Good morning, Baton Rouge.

This week, the Nubian Kruzers held their 20th annual toy giveaway in North Baton Rouge, providing free gifts to 400 children from low-income families as holiday pressures mount.

Parents expressed gratitude (organizers note the drive helps ease economic burdens) for this timely community support.

A Baton Rouge constable is hosting an annual toy giveaway event for local families to celebrate the holiday season, and the public is invited to join this festive community gathering.

Over 600 children gathered at the Dr. Leo S Butler Community Center on Saturday, Dec.

20 to celebrate the holiday season with toy giveaways, food, music, photos with Santa, and horse riding; state representative Terry Landry Jr. said the event highlighted the community's future.

Local Zachary police and volunteers teamed up today to wrap Christmas toys for families as part of an annual holiday outreach (designed to brighten spirits for the season).

T. Russell Crook (formerly a corporate strategist with decades of experience) became dean of LSU E.J.

Ourso College of Business in July after a national search. He is meeting with a 150-person team to create a plan that uses technology and hands-on learning to help students manage their own destiny.

Baton Rouge Community College has earned a grant to expand its reentry job training program that offers welding certifications to incarcerated individuals.

Program leaders say the initiative will boost job opportunities and strengthen the local workforce & give participants a lasting skill set.

Meta’s new AI data center in Richland Parish is set to use 23 million gallons of water daily (roughly the amount used by 17,000 residents) and create 500 permanent jobs.

State officials back its closed-loop system, but independent researchers urge closer monitoring to protect local groundwater resources.

Louisiana's Health Secretary Bruce Greenstein announced that the state will move (330,700) Medicaid recipients from UnitedHealthcare to Aetna Better Health by December 31 using an algorithm to assign new plans; the switch will occur over the next two weeks.

Pain-relieving ointment sold at Walmart and Target was recalled on Thursday after its packaging failed to be child-resistant as required by law, and consumers should keep these 3.52-ounce jars with UPC 860006498115 out of reach of young children + call Plantimex for a free replacement lid.

LSU women's basketball beat UT-Arlington 110-45 at the Maravich Center on Sunday & kept its non-conference win streak alive.

LSU is expected to hire Ole Miss running backs coach Kevin Smith as the Tigers plan to bolster their coaching staff.

The report follows LSU’s interim coach Frank Wilson moving to Ole Miss, with Smith seen arriving at the football practice facility with Lane Kiffin and other assistants.

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.