Julie O’Donoghue

Julie O'Donoghue

[email protected]

Julie O’Donoghue is a senior reporter for the Louisiana Illuminator and producer of the Louisiana Illuminator podcast. She’s received awards from the Virginia Press Association and Louisiana-Mississippi Associated Press. Julie covered state government and politics for NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune for six years. She’s also covered government and politics in Missouri, Virginia and Washington D.C. Julie is a proud D.C. native and Washington Capitals hockey fan. She and her partner, Jed, live in Baton Rouge. She has two stepchildren, Quinn and Steven.

Blake Miguez’s primary residence is in New Iberia, outside 6th District, AG says
Louisiana

Blake Miguez’s primary residence is in New Iberia, outside 6th District, AG says

Sep 30, 2026
Julie O'Donoghue
State Sen. Blake Miguez’s official domicile is in New Iberia, according to an opinion released by Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill’s office Wednesday. In practical terms, her staff determined Miguez’s primary residence is located outside the 6th Congressional District, where...
Louisiana adds more public money to host rodeos, college sports events
Louisiana

Louisiana adds more public money to host rodeos, college sports events

Sep 30, 2026
Julie O'Donoghue
Louisiana lawmakers increased the amount of public money the state will spend on college sports championships, rodeos and other entertainment events in this fiscal year to at least $12.1 million in direct support. State budget documents show spending was previously...
6 takeaways from the 5th Congressional District candidates’ forum
Louisiana

6 takeaways from the 5th Congressional District candidates’ forum

Sep 30, 2026
Julie O'Donoghue
Candidates running for Congress in Louisiana’s crowded 5th District race had the sharpest disagreements over artificial intelligence regulation and economic development at a forum held Tuesday night at the University of Louisiana-Monroe. Seven of the nine candidates on the ballot...
Louisiana congressional candidates weigh in on federal disaster recovery
Louisiana

Louisiana congressional candidates weigh in on federal disaster recovery

Sep 28, 2026
Julie O'Donoghue
Since starting his second term in office, President Donald Trump has made efforts to overhaul the federal government’s approach to natural disaster assistance. Louisiana, which is especially prone to hurricanes, would likely be affected more than almost any other state...
Legislator proposes Dolly Parton license plate in Louisiana to support literacy
Louisiana

Legislator proposes Dolly Parton license plate in Louisiana to support literacy

Sep 24, 2026
Julie O'Donoghue
State Rep. Mike Bayham, R-Chalmette, is proposing a special Dolly Parton license plate in Louisiana that would help fund a state literacy program for children started by the country music icon. Every Parton license plate would come with a $25...
Louisiana upgrades its driver’s license system. Governor says it will cut wait times.
Louisiana

Louisiana upgrades its driver’s license system. Governor says it will cut wait times.

Sep 23, 2026
Julie O'Donoghue
Louisiana has upgraded its technology for issuing driver’s licenses, an improvement that Gov. Jeff Landry says will make it much faster to get a license or identification card. “We came into office with a promise to fix it and we...
5th District candidates disagree on Iran war, public food assistance
Louisiana

5th District candidates disagree on Iran war, public food assistance

Sep 21, 2026
Julie O'Donoghue
Democrats and Republicans running for Congress in Louisiana’s 5th District have sharp differences over how to handle the Iran war as well as whether restoring food assistance benefits should be a priority for lawmakers. Six candidates took part in an...
Here’s when you need to register to vote in the Nov. 3 election
Louisiana

Here’s when you need to register to vote in the Nov. 3 election

Sep 21, 2026
Julie O'Donoghue
Deadlines are approaching for Louisiana residents if they want to vote in the Nov. 3 election that includes races for Congress, Public Service Commission and judicial seats. They have until Oct. 5 to sign up to vote in person or...
Some 58,000 Medicaid recipients in Louisiana might fall short of work requirements
Louisiana

Some 58,000 Medicaid recipients in Louisiana might fall short of work requirements

Sep 21, 2026
Julie O'Donoghue
As many as 58,000 Louisiana Medicaid recipients might have to take additional steps to meet the new federal work requirements for the program that go into effect in January, according to information from the state health department. A breakdown on...
Louisiana prepares to pay more to its remaining private Medicaid plans
Louisiana

Medicaid exits mean La. will pay remaining plans more

Sep 18, 2026
Julie O'Donoghue
The Louisiana Department of Health has proposed new, larger contract extensions for the four health insurance companies that will remain a part of the Medicaid program. The deals were shared with state lawmakers Thursday and will follow the exit of...
NDA secrecy for major projects hovers over Louisiana’s congressional elections
Louisiana

NDA secrecy for major projects hovers over Louisiana’s congressional elections

Sep 16, 2026
Julie O'Donoghue
Jamie Davis believes there’s one specific reason Congresswoman Julia Letlow hasn’t agreed to appear in person with him for debates or any other events during their U.S. Senate race. Letlow, the Republican candidate, doesn’t want to answer questions about the...
Ideas on healthcare affordability differ among 6th District candidates
Louisiana

Ideas on healthcare affordability differ among 6th District candidates

Sep 16, 2026
Julie O'Donoghue
Candidates in Louisiana’s 6th Congressional District agree healthcare coverage affordability is a major public concern, but they have drastically different proposals for fixing the problem. Four major candidates are competing to be the next U.S. House member from the Baton...