Louisiana Illuminator
@lailluminator.com
Independent, nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization with a mission to cast light on decisions made in Baton Rouge and their impact across the state.
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UPDATE: State Rep. Dixon McMakin exits the 5th Congressional District race just before qualifying begins. @piperhutch.bsky.social reports
State Rep. Dixon McMakin drops congressional bid • Louisiana Illuminator
McMakin's exit from the congressional race comes after state Sen. Blake Miguez jumped from the U.S. Senate race to the 5th District contest last week.
lailluminator.com
February 9, 2026 at 8:37 PM
UPDATE: State Rep. Dixon McMakin exits the 5th Congressional District race just before qualifying begins. @piperhutch.bsky.social reports
FINAL RESULTS: A special election decides three seats in Louisiana Legislature; two more head to March runoff.
Special election decides 3 seats in Louisiana Legislature; 2 need March runoffs • Louisiana Illuminator
A special election was held Saturday in six parishes to fill five vacancies in the Louisiana Legislature, including three seats representing New Orleans.
lailluminator.com
February 8, 2026 at 4:19 AM
FINAL RESULTS: A special election decides three seats in Louisiana Legislature; two more head to March runoff.
DARK MONEY DISSING: Mud slinging has begun in the Cassidy-Letlow US Senate showdown. @greglarose.bsky.social reports
Mud slinging has begun in the Cassidy-Letlow US Senate showdown • Louisiana Illuminator
Just a couple of weeks after declaring her candidacy for the U.S. Senate, Congresswoman Julia Letlow finds herself in the crosshairs of an attack ad.
lailluminator.com
February 6, 2026 at 8:57 PM
DARK MONEY DISSING: Mud slinging has begun in the Cassidy-Letlow US Senate showdown. @greglarose.bsky.social reports
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...
OOOOH, THAT SMELL: A grassroots environmental group says this week’s explosion of a natural gas pipeline in Cameron Parish is why its community air monitoring mission needs to be expanded. @eplunk.bsky.social reports
Cameron pipeline blast shows why local air monitoring is needed, environmental group says • Louisiana Illuminator
A grassroots environmental group says this week’s explosion of a natural gas pipeline in Cameron Parish is why its community air monitoring mission needs to be expanded.
lailluminator.com
February 5, 2026 at 11:21 PM
OOOOH, THAT SMELL: A grassroots environmental group says this week’s explosion of a natural gas pipeline in Cameron Parish is why its community air monitoring mission needs to be expanded. @eplunk.bsky.social reports
PRESIDENTIAL PICK: Just a day after he joined the field, state Sen. Blake Miguez received an endorsement from President Donald Trump in Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District race. @greglarose.bsky.social reports:
Trump endorses Blake Miguez in 5th Congressional District race • Louisiana Illuminator
Just a day after he joined the field, Blake Miguez received an endorsement from President Donald Trump in Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District race. The president announced his backing for Miguez on...
lailluminator.com
February 5, 2026 at 2:26 AM
PRESIDENTIAL PICK: Just a day after he joined the field, state Sen. Blake Miguez received an endorsement from President Donald Trump in Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District race. @greglarose.bsky.social reports:
Food stamp recipients and small business owners in parts of North Louisiana are eligible for federal disaster assistance to cover their losses from the recent severe winter weather. @wesmuller.bsky.social reports
Extra SNAP benefits, small business loans available in N. Louisiana after winter storm • Louisiana Illuminator
Food stamp recipients and small business owners in parts of North Louisiana are eligible for federal disaster assistance to cover their losses from the recent severe winter weather.
lailluminator.com
February 4, 2026 at 3:30 PM
Food stamp recipients and small business owners in parts of North Louisiana are eligible for federal disaster assistance to cover their losses from the recent severe winter weather. @wesmuller.bsky.social reports
MIDTERM MOVE: How does Blake Miguez's shift from the U.S. Senate field to the 5th Congressional District race impact the upcoming Republican Party primaries? @greglarose.bsky.social explores. lailluminator.com/2026/02/03/m...
Blake Miguez leaves US Senate race to run for Letlow’s 5th District seat • Louisiana Illuminator
State Sen. Blake Miguez is leaving the U.S. Senate race and will instead run for the 5th District House seat she’s vacating.
lailluminator.com
February 3, 2026 at 10:12 PM
MIDTERM MOVE: How does Blake Miguez's shift from the U.S. Senate field to the 5th Congressional District race impact the upcoming Republican Party primaries? @greglarose.bsky.social explores. lailluminator.com/2026/02/03/m...
SPECIAL ELECTION (miniature version): Voters in portions of 6 Louisiana parishes will consider candidates for 5 vacant legislative seats on Saturday's ballot. lailluminator.com/2026/02/03/s...
Saturday’s special election involves 5 vacant Louisiana legislative seats • Louisiana Illuminator
A special election is set for Saturday to fill five vacant seats in the Louisiana Legislature.
lailluminator.com
February 3, 2026 at 5:58 PM
SPECIAL ELECTION (miniature version): Voters in portions of 6 Louisiana parishes will consider candidates for 5 vacant legislative seats on Saturday's ballot. lailluminator.com/2026/02/03/s...
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...
CORRECTION: That should be millions ... the pirate ghost scared us into a typo.
For UNO to join the LSU System, it's going to cost tens of billions of dollars in needed upgrades, maintenance and staff, according to a transition report. @piperhutch.bsky.social reports: lailluminator.com/2026/01/30/u...
UNO transition report calls for major spending to join LSU System • Louisiana Illuminator
A report on how to move the University of New Orleans into the LSU System has identified tens of millions of dollars in needed upgrades, maintenance and staff.
lailluminator.com
February 2, 2026 at 6:48 PM
CORRECTION: That should be millions ... the pirate ghost scared us into a typo.
For UNO to join the LSU System, it's going to cost tens of billions of dollars in needed upgrades, maintenance and staff, according to a transition report. @piperhutch.bsky.social reports: lailluminator.com/2026/01/30/u...
UNO transition report calls for major spending to join LSU System • Louisiana Illuminator
A report on how to move the University of New Orleans into the LSU System has identified tens of millions of dollars in needed upgrades, maintenance and staff.
lailluminator.com
February 2, 2026 at 4:25 PM
For UNO to join the LSU System, it's going to cost tens of billions of dollars in needed upgrades, maintenance and staff, according to a transition report. @piperhutch.bsky.social reports: lailluminator.com/2026/01/30/u...
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
Three deaths have been attributed to the bitter winter weather that’s engulfed Louisiana, and state officials said the extreme cold is likely to blame for three more brought to their attention.
The worst might still be ahead as even colder temperatures are forecast for the state overnight.
The worst might still be ahead as even colder temperatures are forecast for the state overnight.
Frigid weather in Louisiana causes up to 6 deaths, with lower temperatures still ahead • Louisiana Illuminator
Icy roads and downed trees are hindering power restoration efforts, with some portions of rural Northeast Louisiana possibly having to wait until Thursday to get reconnected.
lailluminator.com
January 27, 2026 at 12:49 AM
Three deaths have been attributed to the bitter winter weather that’s engulfed Louisiana, and state officials said the extreme cold is likely to blame for three more brought to their attention.
The worst might still be ahead as even colder temperatures are forecast for the state overnight.
The worst might still be ahead as even colder temperatures are forecast for the state overnight.
Appearing on @facethenation.bsky.social, Steve Scalise explained “sanctuary city” policies and a lack of cooperation from local authorities in Minnesota created the situation that led to Saturday’s shooting death of Alex Pretti. @greglarose.bsky.social reports lailluminator.com/2026/01/25/m...
Majority Leader Scalise: ‘Sanctuary city’ policies led to fatal shootings by feds in Minnesota • Louisiana Illuminator
U.S. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise said “sanctuary city” policies and a lack of cooperation from local authorities in Minnesota created the situation that led to Saturday’s shooting death of Ale...
lailluminator.com
January 25, 2026 at 8:01 PM
Appearing on @facethenation.bsky.social, Steve Scalise explained “sanctuary city” policies and a lack of cooperation from local authorities in Minnesota created the situation that led to Saturday’s shooting death of Alex Pretti. @greglarose.bsky.social reports lailluminator.com/2026/01/25/m...
LA GATOR HUNT: Gov. Jeff Landry again wants to expand Louisiana’s private education vouchers, but @jsodonoghue.bsky.social reports legislative leaders who rejected his request a year ago haven't budged. 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 10:41 PM
LA GATOR HUNT: Gov. Jeff Landry again wants to expand Louisiana’s private education vouchers, but @jsodonoghue.bsky.social reports legislative leaders who rejected his request a year ago haven't budged. lailluminator.com/2026/01/23/l...
Reposted by Louisiana Illuminator
For eight weeks, our journalists at the @minnesotareformer.com have been reporting from the front lines of the federal government's immigration crackdown in the Twin Cities.
January 23, 2026 at 7:41 PM
For eight weeks, our journalists at the @minnesotareformer.com have been reporting from the front lines of the federal government's immigration crackdown in the Twin Cities.
LSU scientists want to use AI to fill gaps in data needed to reduce the Gulf ‘dead zone.’ @eplunk.bsky.social reports they've tested their approach in Puerto Rico. @agwaterdesk.bsky.social @reportforamerica.bsky.social lailluminator.com/2026/01/22/l...
LSU scientists use AI to fill gaps in ‘dead zone,’ water quality research • Louisiana Illuminator
Scientists from Louisiana State University are using artificial intelligence to help predict and address water quality issues faster and more accurately, with hopes their tools could help shrink the o...
lailluminator.com
January 22, 2026 at 6:57 PM
LSU scientists want to use AI to fill gaps in data needed to reduce the Gulf ‘dead zone.’ @eplunk.bsky.social reports they've tested their approach in Puerto Rico. @agwaterdesk.bsky.social @reportforamerica.bsky.social lailluminator.com/2026/01/22/l...
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...
NEW: CDC deputy Ralph Abraham downplays the possible loss of the United States' measles-free status, calling it “the cost of doing business with our borders being somewhat porous ..." @amymaxmen.bsky.social reports for @kffhealthnews.org lailluminator.com/2026/01/22/a...
New CDC deputy Ralph Abraham downplays possible loss of US measles-free status • Louisiana Illuminator
“It’s just the cost of doing business with our borders being somewhat porous for global and international travel,” Abraham said.
lailluminator.com
January 22, 2026 at 1:58 PM
NEW: CDC deputy Ralph Abraham downplays the possible loss of the United States' measles-free status, calling it “the cost of doing business with our borders being somewhat porous ..." @amymaxmen.bsky.social reports for @kffhealthnews.org lailluminator.com/2026/01/22/a...
A pregnant immigrant was being held at an ICE facility in Louisiana before she was deported in medical distress through Atlanta's airport. @arianalfigueroa.bsky.social reports for @statesnewsroom.com lailluminator.com/2026/01/21/r...
ACLU says pregnant immigrant in medical distress deported through Atlanta airport • Louisiana Illuminator
As she waited for the flight to Colombia, Buitrago Ortiz experienced intense, shooting pain in her back and abdomen, according to her attorneys.
lailluminator.com
January 22, 2026 at 12:30 AM
A pregnant immigrant was being held at an ICE facility in Louisiana before she was deported in medical distress through Atlanta's airport. @arianalfigueroa.bsky.social reports for @statesnewsroom.com lailluminator.com/2026/01/21/r...
DELTA DOWN: A new study says river deltas around the world aren’t disappearing just because of rising seas, but also because the land itself is sinking as fast or faster. @eplunk.bsky.social reports @agwaterdesk.bsky.social @reportforamerica.bsky.social lailluminator.com/2026/01/15/w...
Why are river deltas disappearing? They’re sinking faster than many people realize. • Louisiana Illuminator
A new study says river deltas around the world aren’t just disappearing because of rising seas, but because the land itself is sinking down into the waters, either as fast or faster than the rising oc...
lailluminator.com
January 15, 2026 at 7:59 PM
DELTA DOWN: A new study says river deltas around the world aren’t disappearing just because of rising seas, but also because the land itself is sinking as fast or faster. @eplunk.bsky.social reports @agwaterdesk.bsky.social @reportforamerica.bsky.social lailluminator.com/2026/01/15/w...
ROYALTY RIGHTS: A Jefferson Parish judge who has been chosen king of a Carnival krewe can spend his campaign money to purchase merchandise for his role, according to the Louisiana Board of Ethics. @jsodonoghue.bsky.social reports. lailluminator.com/2026/01/15/c...
Ethics board says judge can spend campaign money on his role as Mardi Gras krewe king • Louisiana Illuminator
The judge, who is up for reelection this year, had sought an advisory opinion from the confirming that his Mardi Gras expenses could be covered with campaign money.
lailluminator.com
January 15, 2026 at 3:16 PM
ROYALTY RIGHTS: A Jefferson Parish judge who has been chosen king of a Carnival krewe can spend his campaign money to purchase merchandise for his role, according to the Louisiana Board of Ethics. @jsodonoghue.bsky.social reports. lailluminator.com/2026/01/15/c...
NEW: An Environmental Protection Agency inspection of the Smitty’s Supply Inc. plant in Tangipahoa Parish discovered hundreds of other chemical spills and hazards in areas unaffected by the August explosion and fire. @wesmuller.bsky.social reports lailluminator.com/2026/01/15/i...
An inside look at what EPA inspectors found at Smitty’s Supply
An EPA inspection of the Smitty’s Supply facility found hundreds of other chemical spills and hazards in areas unaffected by the August fire.
lailluminator.com
January 15, 2026 at 1:56 PM
NEW: An Environmental Protection Agency inspection of the Smitty’s Supply Inc. plant in Tangipahoa Parish discovered hundreds of other chemical spills and hazards in areas unaffected by the August explosion and fire. @wesmuller.bsky.social reports lailluminator.com/2026/01/15/i...
Two leading Louisiana Republicans continued their call for the Food and Drug Administration to wrap up its ongoing safety review of medication abortion and to once again require in-person dispensing. @jennifershutt.bsky.social reports for @statesnewsroom.com lailluminator.com/2026/01/14/r...
Murrill, Cassidy push for FDA to conclude its abortion pill safety review • Louisiana Illuminator
Republicans on a key U.S. Senate committee called on the Food and Drug Administration to wrap up its ongoing safety review of medication abortion.
lailluminator.com
January 14, 2026 at 9:45 PM
Two leading Louisiana Republicans continued their call for the Food and Drug Administration to wrap up its ongoing safety review of medication abortion and to once again require in-person dispensing. @jennifershutt.bsky.social reports for @statesnewsroom.com lailluminator.com/2026/01/14/r...