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.
Typically governors promote the fact that they are asking for this assistance through press releases and social media. The governors in Tennessee and Mississippi made similar requests that they publicized in recent days. Not sure why Landry's office hasn't. #lalege
Gov. Jeff Landry has asked President Trump for more FEMA funding for the winter storm through a major disaster declaration.
Trump has been more willing to turn down these FEMA requests for disaster help than previous presidents.
lailluminator.com/2026/02/05/l...
Trump has been more willing to turn down these FEMA requests for disaster help than previous presidents.
lailluminator.com/2026/02/05/l...
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry seeks federal disaster declaration, more funding after winter storm • Louisiana Illuminator
Like his counterparts in Tennessee and Mississippi, Gov. Jeff Landry is seeking more federal funding for recovery from the winter storm that shut down north Louisiana at the end of January.
lailluminator.com
February 6, 2026 at 2:58 PM
Typically governors promote the fact that they are asking for this assistance through press releases and social media. The governors in Tennessee and Mississippi made similar requests that they publicized in recent days. Not sure why Landry's office hasn't. #lalege
Gov. Jeff Landry has asked President Trump for more FEMA funding for the winter storm through a major disaster declaration.
Trump has been more willing to turn down these FEMA requests for disaster help than previous presidents.
lailluminator.com/2026/02/05/l...
Trump has been more willing to turn down these FEMA requests for disaster help than previous presidents.
lailluminator.com/2026/02/05/l...
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry seeks federal disaster declaration, more funding after winter storm • Louisiana Illuminator
Like his counterparts in Tennessee and Mississippi, Gov. Jeff Landry is seeking more federal funding for recovery from the winter storm that shut down north Louisiana at the end of January.
lailluminator.com
February 6, 2026 at 2:51 PM
Gov. Jeff Landry has asked President Trump for more FEMA funding for the winter storm through a major disaster declaration.
Trump has been more willing to turn down these FEMA requests for disaster help than previous presidents.
lailluminator.com/2026/02/05/l...
Trump has been more willing to turn down these FEMA requests for disaster help than previous presidents.
lailluminator.com/2026/02/05/l...
Reposted by Julie O'Donoghue
Louisiana has expanded an incentive program to New Orleans and Baton Rouge that encourages the purchase of fresh fruit and vegetables with public food assistance benefits. @jsodonoghue.bsky.social reports:
lailluminator.com/briefs/louis...
lailluminator.com/briefs/louis...
a man in a suit and tie is shouting the word cool .
ALT: a man in a suit and tie is shouting the word cool .
media.tenor.com
February 5, 2026 at 11:23 PM
Louisiana has expanded an incentive program to New Orleans and Baton Rouge that encourages the purchase of fresh fruit and vegetables with public food assistance benefits. @jsodonoghue.bsky.social reports:
lailluminator.com/briefs/louis...
lailluminator.com/briefs/louis...
Gov. Jeff Landry has asked Trump to approve a disaster declaration (and more federal $$) for the winter storm.
Trump sometimes says he wants the feds to approve less of this type of disaster spending. But he also changes his mind quite a bit! #lalege
lailluminator.com/2026/02/05/l...
Trump sometimes says he wants the feds to approve less of this type of disaster spending. But he also changes his mind quite a bit! #lalege
lailluminator.com/2026/02/05/l...
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry seeks federal disaster declaration, more funding after winter storm • Louisiana Illuminator
Like his counterparts in Tennessee and Mississippi, Gov. Jeff Landry is seeking more federal funding for recovery from the winter storm that shut down north Louisiana at the end of January.
lailluminator.com
February 6, 2026 at 2:41 PM
Gov. Jeff Landry has asked Trump to approve a disaster declaration (and more federal $$) for the winter storm.
Trump sometimes says he wants the feds to approve less of this type of disaster spending. But he also changes his mind quite a bit! #lalege
lailluminator.com/2026/02/05/l...
Trump sometimes says he wants the feds to approve less of this type of disaster spending. But he also changes his mind quite a bit! #lalege
lailluminator.com/2026/02/05/l...
I cannot imagine what any Louisiana resident would say if it was suggested that @nolanews.bsky.social and @theadvocatebr.bsky.social eliminate sports coverage. No more LSU stories? No more Saints stories?
D.C. is my hometown and my people deserve more than The Washington Post.
D.C. is my hometown and my people deserve more than The Washington Post.
February 4, 2026 at 10:10 PM
I cannot imagine what any Louisiana resident would say if it was suggested that @nolanews.bsky.social and @theadvocatebr.bsky.social eliminate sports coverage. No more LSU stories? No more Saints stories?
D.C. is my hometown and my people deserve more than The Washington Post.
D.C. is my hometown and my people deserve more than The Washington Post.
Reposted by Julie O'Donoghue
Judge William “Billy” Burris will run for the Louisiana Supreme Court seat representing the Northshore. @jsodonoghue.bsky.social reports Burris has already received some notable endorsements. lailluminator.com/2026/02/02/b...
Northshore judge enters Louisiana Supreme Court race • Louisiana Illuminator
A native of Franklinton, Burris has served on the 22nd District Court since 2018.
lailluminator.com
February 2, 2026 at 11:02 PM
Judge William “Billy” Burris will run for the Louisiana Supreme Court seat representing the Northshore. @jsodonoghue.bsky.social reports Burris has already received some notable endorsements. lailluminator.com/2026/02/02/b...
I have no doubt that Gov. Landry visited FEMA while he was in DC ... But he planned the trip to attend Washington Mardi Gras, a multi-day party sponsored by lobbyists and Louisiana industries who rely on government support that's jammed with political fundraisers.
January 31, 2026 at 1:24 PM
I have no doubt that Gov. Landry visited FEMA while he was in DC ... But he planned the trip to attend Washington Mardi Gras, a multi-day party sponsored by lobbyists and Louisiana industries who rely on government support that's jammed with political fundraisers.
Reposted by Julie O'Donoghue
NEW: The Trump admin. has denied Alaska's request for full reimbursement for disaster relief efforts for the first 3 months following the devastating Western Alaska storms, though Gov. Dunleavy claimed it was promised last fall.
The state has filed an appeal.
alaskabeacon.com/2026/01/30/t...
The state has filed an appeal.
alaskabeacon.com/2026/01/30/t...
Trump administration denies full disaster funding for Western Alaska storms, state files appeal | Alaska Beacon
The Trump administration has denied Alaska’s request for full reimbursement for disaster relief efforts for the Western Alaska storms.
alaskabeacon.com
January 31, 2026 at 2:17 AM
NEW: The Trump admin. has denied Alaska's request for full reimbursement for disaster relief efforts for the first 3 months following the devastating Western Alaska storms, though Gov. Dunleavy claimed it was promised last fall.
The state has filed an appeal.
alaskabeacon.com/2026/01/30/t...
The state has filed an appeal.
alaskabeacon.com/2026/01/30/t...
The Washington Post goes looking for Greenlanders, Danes, members of Congress who are leaders on US foreign affairs who have heard from Gov. Jeff Landry about Greenland. They say he hasn't reached out. #lalege
www.washingtonpost.com/style/2026/0...
www.washingtonpost.com/style/2026/0...
Jeff Landry is Trump’s envoy to Greenland. He wants to celebrate gumbo.
The Louisiana governor has picked up a second job. What, exactly, is he doing?
www.washingtonpost.com
January 31, 2026 at 12:02 AM
The Washington Post goes looking for Greenlanders, Danes, members of Congress who are leaders on US foreign affairs who have heard from Gov. Jeff Landry about Greenland. They say he hasn't reached out. #lalege
www.washingtonpost.com/style/2026/0...
www.washingtonpost.com/style/2026/0...
Gov. Jeff Landry says he is still going to Greenland but there are no dates for travel yet. He was very publicly disinvited (or never invited to begin with?) to a dogsledding event there. #lalege
www.shreveporttimes.com/story/news/2...
www.shreveporttimes.com/story/news/2...
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry remains on call as Greenland envoy
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said he spoke to President Trump as recently as January 24 about his role as a special envoy to Greenland.
www.shreveporttimes.com
January 28, 2026 at 5:38 PM
Gov. Jeff Landry says he is still going to Greenland but there are no dates for travel yet. He was very publicly disinvited (or never invited to begin with?) to a dogsledding event there. #lalege
www.shreveporttimes.com/story/news/2...
www.shreveporttimes.com/story/news/2...
Reposted by Julie O'Donoghue
PRISON SPENDING: Two years after Gov. Jeff Landry and state lawmakers voted to lengthen dozens of prison sentences for criminal convictions, the governor’s staff says state incarceration expenses are surging. @jsodonoghue.bsky.social reports
Louisiana prison costs surge two years after Landry, lawmakers vote to lengthen criminal sentences • Louisiana Illuminator
Two years after Gov. Jeff Landry and state lawmakers voted to lengthen dozens of prison sentences for criminal convictions, the governor’s staff says state incarceration expenses are surging.
lailluminator.com
January 27, 2026 at 6:47 PM
PRISON SPENDING: Two years after Gov. Jeff Landry and state lawmakers voted to lengthen dozens of prison sentences for criminal convictions, the governor’s staff says state incarceration expenses are surging. @jsodonoghue.bsky.social reports
Two years after @LAGovJeffLandry, lawmakers passed tough-on-crime bills to lengthen prison sentences, prison costs are surging.
Landry's budget proposal includes $82m more for corrections and plans to add 680 more inmates at Angola. #lalege
lailluminator.com/2026/01/27/l...
Landry's budget proposal includes $82m more for corrections and plans to add 680 more inmates at Angola. #lalege
lailluminator.com/2026/01/27/l...
Louisiana prison costs surge two years after Landry, lawmakers vote to lengthen criminal sentences • Louisiana Illuminator
Two years after Gov. Jeff Landry and state lawmakers voted to lengthen dozens of prison sentences for criminal convictions, the governor’s staff says state incarceration expenses are surging.
lailluminator.com
January 27, 2026 at 5:05 PM
Two years after @LAGovJeffLandry, lawmakers passed tough-on-crime bills to lengthen prison sentences, prison costs are surging.
Landry's budget proposal includes $82m more for corrections and plans to add 680 more inmates at Angola. #lalege
lailluminator.com/2026/01/27/l...
Landry's budget proposal includes $82m more for corrections and plans to add 680 more inmates at Angola. #lalege
lailluminator.com/2026/01/27/l...
A mainstream American newspaper is putting out a guide to "control munitions" — tear gas, pepper spray and the like - so the public can be informed about what type they might exposed to...
Here's how to identify some crowd control munitions, canisters of which federal agents have left on the ground after deploying them against people in Minnesota. bit.ly/3YWp1jE
Graphic by Mark Boswell/The Minnesota Star Tribune
Graphic by Mark Boswell/The Minnesota Star Tribune
January 26, 2026 at 11:48 PM
A mainstream American newspaper is putting out a guide to "control munitions" — tear gas, pepper spray and the like - so the public can be informed about what type they might exposed to...
Though notably, Gov. Jeff Landry mentioned that he is going to be asking for federal assistance/relief for the ice storm, which would go through Noem. There's a world in which he is trying to play it safe by not making a statement on immigration while asking for help.
I think this response (or lack of one) from Gov. Jeff Landry on the immigration policies could be a sign of how nervous Republicans are. Gov. Landry has never been shy about expressing his support for Trump, Secretary Noem or tough immigration enforcement before.
At a press conference about the freezing temperatures/bad weather, Gov. Jeff Landry declined to answer two media questions about immigration. One about the status of Catahoula Crunch. A second about whether he agrees with the National Gov. Association's "reset" immigration statement. See below.
January 26, 2026 at 10:38 PM
Though notably, Gov. Jeff Landry mentioned that he is going to be asking for federal assistance/relief for the ice storm, which would go through Noem. There's a world in which he is trying to play it safe by not making a statement on immigration while asking for help.
I think this response (or lack of one) from Gov. Jeff Landry on the immigration policies could be a sign of how nervous Republicans are. Gov. Landry has never been shy about expressing his support for Trump, Secretary Noem or tough immigration enforcement before.
At a press conference about the freezing temperatures/bad weather, Gov. Jeff Landry declined to answer two media questions about immigration. One about the status of Catahoula Crunch. A second about whether he agrees with the National Gov. Association's "reset" immigration statement. See below.
January 26, 2026 at 10:37 PM
I think this response (or lack of one) from Gov. Jeff Landry on the immigration policies could be a sign of how nervous Republicans are. Gov. Landry has never been shy about expressing his support for Trump, Secretary Noem or tough immigration enforcement before.
At a press conference about the freezing temperatures/bad weather, Gov. Jeff Landry declined to answer two media questions about immigration. One about the status of Catahoula Crunch. A second about whether he agrees with the National Gov. Association's "reset" immigration statement. See below.
January 26, 2026 at 8:56 PM
At a press conference about the freezing temperatures/bad weather, Gov. Jeff Landry declined to answer two media questions about immigration. One about the status of Catahoula Crunch. A second about whether he agrees with the National Gov. Association's "reset" immigration statement. See below.
I don't know if this is helpful but I've covered many political protests in my life where many protesters were carrying guns. There are certain gun rights groups in Virginia that stage political demonstrations where everyone in the crowd has a gun.
January 25, 2026 at 5:28 PM
I don't know if this is helpful but I've covered many political protests in my life where many protesters were carrying guns. There are certain gun rights groups in Virginia that stage political demonstrations where everyone in the crowd has a gun.
Well this statement got my attention.
January 25, 2026 at 4:58 AM
Well this statement got my attention.
Gov. Jeff Landry is once again pushing to expand Louisiana's publicly-funded private school voucher program (LA GATOR) — this time with an additional $44.2m.
Legislative leaders still have doubts about expanding vouchers. #lalege #lagov
lailluminator.com/2026/01/23/l...
Legislative leaders still have doubts about expanding vouchers. #lalege #lagov
lailluminator.com/2026/01/23/l...
Landry pushes again to expand Louisiana’s private education vouchers, though lawmakers have doubts • Louisiana Illuminator
For the second year in a row, Gov. Jeff Landry is asking Louisiana lawmakers to double state funding for vouchers that pay for students’ private education expenses. The request has put him at odds wit...
lailluminator.com
January 23, 2026 at 9:09 PM
Gov. Jeff Landry is once again pushing to expand Louisiana's publicly-funded private school voucher program (LA GATOR) — this time with an additional $44.2m.
Legislative leaders still have doubts about expanding vouchers. #lalege #lagov
lailluminator.com/2026/01/23/l...
Legislative leaders still have doubts about expanding vouchers. #lalege #lagov
lailluminator.com/2026/01/23/l...
.@LAGovJeffLandry compared Trump's aggressive immigration policy to disciplining children yesterday.
That's the same day that one of the lead news stories in the country was about ICE agents taking a 5 year-old child into custody in Minnesota.
www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/...
That's the same day that one of the lead news stories in the country was about ICE agents taking a 5 year-old child into custody in Minnesota.
www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/...
Landry tells Hispanic Chamber his immigration policies will boost Louisiana economy
Gov. Jeff Landry said his efforts to stem illegal immigration and improve public safety have ensured economic prosperity for the state in a keynote speech to the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisi...
www.theadvocate.com
January 23, 2026 at 2:18 PM
.@LAGovJeffLandry compared Trump's aggressive immigration policy to disciplining children yesterday.
That's the same day that one of the lead news stories in the country was about ICE agents taking a 5 year-old child into custody in Minnesota.
www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/...
That's the same day that one of the lead news stories in the country was about ICE agents taking a 5 year-old child into custody in Minnesota.
www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/...
Reposted by Julie O'Donoghue
UPDATE: If your Medicaid coverage in Louisiana is through UnitedHealthcare, you have until Feb. 15 to switch plans — or the state will do it for you. @jsodonoghue.bsky.social reports lailluminator.com/2026/01/22/u...
Louisiana starts to wind down UnitedHealthcare’s Medicaid contract covering 330,000 people • Louisiana Illuminator
The Louisiana Department of Health opened up a special, monthlong re-enrollment period Jan. 15 for all Medicaid recipients with UnitedHealthcare plans.
lailluminator.com
January 22, 2026 at 2:01 PM
UPDATE: If your Medicaid coverage in Louisiana is through UnitedHealthcare, you have until Feb. 15 to switch plans — or the state will do it for you. @jsodonoghue.bsky.social reports lailluminator.com/2026/01/22/u...
Louisiana's 10 commandments for public schools law in back in court today. Story from @patrick-wall.bsky.social
#lalege
www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/...
#lalege
www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/...
Louisiana’s Ten Commandments law is back in court today. Here’s what to know.
A federal appeals court will hear oral arguments Tuesday over Louisiana’s law requiring public schools to post the Ten Commandments — the contested law’s third time in court and likely its last stop b...
www.theadvocate.com
January 20, 2026 at 7:35 PM
Louisiana's 10 commandments for public schools law in back in court today. Story from @patrick-wall.bsky.social
#lalege
www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/...
#lalege
www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/...
I talked to foreign policy experts (and a few people in Louisiana) to see what it would mean for a sitting governor to serve as a special envoy.
One interesting question was whether Landry would receive federal staff? Many envoys do. #lalege
lailluminator.com/2026/01/18/j...
One interesting question was whether Landry would receive federal staff? Many envoys do. #lalege
lailluminator.com/2026/01/18/j...
Jeff Landry now has two roles: Governor and Greenland envoy. It’s unclear how he will manage both. • Louisiana Illuminator
Most of Jeff Landry’s predecessors as Louisiana governor never saw the need for a side hustle. But recently, Landry picked up a second role as special envoy to Greenland.
lailluminator.com
January 20, 2026 at 4:19 PM
I talked to foreign policy experts (and a few people in Louisiana) to see what it would mean for a sitting governor to serve as a special envoy.
One interesting question was whether Landry would receive federal staff? Many envoys do. #lalege
lailluminator.com/2026/01/18/j...
One interesting question was whether Landry would receive federal staff? Many envoys do. #lalege
lailluminator.com/2026/01/18/j...
Louisiana's Republican State Central Committee debated whether to censure Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser for expressing concern about the immigration crackdown in New Orleans. Ultimately, the committee decided not to take that action.
lailluminator.com/2026/01/17/l...
lailluminator.com/2026/01/17/l...
Louisiana GOP votes to endorse Trump’s immigration policies • Louisiana Illuminator
The Louisiana Republican Party voted overwhelmingly Saturday to officially endorse President Donald Trump’s aggressive and controversial immigration enforcement efforts
lailluminator.com
January 19, 2026 at 5:05 PM
Louisiana's Republican State Central Committee debated whether to censure Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser for expressing concern about the immigration crackdown in New Orleans. Ultimately, the committee decided not to take that action.
lailluminator.com/2026/01/17/l...
lailluminator.com/2026/01/17/l...
Gov. Jeff Landry wants to create opportunities for Louisiana in Greenland while envoy. His splans alarmed foreign policy experts.
“It could get messy if ... any company that has an office ... in Louisiana that would benefit from mining, refining or shipping."
lailluminator.com/2026/01/18/j...
“It could get messy if ... any company that has an office ... in Louisiana that would benefit from mining, refining or shipping."
lailluminator.com/2026/01/18/j...
Jeff Landry now has two roles: Governor and Greenland envoy. It’s unclear how he will manage both. • Louisiana Illuminator
Most of Jeff Landry’s predecessors as Louisiana governor never saw the need for a side hustle. But recently, Landry picked up a second role as special envoy to Greenland.
lailluminator.com
January 18, 2026 at 4:26 PM
Gov. Jeff Landry wants to create opportunities for Louisiana in Greenland while envoy. His splans alarmed foreign policy experts.
“It could get messy if ... any company that has an office ... in Louisiana that would benefit from mining, refining or shipping."
lailluminator.com/2026/01/18/j...
“It could get messy if ... any company that has an office ... in Louisiana that would benefit from mining, refining or shipping."
lailluminator.com/2026/01/18/j...