A holly jolly ladies night is coming to the Statler this Thursday. Head to Scout for some cocktails, a photo booth with holiday props and DJ Blake Ward.

As a 15-year-old youth sits for the third week in a West Dallas juvenile detention center, awaiting his legal fate, I wish I could tell you more about the 23-year-old he is accused of killing and the five other women whom police say he raped. We know almost nothing about Maria Ezquerro's life -- except for how it ended the night of Nov. 27 in her apartment near the Galleria.

A deceased man found floating in a body of water in Dallas, Texas, has been identified as the man reported missing from Delta County in late November. Michael Lynn Hunt o f Klondike, Texas, was reported missing November 28 by his wife who said he was last seen November 24. According to the Delta County Sheriff's Office, Hunt was believed to be driving a 2005 Silver Mercury Montego and could have been making his way to Paris, Texas.

Happiest Hour in Harwood District is hosting a NYE Megaparty this year! There will be five balloon drops and lots of bubbly. If you'd rather embrace the winter chill on a patio than be cooped up in a crowded club, this is your best bet.

Former First Lady Michelle Obama stopped by the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House to welcome students and help kick off the first annual Young Women's Leadership Conference: Leadership Lessons Learned through the Arts. The program, produced by the nonprofit AT&T Performing Arts Center, included 150 young women from nine North Texas high schools and organizations who - thanks to donors and underwriting - participated free of charge.

There is much talk in media about the rising number of grandparents who step forward to raise their grandchildren after parents die or fall prey to drug use, illness or financial troubles. Dallas community courts will come together this week to give a helping hand during Christmas to those raising grandchildren.