Good morning, Baton Rouge.

LSU Basketball star Flau’Jae Johnson hosted a holiday shopping spree for children on Dec.

10 (yesterday) at a local venue to bring festive cheer to the community as families enjoyed special gifts and treats.

Officials hold community briefings on the LA 1 to LA 30 Connector Project — which will include building a new Mississippi River Bridge connecting St. Gabriel to Plaquemine — as project staff gather input from area residents.

During the holiday season, the Salvation Army Baton Rouge Corps is hosting its annual Red Kettle Campaign to collect donations for local support & community programs.

Epic Piping is expanding its Livingston facility with a $25 million upgrade that will add 76 direct jobs—with an average salary of $58,377—and boost 136 indirect jobs.

Construction begins this month and will finish in early 2027.

Brushfire Art Studio in Denham Springs offers a creative space for residents to enjoy pottery and canvas painting while providing local job opportunities (opening Wednesday through Sunday with varying hours).

The studio plans to produce its own pottery bisque featuring LSU and Louisiana designs soon.

Musicians Bob Dylan and Randy Travis will perform at Raising Cane’s River Center in 2026.

Tickets for their shows go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. (Travis will play on March 27 at 7:30 p.m. and Dylan on April 27 at 8 p.m.), and the center will also host Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow-N-Fire on April 25-26.

LSU leaders held a groundbreaking yesterday on its new $200 million South Quad dorm project, which will add over 1,000 beds on campus as part of a long-term housing plan.

The developer is RISE (with The Lemoine Company serving as contractor).

LSU's new system president, Wade Rousse, and chancellor, James Dalton, have five-year contracts worth $750,000 annually (with options for incentive bonuses) pending approval today at the Board of Supervisors meeting.

Atchafalaya Basin keeper held a meeting Wednesday night to discuss a management plan moving basin sediment to protect the vulnerable coastline (local fishermen noted shallower banks hampering boat travel) as the buildup threatens both communities and industry.

A national study found Louisiana ranks as the third-worst state for senior health with an obesity rate of 36.1% and high rates of diabetes, cholesterol and inactivity.

The report (released Dec. 10) shows seniors have an average of 16.8 years of life after age 65.

Former record-breaking high school quarterback Ju'Juan Johnson will leave LSU and transfer elsewhere, according to On3's Pete Nakos.

He joined the Tigers' roster in 2024 after setting prep records at Lafayette Christian Academy.

LSU released term sheets for Lane Kiffin’s assistant coaches; offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. will earn $2.5 million while other salaries are set to be finalized at the upcoming Board of Supervisors meeting.

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.