The 80-year-old bill requires updates from Congress every five years to account for inflation and shifting welfare and agricultural policies. While some conservative circles argue the subsidies distort free markets, the omnibus bill has traditionally enjoyed broad bipartisan support. Urban and rural constituencies depend on its programs, while policymakers view a stable food source as imperative to national security.

The special session on tax reform is expected to wrap up Friday after lengthy negotiations over the last two weeks.

New Orleans second lines could see more city regulations, including larger police details, after a pair of shootings that killed two people and injured at least 11 at a 9th Ward parade on Nov. 17.

Poor sanitation has long plagued residents in Alabama’s Black Belt. For people with manufactured houses, finding a solution has been more challenging.