Julie O'Donoghue
@jsodonoghue.bsky.social
Senior writer at Louisiana Illuminator. I previously worked at The Times-Picayune, St. Louis Public Radio, The Connection Newspapers and The Northwest Current. Macalester College and Northwestern University alum.
State officials say a youth prison in Baker, La. that was shut down over a decade ago will reopen in April. #lalege
lailluminator.com/2025/11/26/l...
lailluminator.com/2025/11/26/l...
State officials say East Baton Rouge youth prison could reopen as soon as April • Louisiana Illuminator
Louisiana officials plan to reopen a youth prison in April that was shuttered over a decade ago when it was declared inappropriate for young people.
lailluminator.com
November 30, 2025 at 7:25 PM
State officials say a youth prison in Baker, La. that was shut down over a decade ago will reopen in April. #lalege
lailluminator.com/2025/11/26/l...
lailluminator.com/2025/11/26/l...
Reposted by Julie O'Donoghue
Louisiana officials plan to reopen a youth prison in April that was shuttered over a decade ago when it was declared inappropriate for young people. @jsodonoghue.bsky.social reports a new correctional facility will eventually be built on the same site. lailluminator.com/2025/11/26/l...
State officials say East Baton Rouge youth prison could reopen as soon as April • Louisiana Illuminator
Louisiana officials plan to reopen a youth prison in April that was shuttered over a decade ago when it was declared inappropriate for young people.
lailluminator.com
November 26, 2025 at 9:55 PM
Louisiana officials plan to reopen a youth prison in April that was shuttered over a decade ago when it was declared inappropriate for young people. @jsodonoghue.bsky.social reports a new correctional facility will eventually be built on the same site. lailluminator.com/2025/11/26/l...
In July, Speaker Mike Johnson allotted U.S. House members $5k per month in public funding to hire private security guards for themselves. In September, it became $10k per month. Starting Dec. 1, it will be $20k per month.
rollcall.com/2025/11/24/h...
rollcall.com/2025/11/24/h...
House to boost member security program, launch mobile duress app - Roll Call
The moves come after Congress set aside more money to address growing threats and safety fears, especially while members are in their districts.
rollcall.com
November 26, 2025 at 9:45 PM
In July, Speaker Mike Johnson allotted U.S. House members $5k per month in public funding to hire private security guards for themselves. In September, it became $10k per month. Starting Dec. 1, it will be $20k per month.
rollcall.com/2025/11/24/h...
rollcall.com/2025/11/24/h...
Reposted by Julie O'Donoghue
The Southern University System intends to move on from its current leadership, according to the agenda for the next meeting of its board of supervisors. Via @greglarose.bsky.social @lailluminator.com
Southern University moves to replace system president • Louisiana Illuminator
The Southern University System intends to move on from its current leadership, according to the agenda for the next meeting of its board of supervisors.
lailluminator.com
November 26, 2025 at 6:29 PM
The Southern University System intends to move on from its current leadership, according to the agenda for the next meeting of its board of supervisors. Via @greglarose.bsky.social @lailluminator.com
Reposted by Julie O'Donoghue
Morrisey, who earlier said that two West Virginia National Guard members had died in the shooting in D.C., is now backtracking and says his office was receiving “conflicting reports about the condition of our two Guard members.”
West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey, says in a statement that both National Guard members have died. The two Guard members were from West Virginia.
BREAKING: Two National Guard members shot in Washington, D.C., officials confirm. Story by @jennifershutt.bsky.social www.newsfromthestates.com/article/brea...
November 26, 2025 at 9:12 PM
Morrisey, who earlier said that two West Virginia National Guard members had died in the shooting in D.C., is now backtracking and says his office was receiving “conflicting reports about the condition of our two Guard members.”
The state announced TODAY (the day before Thanksgiving) that the Southern University system president is leaving his job. The Southern Board is picking an interim president on Black Friday.
So the public is supposed to provide input on this decision when? On Thanksgiving Day? #lalege
So the public is supposed to provide input on this decision when? On Thanksgiving Day? #lalege
November 26, 2025 at 6:13 PM
The state announced TODAY (the day before Thanksgiving) that the Southern University system president is leaving his job. The Southern Board is picking an interim president on Black Friday.
So the public is supposed to provide input on this decision when? On Thanksgiving Day? #lalege
So the public is supposed to provide input on this decision when? On Thanksgiving Day? #lalege
“There is no better advocate for health freedom than Ralph Abraham.” - Gov. Jeff Landry on Abraham's appointment to a post at the CDC.
.
Gov. Jeff Landry praises Louisiana Surgeon General Ralph Abraham's appointment as a CDC leader.
Abraham shuttered Louisiana's longstanding vaccination efforts, ending an advertising campaign and mass flu vaccine events the state has sponsored for years. #lalege
lailluminator.com/2025/11/25/l...
Gov. Jeff Landry praises Louisiana Surgeon General Ralph Abraham's appointment as a CDC leader.
Abraham shuttered Louisiana's longstanding vaccination efforts, ending an advertising campaign and mass flu vaccine events the state has sponsored for years. #lalege
lailluminator.com/2025/11/25/l...
Louisiana Surgeon General Ralph Abraham, a vaccine skeptic, tapped for No. 2 post at CDC • Louisiana Illuminator
Louisiana Surgeon General Ralph Abraham, who rolled back government vaccine distribution as the state’s top public health official, has been appointed to the second highest position at the U.S. Center...
lailluminator.com
November 26, 2025 at 12:21 AM
“There is no better advocate for health freedom than Ralph Abraham.” - Gov. Jeff Landry on Abraham's appointment to a post at the CDC.
.
Gov. Jeff Landry praises Louisiana Surgeon General Ralph Abraham's appointment as a CDC leader.
Abraham shuttered Louisiana's longstanding vaccination efforts, ending an advertising campaign and mass flu vaccine events the state has sponsored for years. #lalege
lailluminator.com/2025/11/25/l...
Gov. Jeff Landry praises Louisiana Surgeon General Ralph Abraham's appointment as a CDC leader.
Abraham shuttered Louisiana's longstanding vaccination efforts, ending an advertising campaign and mass flu vaccine events the state has sponsored for years. #lalege
lailluminator.com/2025/11/25/l...
Louisiana Surgeon General Ralph Abraham, a vaccine skeptic, tapped for No. 2 post at CDC • Louisiana Illuminator
Louisiana Surgeon General Ralph Abraham, who rolled back government vaccine distribution as the state’s top public health official, has been appointed to the second highest position at the U.S. Center...
lailluminator.com
November 26, 2025 at 12:20 AM
.
Gov. Jeff Landry praises Louisiana Surgeon General Ralph Abraham's appointment as a CDC leader.
Abraham shuttered Louisiana's longstanding vaccination efforts, ending an advertising campaign and mass flu vaccine events the state has sponsored for years. #lalege
lailluminator.com/2025/11/25/l...
Gov. Jeff Landry praises Louisiana Surgeon General Ralph Abraham's appointment as a CDC leader.
Abraham shuttered Louisiana's longstanding vaccination efforts, ending an advertising campaign and mass flu vaccine events the state has sponsored for years. #lalege
lailluminator.com/2025/11/25/l...
Last week, Louisiana lawmakers approved the biggest government contracts in the state's history, which were negotiated by Gov. Jeff Landry's administration.
They are 6 contracts with private companies to provide Medicaid plans for $17 billion. #lalege
lailluminator.com/2025/11/25/l...
They are 6 contracts with private companies to provide Medicaid plans for $17 billion. #lalege
lailluminator.com/2025/11/25/l...
Louisiana approves Medicaid contracts. They are the most expensive contracts in the state’s history. • Louisiana Illuminator
Louisiana lawmakers signed off last week on one-year extensions to the state’s six biggest government contracts, collectively worth more than $17 billion. The agreements are with the six health care c...
lailluminator.com
November 25, 2025 at 8:40 PM
Last week, Louisiana lawmakers approved the biggest government contracts in the state's history, which were negotiated by Gov. Jeff Landry's administration.
They are 6 contracts with private companies to provide Medicaid plans for $17 billion. #lalege
lailluminator.com/2025/11/25/l...
They are 6 contracts with private companies to provide Medicaid plans for $17 billion. #lalege
lailluminator.com/2025/11/25/l...
A number of national news organizations are reporting that Louisiana Surgeon General Ralph Abraham has been tapped to be the No. 2 person at the Centers for Disease Control.
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Louisiana Surgeon General Joins CDC as Principal Deputy Director
Ralph Abraham, the Louisiana Surgeon General, has been named to the No. 2 job at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
www.bloomberg.com
November 25, 2025 at 6:01 PM
A number of national news organizations are reporting that Louisiana Surgeon General Ralph Abraham has been tapped to be the No. 2 person at the Centers for Disease Control.
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Will Crain, who sealed his divorce records for months based on a law that wasn't in effect yet, is one step closer to being a federal judge.
The judge who granted Crain's seal is a candidate to take his Supreme Court seat. #lalege
lailluminator.com/2025/11/21/l...
The judge who granted Crain's seal is a candidate to take his Supreme Court seat. #lalege
lailluminator.com/2025/11/21/l...
Louisiana Supreme Court Justice, who kept divorce records private, closer to federal judgeship • Louisiana Illuminator
A Louisiana Supreme Court justice, who requested that all of his divorce records be kept private for several months, is one step closer to a lifetime appointment as federal judge.
lailluminator.com
November 21, 2025 at 10:39 PM
Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Will Crain, who sealed his divorce records for months based on a law that wasn't in effect yet, is one step closer to being a federal judge.
The judge who granted Crain's seal is a candidate to take his Supreme Court seat. #lalege
lailluminator.com/2025/11/21/l...
The judge who granted Crain's seal is a candidate to take his Supreme Court seat. #lalege
lailluminator.com/2025/11/21/l...
And instead of "biological information" ... This should read biographical information. Sorry for the typo!
Starting next year, many public officials in Louisiana and their family members will be able to sue individuals/businesses who post basic biological info about the officials on the internet and don't listen to a government demand to take it down. #lalege
lailluminator.com/2025/11/20/l...
lailluminator.com/2025/11/20/l...
Louisiana officials will soon be able to sue citizens over internet posts with their personal info • Louisiana Illuminator
Gov. Jeff Landry and state lawmakers approved a new law earlier this year allowing a wide swath of public officials to bring lawsuits against those who don’t take down online posts with officials’ per...
lailluminator.com
November 21, 2025 at 6:17 PM
And instead of "biological information" ... This should read biographical information. Sorry for the typo!
Reposted by Julie O'Donoghue
Starting next year, hundreds of Louisiana officials will be able to sue private citizens, businesses and government entities for not removing their basic biographical information from the internet, @jsodonoghue.bsky.social reports #lalege #lagov
Louisiana officials will soon be able to sue citizens over internet posts with their personal info • Louisiana Illuminator
Gov. Jeff Landry and state lawmakers approved a new law earlier this year allowing a wide swath of public officials to bring lawsuits against those who don’t take down online posts with officials’ per...
lailluminator.com
November 21, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Starting next year, hundreds of Louisiana officials will be able to sue private citizens, businesses and government entities for not removing their basic biographical information from the internet, @jsodonoghue.bsky.social reports #lalege #lagov
Starting next year, many public officials in Louisiana and their family members will be able to sue individuals/businesses who post basic biological info about the officials on the internet and don't listen to a government demand to take it down. #lalege
lailluminator.com/2025/11/20/l...
lailluminator.com/2025/11/20/l...
Louisiana officials will soon be able to sue citizens over internet posts with their personal info • Louisiana Illuminator
Gov. Jeff Landry and state lawmakers approved a new law earlier this year allowing a wide swath of public officials to bring lawsuits against those who don’t take down online posts with officials’ per...
lailluminator.com
November 21, 2025 at 4:36 PM
Starting next year, many public officials in Louisiana and their family members will be able to sue individuals/businesses who post basic biological info about the officials on the internet and don't listen to a government demand to take it down. #lalege
lailluminator.com/2025/11/20/l...
lailluminator.com/2025/11/20/l...
Reposted by Julie O'Donoghue
YOUR LEGAL RISK: Starting in February, hundreds of Louisiana officials could sue you if you post their basic biographical info on line and refuse to remove it. @jsodonoghue.bsky.social says there could be criminal penalties, too. lailluminator.com/2025/11/20/l...
Louisiana officials will soon be able to sue citizens over internet posts with their personal info • Louisiana Illuminator
Gov. Jeff Landry and state lawmakers approved a new law earlier this year allowing a wide swath of public officials to bring lawsuits against those who don’t take down online posts with officials’ per...
lailluminator.com
November 21, 2025 at 2:48 PM
YOUR LEGAL RISK: Starting in February, hundreds of Louisiana officials could sue you if you post their basic biographical info on line and refuse to remove it. @jsodonoghue.bsky.social says there could be criminal penalties, too. lailluminator.com/2025/11/20/l...
Reposted by Julie O'Donoghue
NEW: The EPA wants to take away protections for millions of acres of wetlands in Louisiana and the rest of the country, allowing them to be polluted or developed without the need for permits under a new set of proposed regulations. @eplunk.bsky.social reports. lailluminator.com/2025/11/19/l...
Louisiana wetlands advocates fear new federal rules will peel back protections further • Louisiana Illuminator
The EPA’s long-awaited proposed rules would change what counts as federally protected waters in the United States.
lailluminator.com
November 19, 2025 at 11:04 PM
NEW: The EPA wants to take away protections for millions of acres of wetlands in Louisiana and the rest of the country, allowing them to be polluted or developed without the need for permits under a new set of proposed regulations. @eplunk.bsky.social reports. lailluminator.com/2025/11/19/l...
LSU's Pennington Biomedical Research Center has appointed anti-vaccine activist Dr. Robert Malone to an adjunct job.
Among the things Malone has claimed is the COVID-19 vaccine causes a form of AIDS. Story from @piperhutch.bsky.social
lailluminator.com/2025/11/19/l...
Among the things Malone has claimed is the COVID-19 vaccine causes a form of AIDS. Story from @piperhutch.bsky.social
lailluminator.com/2025/11/19/l...
LSU biomedical research center adds outspoken anti-vaccine advocate to faculty • Louisiana Illuminator
LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center has appointed Dr. Robert Malone who gained fame by spreading vaccine misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic as an adjunct professor
lailluminator.com
November 19, 2025 at 11:00 PM
LSU's Pennington Biomedical Research Center has appointed anti-vaccine activist Dr. Robert Malone to an adjunct job.
Among the things Malone has claimed is the COVID-19 vaccine causes a form of AIDS. Story from @piperhutch.bsky.social
lailluminator.com/2025/11/19/l...
Among the things Malone has claimed is the COVID-19 vaccine causes a form of AIDS. Story from @piperhutch.bsky.social
lailluminator.com/2025/11/19/l...
LSU has spent over $43 million on athletic buyouts over the last decade. Story from @piperhutch.bsky.social
#lalege #lagov
lailluminator.com/2025/11/17/l...
#lalege #lagov
lailluminator.com/2025/11/17/l...
LSU has spent over $43 million on athletics buyouts over the past decade • Louisiana Illuminator
LSU has paid more than $43 million to buy out the contracts of its coaches and athletics department leaders over the past decade and soon might be on the hook for more than $53 million more.
lailluminator.com
November 18, 2025 at 8:15 PM
LSU has spent over $43 million on athletic buyouts over the last decade. Story from @piperhutch.bsky.social
#lalege #lagov
lailluminator.com/2025/11/17/l...
#lalege #lagov
lailluminator.com/2025/11/17/l...
Louisiana families see health insurance plan costs go up by several thousand dollars per year as Affordable Care Act subsidies are set to expire. Story from @emilywoodruff.bsky.social
www.nola.com/news/healthc...
www.nola.com/news/healthc...
A Louisiana family paid $300 a month for health insurance. Now it's $2,000 as ACA credits expire.
A New Orleans live audio engineer opened his ACA renewal link to find his family’s monthly premium jumping from $300 to $2,000. He’s not alone.
www.nola.com
November 17, 2025 at 4:46 PM
Louisiana families see health insurance plan costs go up by several thousand dollars per year as Affordable Care Act subsidies are set to expire. Story from @emilywoodruff.bsky.social
www.nola.com/news/healthc...
www.nola.com/news/healthc...
In Louisiana, casinos and casino executives are prohibited from making political contributions.
That same ban doesn't apply to sports betting operations, even if the sportsbook shares a parent company with a casino, ethics board says. #lalege
lailluminator.com/2025/11/14/i...
That same ban doesn't apply to sports betting operations, even if the sportsbook shares a parent company with a casino, ethics board says. #lalege
lailluminator.com/2025/11/14/i...
In Louisiana, casinos can’t make political donations, but sportsbooks can, ethics board says • Louisiana Illuminator
Louisiana prohibits casino companies and executives from making state political contributions, but that same ban doesn’t apply to sports gambling operations.
lailluminator.com
November 14, 2025 at 4:08 PM
In Louisiana, casinos and casino executives are prohibited from making political contributions.
That same ban doesn't apply to sports betting operations, even if the sportsbook shares a parent company with a casino, ethics board says. #lalege
lailluminator.com/2025/11/14/i...
That same ban doesn't apply to sports betting operations, even if the sportsbook shares a parent company with a casino, ethics board says. #lalege
lailluminator.com/2025/11/14/i...
At the same time, the BR mayor and Metro Council are asking voters to siphon off money from libraries, mosquito abatement and senior services to deal with a budget shortfall.
The Baton Rouge Metro Council agrees to give a $1 million tax break to two musical acts that will play Tiger Stadium in 2026. The tax was approved even though the council and the public don't know who the musical acts are yet.
www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/...
www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/...
Metro Council OKs tax breaks for two mystery music acts at Tiger Stadium in 2026
Two unnamed musical acts are headed to Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge in 2026, after council members approved a tax break for those behind the performance.
www.theadvocate.com
November 13, 2025 at 6:30 AM
At the same time, the BR mayor and Metro Council are asking voters to siphon off money from libraries, mosquito abatement and senior services to deal with a budget shortfall.
The Baton Rouge Metro Council agrees to give a $1 million tax break to two musical acts that will play Tiger Stadium in 2026. The tax was approved even though the council and the public don't know who the musical acts are yet.
www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/...
www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/...
Metro Council OKs tax breaks for two mystery music acts at Tiger Stadium in 2026
Two unnamed musical acts are headed to Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge in 2026, after council members approved a tax break for those behind the performance.
www.theadvocate.com
November 13, 2025 at 6:28 AM
The Baton Rouge Metro Council agrees to give a $1 million tax break to two musical acts that will play Tiger Stadium in 2026. The tax was approved even though the council and the public don't know who the musical acts are yet.
www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/...
www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/...
Louisiana ethics board confirms candidates/elected officials can use their campaign/PAC money for Washington Mardi Gras expenses.
(The new campaign law actually allows them to use campaign money to for their spouses and children's WMG expenses too.)
lailluminator.com/2025/11/10/l...
(The new campaign law actually allows them to use campaign money to for their spouses and children's WMG expenses too.)
lailluminator.com/2025/11/10/l...
Louisiana officials, candidates can use campaign cash for D.C. Mardi Gras, ethics board confirms • Louisiana Illuminator
The Louisiana Board of Ethics confirmed Friday that elected officials and political candidates can use their campaign money for expenses related to Washington Mardi Gras following a law change earlier...
lailluminator.com
November 12, 2025 at 6:37 PM
Louisiana ethics board confirms candidates/elected officials can use their campaign/PAC money for Washington Mardi Gras expenses.
(The new campaign law actually allows them to use campaign money to for their spouses and children's WMG expenses too.)
lailluminator.com/2025/11/10/l...
(The new campaign law actually allows them to use campaign money to for their spouses and children's WMG expenses too.)
lailluminator.com/2025/11/10/l...
Reposted by Julie O'Donoghue
DC CARNIVAL CASH: The Louisiana Board of Ethics has confirmed elected officials and political candidates can use their campaign money for expenses related to Washington Mardi Gras following a law change earlier this year. @jsodonoghue.bsky.social reports lailluminator.com/2025/11/10/l...
Louisiana officials, candidates can use campaign cash for D.C. Mardi Gras, ethics board confirms • Louisiana Illuminator
The Louisiana Board of Ethics confirmed Friday that elected officials and political candidates can use their campaign money for expenses related to Washington Mardi Gras following a law change earlier...
lailluminator.com
November 11, 2025 at 9:56 PM
DC CARNIVAL CASH: The Louisiana Board of Ethics has confirmed elected officials and political candidates can use their campaign money for expenses related to Washington Mardi Gras following a law change earlier this year. @jsodonoghue.bsky.social reports lailluminator.com/2025/11/10/l...