It’s Christmas Eve, but the weather is anything BUT winter-y. After some cooler days in the early part of the week, a warming trend has moved over Louisiana; bringing unseasonably warm temperatures. State Climatologist Barry Keim says today’s afternoon highs across the state will top out in the mid-to-upper 70’s…:

CUT 07  (06)        “…for the highs.”

That’s near-record heat for Christmas. The warmest Christmas on record was 85 degrees, set back in 1903.

Governor John Bel Edwards will take a little bit of time away from his executive duties to enjoy the Christmas holiday. Mr. Edwards says he wants to catch up on his reading, but also to do what sportsmen do in the Sportsman’s Paradise…:

CUT 13  (07)        “…gonna be great!”

Governor Edwards wishes everyone a very safe, healthy, and Merry Christmas.

The St. Tammany Parish coroner says an inmate found near death in his jail cell was not the victim of foul play, but rather of failing out of his bunk. The post-mortem determine that 39-year-old Jacorey Clark died of injuries to his skull and neck after falling from his upper bunk. He was taken to a hospital, where he later passed away.

Bonfires on the Levee return, after missing a year due to the pandemic. The annual tradition of building huge and often complex structures along the Mississippi River, then setting them ablaze is expected to draw thousands to the River Parishes tonight. Jay Robichaux is director of the local Tourism Commission. He says they are all amazing, but there’s this one is particular…:

Cut 10   (11)        “…unique bonfire.”

He says get there early enough to see it BEFORE it’s set alight. Dress for warmer weather.