Your Fourth of July cookout may be slightly more expensive than last year, according to a survey done by the American Farm Bureau Federation. The study found the average cookout basket with summer staples like cheeseburgers, chicken breasts, strawberries, potato salad and more to feed 10 people costs around 73-dollars-and-82-cents, a four-percent increase from last year. Federation Economist Faith Parum says that’s a pretty standard rise.

Cut 6 (11) “…that inflation.”

Louisiana has a new King of Seafood, Lafayette chef Kris Allen. The Executive Chef at Pamplona Tapas Bar and Restaurant won the Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off earlier this week. His career began at New Orleans restaurant Stella!, and he says Louisiana seafood is the best to cook with.

Cut 4 (09) “…second to none.”

Many families will be spending time around the pool this Fourth of July weekend. The Louisiana Department of Health is urging you to make an extra effort in keeping everyone safe. Health Secretary Bruce Greenstein (green-steen) says you can never take too many precautions, especially with kids.

Cut 9 (09)  “…kids every minute.”

Triple-A projects more than 61-million travelers to hit the road nationwide this Fourth of July Weekend. Gas prices are at a four-year high for this time of year, coming in at 3.46-a-gallon in Louisiana, but Don Redman with Triple-A Louisiana says that won’t deter travelers.

Cut 28 (09) “…it’s still high.”

Triple-A says if you haven’t left already, you can expect heavy traffic in the afternoon and early evening hours. If you’re heading out tomorrow, try to leave before 11 a.m. to avoid the most congestion.