Budget talks are ongoing among legislative and business leaders in the state. Governor John Bel Edwards has met with business owners around the state, as well as House Speaker Taylor Barras, to find a way to fill a $1.1 billion budget gap when temporary taxes expire next year. Edwards called the meeting a good, frank exchange.

Cut 6 (12) “this fiscal cliff”

A two-year-old has died after being hit by a vehicle in Tangipahoa Parish. State Trooper Dustin Dwight says that just as little Kaleb Dyson of Kentwood entered the westbound lane of LA 10, he was struck by a minivan.

Cut 10 (05) “set of circumstances”

Speed and impairment are not considered factors in the accident.

Scientists with the LSU Ag Center have received a $490,000 grant to study a type of small fly that causes bleeding in deer and cattle. Researcher Lane Foil says the conditions spread by these types of flies can lead to internal hemorrhaging that often kill deer…:

Cut 12 (06) “after exposure”

He says they are less dangerous to cattle, but still cause problems.

Lafayette Travel is heading to Michigan to show the northerners how to handle crawfish, after mudbugs were discovered in the Wolverine State. President and CEO Ben Berthelot says this is a great time for Lafayette to promote their great food and happy people.

Cut 4 (08) “big problem”

Plans for a crawfish boil were canned because it is illegal to possess live crawfish in Michigan.