling Christmas trees. The tree farm welcomes families on weekends (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

Pro Wrestling 225 will hold its annual Holiday Hope event on Saturday, Dec.

13 at the Plaquemine Activity Center on Ferdinand Street at 6 p.m. to benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Companion Animal Alliance (founded in 2010) is launching a mobile veterinary unit to offer free and low-cost care to underserved areas in north Baton Rouge.

The new service follows a city ordinance change supported by Councilman Darryl Hurst.

Sheriff Brett Stassi and his deputies are making Christmas special by delivering gifts and personalized blankets to 335 fourth-graders at nine parish schools and providing lip balm, socks, and games to 194 nursing home residents.

The gift drive began Monday and continues daily at 8 a.m. through Friday.

Bally’s Baton Rouge Casino & Hotel is open 24/7 in downtown Baton Rouge, offering food, games, and stays in a historic building once a railway depot.

The venue features a sports viewing area with DraftKings Sportsbook, slot machines, local dining options, and hotel rooms with modern amenities.

Dave's Hot Chicken will open its second capital region location at Juban Crossing in spring 2026.

The restaurant will occupy the former Moe's Southwest Grill — next to Marble Slab Creamery and Mattress Firm at 27306 Crossing Circle.

Musicians Bob Dylan and Randy Travis will perform at Raising Cane's River Center in 2026, with Travis scheduled for March 27 at 7:30 p.m. and Dylan set for April 27 at 8 p.m., while Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow-N-Fire runs on April 25 and 26.

Charles Heroman from LSU University Laboratory School won both the individual award and led his three-student team to top honors at the 24th Annual McGrath Math Competition (held on Nov.

20 at the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts).

LSU piano professor Willis Delony was inducted into the Steinway & Sons Music Teacher Hall of Fame after a nomination from the Steinway Piano Gallery in New Orleans.

He has built a celebrated career blending classical and jazz music while working with LSU students and preparing for upcoming performances and a solo album.

Gov. Jeff Landry’s administration abruptly ended Medicaid contracts with Aetna Better Health and UnitedHealthCare, affecting 488,500 residents who will get new coverage starting Jan.

1. The health department is transitioning beneficiaries to other plans by year-end (using an algorithm to keep families and doctors together) during the holiday season.

Louisiana halted its Medicaid contract with UnitedHealthcare, affecting about 345,000 residents and triggering a transition to new Medicaid Managed Care Plans effective Jan.

1 while renewing its contract with Aetna for 2026.

The Louisiana Department of Health ended its Medicaid contract with UnitedHealthcare, affecting 345,000 members who will move to other plans starting Jan.

1, 2026 (the decision was recently made). The department renewed a separate Medicaid contract with Aetna for the upcoming year.

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.