The governor’s deputy chief of staff says another meeting could take place Monday between Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards and Republican House Speaker Taylor Barras. Edwards is waiting on Barras to provide him with a list of revenue generating tax proposals that republican legislators could support in a possible special session this month to address a one-billion dollar shortfall for next fiscal year. Barras has already provided the governor with recommendations on how to reduce state spending.

Big and small towns will have Mardi Gras Parades today. Kelli West with the Alexandria-Pineville Convention and Visitors Bureau, says for the second year in a row, the town of Ball will host a big parade at 10 A-M along Highway 165….
cut 4 (09) “…as well”
Also today, Monroe’s Krewe of Janue which has been around since 1984, will roll at 6 PM. Thibodaux will have two different parades on Sunday, the krewes Shaka and Ambrosia will roll at 1:30 and 2 PM respectively.

CenturyLink announces they are adding 150 jobs in Louisiana as they are opening a new outbound sales center in Monroe. CenturyLink recently merged with Level 3 Communications. CenturyLink spokesperson Ann Marie Sartor says there was initial concern as to how the merger would affect employees in the Monroe area, but this shows their commitment to Louisiana.…
Cut 9 (10) “it well.”
A job fair will take place February 12th for anyone interested in working for CenturyLink.

An Offers.com survey says Louisianans are the top spenders this year for Super Bowl parties. Offers.com spokesperson Carson Yarborough says Louisiana spends nearly 40 percent more per party than the average state…:
Cut 10 (11) “national average”
The Eagles and Patriots will battle on Sunday at 5:30pm on NBC.