Good morning, Baton Rouge.

Today, Baton Rouge rapper SNUG and his manager Don Major host the 2nd Annual SNUG Christmas Toy Giveaway at Longfellow Park (noon to 4 p.m.), where families can receive free toys, bicycles, food, live music, and raffles to share holiday cheer.

Bally's Baton Rouge is set to bring a new range of downtown entertainment with 800 slot machines + 25 table games, a sports betting area with a 46-ft video screen, two private bowling lanes, three dining options in a historic train depot, and 242 hotel rooms available for guests.

Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre will perform 'The Nutcracker - A Tale from the Bayou' this weekend at the River Center Performing Arts Theatre.

Local audiences can expect a fresh take on the classic holiday ballet.

The Cangelosi Dance Project is set to present 'The Nutcracker – A Tale from the Bayou' with directors Kris Cangelosi and Jeremy Wesley offering a fresh take on the holiday classic.

The performance will occur on Dec. 20-21 in Baton Rouge.

Woman’s Hospital is investing $5 million in the Southern University College of Nursing and Allied Health expansion, with funding over the next three years doubling student enrollment (to address Louisiana’s nurse shortage and improve maternal and infant care in underserved areas).

Dr. Orlando McMeans has been named interim president at Southern University.

He previously served as chancellor of the SU Agricultural Research and Extension Center and dean of the College of Agricultural, Human and Environmental Sciences, and a search for a permanent president will start in 2026.

A pedestrian hybrid beacon at Bluebonnet Boulevard and Springpark Avenue has opened to improve safety for residents crossing a busy roadway.

The project — funded by the MOVEBR program and driven by local input — is the first of several planned beacon installations as funds become available.

On Thursday, the Louisiana Department of Health announced that UnitedHealthcare will cover over 300,000 Medicaid patients for 90 days until March 31 to maintain care continuity while officials prepare to transition patients to new providers, with lawmakers supporting the move + the company expressing disappointment.

Crews broke ground on a new hospital on Thursday, Dec.

18 in Denham Springs; the 40,000 sqft facility on Juban Road at I-12 will include a 14-bed emergency room, 13-bed inpatient units, and outpatient services (imaging, labs, physical therapy, and physician practices) and is expected to open in fall 2027.

Florida State graduate assistant Ben Miles (son of former LSU head coach Les Miles) will join Southern University's football staff as tight ends coach and recruiting coordinator, returning him to Baton Rouge after coaching at Texas A&M.

The hire supports the Jaguars' rebuild for next season.

LSU defensive back Mansoor Delane was named to the Football Writers Association of America’s All-America First Team, joining four major teams to become a unanimous All-American—he recorded 358 pass coverage snaps with 13 receptions allowed and six first downs during the season.

On Thursday, Southern University’s Board approved hiring Marshall Faulk as head football coach and key coaching roles to rebuild the team after a 2-10 season; his three-year contract (valued at $1.2M) includes bonus incentives for division wins, beating an FBS team, and SWAC success.

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.

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.

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.

Louisiana Marathon 2026

7 a.m. — Louisiana Marathon — Check for registration fees — Experience the thrill of running in the heart of Baton Rouge.