Rachael O'Neil
WGNO
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Past articles by Rachael:
New Orleans City Council confronts Entergy about rolling blackouts; reportedly 3 times more outages than necessary
The New Orleans City Council members were fuming at the public works meeting today-- upset with Entergy's efforts during frigid weather. Last week's nasty winter cold front left thousands without power-- many went without warmth in vain. → Read More
Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joe Lopinto reveals events leading to 5-person shooting at Jefferson Gun Outlet
27-year-old Joshua Williams went on a shooting spree at the Jefferson Gun Outlet on Saturday, The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office says. The shooting killed 47-year-old Noah Fischbach-- an employee at the outlet, 59-year-old Veronica Billiot--who was a customer picking up a gun and injured two store employees. By the time the shooting was over, Williams was shot and killed by other employees of… → Read More
Float in the Oaks in City Park
Although it's fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras is a little different this year. no parades, floats, or throws. Luckily, City Park hosted its first-ever 'Floats in the Oaks'. an event that boasts the best floats from krewes that normally roll during carnival season. → Read More
Entergy bills to increase amid frigid weather; Entergy’s advice on keeping payments as low as possible
Wind, hail, and freezing temperatures made up much of Monday’s weather– presenting driving hazards on the roads and potential issues with water and sewerage. Another concern? Electricity outages throughout Louisiana. At least 3,000 homes in the New Orleans area were without electricity at the start of the day. → Read More
St. Tammany Fire Department to discuss safety hazards ahead of frigid temperatures
Precipitation, cold air, and even ice are expected to be in the area’s forecast starting Monday. St. Tammany Parish Assistant Chief Jason Gaubert says, during conditions like these, their department sees a spike in house fires from those trying to keep warm. His safety tips? → Read More
Anonymous donor doubles reward money for slain 14-year-old Jamere Alfred who was murdered on Christmas Day
On Christmas evening, 14-year-old Jamere Alfred was murdered in a drive-by shooting at the Walgreens on Lake Forest and Bullard. NOPD detectives say he was with two family members when a gunman opened fire in the parking lot. → Read More
New Orleans City leaders discuss restrictions ahead of Mardi gras week
As Mardi Gras nears, Mayor Cantrell and other city leaders came up with a strategy to discourage large gatherings. The plan will close down parts of the city starting this Friday at 7 p.m. and will last until 2 a.m. on Ash Wednesday. Closures include: Decatur Street between Dumaine and Toulouse, all of Bourbon will close between 7 p.m. to 3 a.m., Frenchman Street will be closed between the 500… → Read More
New Orleans East residents react to abandoned homes in the area
A three-alarm fire broke out on Monday morning at an abandoned building on Curran BLVD and Read BLVD causing some residents to evacuate their homes. The building has been vacant since Hurricane Katrina. Fortunately, no one was hurt but local residents say abandoned buildings need to be addressed. → Read More
As family mourns slain mother, victim’s former employer increases reward money to $10,000
Florita Lazard is still mourning the loss of her 40-year-old daughter, Ilia Henderson who was murdered on January 18th, 2021 in a shooting on the 3000 block of Bienville. → Read More
The New Orleans City Council discusses spike in electric bills with Entergy
City councilwoman Helena Moreno led a special meeting with Entergy leaders on Tuesday morning to discuss the spike in electric bills. Entergy says the increase in usage is causing higher rates. They also say the primary reason for the January bill increase is customer consumption. Consumption increased 40% for electric and 120% for gas for a typical customer. → Read More
Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office arrests 3 murders responsible for a double homicide
On January 13, 2021, Terrebonne Parish Sheriff Deputies responded to a report in Montegut that two women were shot inside of a home in that location. When deputies and the Crime Scene Unit arrived,… → Read More
As crime in the area rises, New Orleans residents speak out
Over the weekend, the New Orleans Police Department has reported more than six violent crimes in the area. This includes armed robbery, an unclassified death, and at least two shootings. New Orleans resident, Korey Jones says the only way to fix the spike in violence is to be a part of the solution. → Read More
Household of Faith Church and Entergy collaborate to provide $100 checks towards power bills
The electricity bills in the New Orleans area have noticeably gone up for the month of January leaving some Entergy customers fearful about keeping their lights on. Well, help came in the nick of time this weekend. → Read More
LSU Health expert explains why some covid-19 tests could come back as a false negative
As COVID-19 testing continues to ramp up across the state, some people have voiced concerns about the accuracy. They claim they’ve received a negative test result when, in fact, they were positive. New Orleans resident Joseph Goines, there’s this could potential he put his loved ones at risk. → Read More
Residents frustrated with Entergy bill increase; CEO speaks out
Russell Harris is one of many Entergy customers who is frustrated because his electricity bill has noticeably gone up. Harris says his bill increased by $30 in January which only adds to his financial struggle. → Read More
Former NOPD superintendent discusses lowered crime rate in the 1990s
Rising crime was the focus of Monday’s City Council meeting where the NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson and City Councilman Jay H. Banks specifically addressed the spike in juvenile crime. A retired New Orleans superintendent - who served the city for 38 years - recalls what his team did to decrease violence. → Read More
New Orleans residents and visitors discuss celebrating Mardi Gras this year
"I'm kind of sad that Mardi Gras is a little different this year but I'm gonna make the best of it and make it do what it do," New Orleans native, Britini Wells told WGNO. → Read More
St. Katherine Drexel students discuss inspirational moments of 2021 inauguration
A handful of young students at Saint Katherine Drexel Prep were invited back to the classroom and watched Joe Biden take the oath of office as the 46th President of the United States— and event they say they’ll remember for a lifetime. → Read More
Univeristy Medical Center to provide COVID-19 vaccines
Since December 14th, 2020, Ochsner Health confirmed, their organization has vaccinated more than 67,000 people including community physicians, Oschner employees, and those who were age 30 and up. However, last week Ochsner wasn’t given more doses of the vaccine causing scheduled appointments to be put on hold. However, University Medical Center has not reported a shortage of the vaccination. → Read More
The City of Mandeville increases pay for some frontline workers during public health emergencies
Last Thursday, the Mandeville City Council unanimously voted to increase Frontline worker’s pay $7 per hour if they work during a public health emergency – something the Mandeville Mayor Clay Madden says is vital. → Read More