Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards met with Republican House Speaker Taylor Barras again today to discuss solutions to a looming one-billion dollar budget deficit. Edwards would like to call a special session in February to pass a revenue-neutral tax plan to address the fiscal cliff, but only will do so if he can reacn an agreement in principle with House leaders on a tax reform bill. In the meantime, the governor is planning to propose a budget that reflects a billion dollar cut in state spending…
cut 13 (07) “…will be devasating”
The proposed budget for next fiscal year will be presented to legislators on January 19th.

The Madison Parish Sheriff’s office is investigating a fatal home invasion in Tallulah that resulted in one death and two others injured. Investigator Brandon Wiltcher says this crime appears to be random and this doesn’t happen in Tallulah often…
cut 7 (08) “….this matter”
No arrests have been made yet.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says we may see fish kills as a result of last week’s cold temperatures. Biologist Alex Perret says if you do find a fish kill, contact L-D-W-F and provide basic information such as the location and size of the kill. Perret says it’s a public safety interest…
cut 12 (09) “…fish kill”

And it’s King Cake time as the Canrival season officially started over the weekend. It’s generally accepted that a traditional king cake is a twisted dough covered with icing, but after three centuries, the variations are nearly limitless. Dave Haydel of Hayde’s Bakery says there’s a few other varieties he’s noticed are in high demand.
Cut 5 (13) “fillings too.”
Carnival season wraps up Tuesday, February 13th.