By Greg LaRose | Editor-in-Chief
Let’s tear into this Tuesday with the info you need.
Members of the Louisiana Army National Guard stand at the entrance of Bourbon Street at Canal Street during Mardi Gras celebrations on Feb. 17, 2026, in New Orleans. The intersection was the site of a New Year's Day 2025 terrorist truck attack that killed fourteen people, as well as the driver.(Michael DeMocker/Getty Images)
By Greg LaRose
The governor said the National Guard’s extended deployment has the support of the Trump administration, indicating the federal government would continue to cover the cost of its mission in New Orleans. The Federal Title 32 order from President Donald Trump keeps the governor and Maj. Gen. Thomas Friloux, adjutant general of the Louisiana National Guard, in charge of the troops.
Louisiana placed new restrictions on public food assistance benefits Feb. 18, 2026. (Photo by Julie O’Donoghue/LAI)
By Julie O’Donoghue
Louisiana Department of Health leader Bruce Greenstein discusses new rules for food purchases through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, sometimes referred to as food stamps. Gov. Jeff Landry has prohibited the purchase of some sodas, candy and energy drinks with SNAP benefits in an effort to encourage healthier eating.
LISTEN INSTEAD: ‘The Light Switch,” Episode 42
Ned Fowkes and Alice Whitford visit their daughter, Eva, at a supported living home in Boise, Idaho. (Kyle Green for KFF Health News)
By Bram Sable-Smith, KFF Health News
Across the country, people with disabilities and their families are confronting plans to cut Medicaid as states grapple with budget challenges compounded by congressional Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which is expected to reduce federal spending on Medicaid by nearly $1 trillion over the next decade.
By Amanda Watford
Trump’s mass deportation plan depends heavily on cooperation from state and local politicians and law enforcement officials, according to experts. But as the number of partnerships climb, statehouses are split over whether local police should be in the immigration business at all.
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Midterms kick off in Texas, NC, Arkansas | States Newsroom
NEWS FROM THE STATES
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