House and Senate leaders have already met once this week and more meetings are expected before the start of Monday’s special session. Senate President John Alario says the goal is to try and reach a deal in principle before the session that begins on a tax plan that will reduce budget cuts…
cut 4 (11) “…off the table”
Governor John Edwards is pushing legislators to approve a portion of an expiring one-cent sales tax to make up for the loss of 648-million dollars in revenues.

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s office has made another arrest in the weekend brawl along the West Pearl River that resulted in the death of 46-year-old Jeffery Howell of Pearl River. 20-year-old Blaine Manalle of Slidell was booked last night on a charge of second-degree murder. 21-year-old Cameron Alphonso is also facing a second-degree murder charge. No word on what sparked the fight.

Two Acadiana men have been arrested in connection with the death of a 19-year-old girl in St. Martinville. Simone Robin’s body was found in St. Landry Parish on Saturday, but Major Ginny Higgins, with the St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s office says…
cut 11 (06) “…several days”
Robin’s trailer was also set on fire Saturday. Brandon Boutte and Toby Boutte are the two men who have been arrested.

Starting in September, travelers can fly direct from the Baton Rouge Aiport to the Magic Kindgom, with the addition of Via Airlines. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (28) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”