Daily
Baton Rouge
Thursday, December 18th, 2025
Good morning, Baton Rouge. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Today, the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign is underway outside local stores and every dollar raised stays in the community to fund food, shelter and emergency assistance for families. WAFB 9
- ➤ Raising Cane's owner Todd Graves partnered with Gayle Benson to donate 100 bikes to YMCA members on Wednesday as part of her Month of Giving in Baton Rouge. The donation included themed helmets & bikes to help local kids ride safely this holiday season. WBRZ
- ➤ Firefighters from the St. George, Baton Rouge & East Side fire departments rappelled from the top of Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital on Wednesday, Dec. 17 to give patients an uplifting view while practicing high-angle skills. WVLA
- ➤ LSU coach Kim Mulkey and Miracle Children's Foundation creator Bryce Newman distributed iPads, backpacks, and snowcones to young patients at Our Lady of the Lake Children's Hospital today, bringing hope during challenging times. WBRZ
- ➤ WBRZ's Syvia Weatherspoon will hand out pre-wrapped toys for Christmas on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at St. Vincent dePaul Warehouse (6190 Greenwell Springs Road) with children receiving gifts from supplies collected since November. WBRZ
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Local independent bookstores are curating south Louisiana-centric books for holiday gifts, offering titles like Chef Celeste’s Louisiana Kitchen, Life in the A-Zone and Marsh Island Memories, which spotlight regional culinary and cultural heritage + community stories amid a break from screen time. 225 Magazine
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Southern University's Board of Supervisors is set to vote today at 9 a.m. in the Board Meeting Room (J.S. Clark Administration Building) on leadership roles including head football coach Marshall Faulk; defensive coordinator Todd Lyght; offensive coordinator Curtis Johnson; assistant vice chancellor Karen Jackson; and graduate school dean Albertha Lawson. WBRZ
- ➤ Southern University's Board of Supervisors will choose an interim president today at 9 a.m. after Dennis Shields announced he will step down as the board seeks fresh leadership. It will also vote on a $400,000 separation agreement to fund his sabbatical before he teaches at the Law Center. WVLA
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Ochsner Medical Center — named on Forbes’ top hospitals 2026 list — was ranked for quality outcomes, patient experience and value. It was announced on Dec. 17 in Baton Rouge as one of seven local hospitals recognized among 762 nationwide. WVLA
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Local editorial team 225 has curated a guide of affordable stocking stuffer ideas — from spice blends and quirky ornaments to handcrafted chocolates and notebooks — to help residents complete holiday gift shopping; the online guide highlights options that suit any need and budget. 225 Magazine
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ 13-year-old Evianna Thomas from Crowley won the USA Boxing National Championships in Lubbock, Texas after a four-to-one judges' decision on Dec. 17; she will soon be honored by the Lafayette Consolidated Government. Thomas trains at Backstreet Boxing Gym (owned by Shelton Leblanc) and urges young girls to pursue boxing dreams. WVLA
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Surreal In The Stacks Craft Event
4:30-7:30 p.m. — East Baton Rouge Parish Library — Free entry — Get creative and craft your own surreal costume at this imaginative community event.
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The Louisiana Marathon
8 AM – 1 PM — A. Z. Young Park — $25-$170 — Celebrate 15 years of Louisiana spirit with a vibrant marathon experience featuring various race categories.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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