According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, a Fourth of July cookout that will feed 10 people will cost about 74-dollars, a four-percent increase from last year. Economist Faith Parum says fresh produce prices are up and so are canned goods…

Cut 8 (08) “…comes in”

Parum says two pounds of beef will also run you around 14-dollars.

It’s a big tourism weekend for New Orleans as the city is hosting the Essence Fest. Mary Beth Romig with New Orleans and Company says the city is also hosting the National Strength and Conditioning Association and the National Association of Community and Restorative Justice. Romig says those two conferences are helping to contribute to a projected hotel occupancy of more than 80-percent tomorrow and Saturday night.

Cut 14 (06) “…the French Quarter.”

Saturday night there will be a fireworks show along the Downtown Riverfront.

Lafayette chef Kris Allen is this year’s winner of the Louisiana Seafood Cook-off. He impressed the judges last weekend with his crab-stuffed flounder which the public can try at his restaurant in Lafayette, Pamplona Tapas Bar and Restaurant. Allen will now spend the next year promoting Louisiana seafood on the national stage…

Cut 5 (09) “….Louisiana seafood”

He will also compete in the Great American Seafood Cook-off in New Orleans on July 25^th.

The Louisiana Department of Health is reminding families about the importance of water safety during this holiday weekend. According to the latest statistics, 55 children drowned in Louisiana between 2022 and 2024. LDH Secretary Bruce Greenstein urges families to enroll children in swimming lessons at an early age and adults who do not know how to swim, should also take lessons if they are going to be around water…

Cut 11 (06) “…go to work”

With the Fourth of July all but here, the Louisiana Department of Health is urging you to make an extra effort to keep your kids safe in the water. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A 7-year-old girl in Addis died following a domestic disturbance last night. Police responded to reports of an unresponsive child and rushed her to the local children’s hospital. Detectives learned a physical altercation had taken place just before the medical emergency. A woman was also injured in the incident, and a man believed to be involved has been identified.

New Orleans is gearing up for a big Fourth of July weekend. The Essence Festival of Culture begins tomorrow, and Mary Beth Romig with New Orleans and Company says it will kick off in a most historic way.

Cut 12 (09) “…of the festival.”

Also headlining the festival are Cardi B, Latto, Brandy and Monica, Patti LaBelle and more.

The American Farm Bureau Federation found that the average ten-person Fourth of July cookout with all the fixings will cost around 7.38-per-person this year. That cost is actually down from last year’s survey when adjusted for inflation. Farm Bureau economist Faith Parum says the most expensive items in the meal are the meats. Two pounds of beef will run you around 14-dollars.

Cut 7 (11) “..beef high.”

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.

If it seems like summers here in Louisiana are getting hotter and hotter – well, you’re right. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 28 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Scattered thunderstorms have developed in southeast Louisiana today and they are moving towards central Louisiana. Fourth of July will be hot and rain chances are low. Rain chances are higher on Sunday.

The Louisiana Attorney General’s Office is putting the heat on people who try to scheme the system and add to their own personal wealth through the Medicaid program. Liz Murrill announced on Wednesday the arrest of 21 individuals for Medicaid fraud….

Cut 12 (13) “….residential care facilities”

Murrill says the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit has been elevated to a standalone division within the Louisiana Department of Justice.

Triple-A is projecting more than 72-million Americans will travel 50 miles or more this holiday weekend. Sixty-one million people are driving to their destinations. AAA spokesperson Don Redman urges drivers to take frequent breaks if you are on a long road trip…

Cut 27 (11) “…you are impaired”

If it seems that summers here in Louisiana and across the country are getting hotter and hotter – well, you’re right. Shel Winkley, the chief meteorologist at Climate Central, says Louisiana’s average summer temperatures have been steadily rising ever since records have been kept.

Cut 24 (13) “…of about 82.4.”

State Representative Gabe Firment of Pollock is running for Congress. He joins at least two other Republicans — Monroe Representative Michael Echols and State Board of Regents chair Misti Cordell — in the race for the 5th Congressional District seat being vacated by Julia Letlow. Firment says voters can trust him.

Cut 13 (10)  “…get to Congress.”

More than 72-million Americans are expected to travel this Fourth of July weekend. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

An 18-year-old is arrested for allegedly shooting at a Caddo Parish deputy sheriff during a traffic stop early yesterday morning. Investigators say 18-year-old Daraylan Ray pulled into a Shreveport apartment complex, ran from the vehicle and fired a long rifle toward the deputy but did not hit him. Ray is charged with attempted second-degree murder.

A nonprofit research group called the Climate Center has released a new report that shows Louisiana’s summers are getter hotter and more humid. According to the Climate Center, the average summer temperature has risen three to four degrees for New Orleans, Shreveport, Bienville, Sabine and Terrebonne Parishes. The chief meteorologist for the Climate Center, Shel Winkley says coal, oil and methane gas production is contributing to the hotter summers…

Cut 6 (07) “…heat in form”

The Louisiana Attorney General’s Office is putting the heat on people who try to scheme the system and add to their own personal wealth through the Medicaid program. Liz Murrill announced on Wednesday the arrest of 21 more people for Medicaid fraud….

Cut 12 (13) “….residential care facilities”

Murrill says the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit has been elevated to a standalone division within the Louisiana Department of Justice.

State Representative Gabe Firment from Grant Parish has announced he’s running for Louisiana Fifth Congressional District seat. Two other candidates have already announced, state rep Michael Echols and Board of Regents Chairperson Misti Cordell and state senator Stewart Cathey could also join the race. It will be an open primary election on November third, not a closed party primary, and Firment likes that…

Cut 15 (12) “…really well there”

Qualifying for the election will be the first week of August.

Lafayette chef Kris Allen was named the new King of Louisiana Seafood at this year’s Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off earlier this week. To win the crown, Allen used modern techniques to highlight a classic crab-stuffed flounder. Allen says seafood has always been part of his life.

Cut 3 (12) “…what I do.”

Allen is the executive chef at Pamplona Tapas Bar and Restaurant in Lafayette and will compete in the Great American Seafood Cookoff on July 25th.

Attorney General Liz Murrill announces scores of arrests in connection with a nationwide Medicaid fraud crackdown. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Summers here in Louisiana and across the country are actually getting hotter.  Shel Winkley, the chief meteorologist at Climate Central, says nationwide the average summer temperature has risen two and a half degrees since 1970; and that’s actually pretty significant.

Cut 5 (06) “…wouldn’t feel well.”

Health officials are tracking a seasonal spike in cases of an intestinal illness that can cause “explosive” diarrhea, among other symptoms.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and prevention, cyclosporiasis cases have been reported in 17 states, including Louisiana.  Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that spreads when people consume food or water contaminated with feces.

Triple-A projects more than 72-million Americans will travel at least 50 miles for the Fourth of July weekend, a slight increase over last year’s record. Don Redman with Triple-A Louisiana says many are taking advantage of the holiday falling on a Saturday and extending vacations through next week.

Cut 7 (12) “…who are cruising.”

Triple-A says if you’re hitting the road today or tomorrow, it’s best to try to leave before noon. The most congestion on the roads is expected in the afternoon and early evening.

Over 72-million Americans are expected to travel this Fourth of July weekend. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Attorney General Liz Murrill announces 21 people have been arrested as part of a nationwide crackdown on Medicaid fraud. Murrill said some of those charged are accused of stealing huge amounts of money and says Medicaid Fraud is not a victimless crime. .

Cut 11 (10) “…services and support.”

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State Representative Gabe Firment of Pollock is running for Congress. Firment joins at least two fellow Republicans — Monroe Representative Michael Echols and State Board of Regents chair Misti Cordell — in the race for the 5th Congressional District seat being vacated by U.S. Senate nominee Julia Letlow. Firment says voters can trust him.

Cut 13 (10)  “…get to Congress.”

Republican State Senator Stewart Cathey is also expected to join the race.

The Grant Parish representative has served in the House since 2019. He describes himself as a true conservative who can represent the rural district well. His opponents have a head start after beginning their campaigns months ago, but Firment believes he has an advantage as the southernmost candidate.

Cut 14 (08) “…of this district.”