Nathan O'Neal
Nathan O’Neal is an award-winning investigative reporter at FOX 9. He joined the FOX 9 Investigators in September 2021 to focus on in-depth and accountability journalism.
Prior to moving to the Twin Cities, Nathan worked in Albuquerque, New Mexico at KOB-TV. He was named a 2020 National Health Journalism Fellow with the University of Southern California’s Center for Health Journalism. During his time in New Mexico, Nathan produced a news documentary highlighting the disparities on the Navajo Nation at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. His reporting was recognized with a Regional Edward R. Murrow Award for Excellence in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. His investigations also exposed widespread failures within New Mexico’s police oversight agency which led to ongoing efforts to overhaul how it handles police misconduct investigations.
Nathan also reported in Las Vegas, Nevada at KSNV. He was among the first reporters on the ground during the Las Vegas mass shooting – and his reporting was recognized with both a Regional Murrow award and Emmy award. Later that year he would also cover the Vegas Golden Knights’ historic run to the Stanley Cup Final and lead coverage of the state’s launch of recreational marijuana.
Nathan got his professional start at KVOA in Tucson, Ariz., shortly after graduating college. He graduated in 2012 with a combined Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Master of Mass Communication degree from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University. A documentary he produced about immigration and borderland issues in the Dominican Republic was honored with a Robert F. Kennedy Award in Journalism. He also spent time in Washington, D.C. interning with ABC’s "This Week with Christiane Amanpour." He is an alumnus of the Institute on Political Journalism.
Nathan grew up in the small mining community of Globe, Arizona. He’s a ‘pretty decent’ cook, can make homemade tortillas and can be found exploring the outdoors with his very needy beagle Vosot.
The latest from Nathan O'Neal
Former first responders worry bill to reform disability benefits could jeopardize livelihoods
A new proposal before the Minnesota Legislature would, in part, require a first responder claiming PTSD to undergo at least 24 weeks of treatment before seeking disability benefits.
EPA set to limit PFAS in drinking water – so what does that mean for Minnesota?
The Environmental Protection Agency is now set to limit the amount of PFAS chemicals allowed in the nation’s drinking water.
PFAS bills clear first hurdle, opposition emerges from coalition of companies
The batch of bills that would limit or ban the use of "forever chemicals" in Minnesota cleared its first legislative hurdle Thursday.
How DNA home testing kits are helping crack Minnesota’s unsolved crimes
New DNA-collecting methods can unlock decades-old secrets to crack cold cases, identify victims and even catch killers.
Legalizing marijuana in Minnesota: Explosive risks tied to home THC extraction labs
It comes in edibles, candy, and other concentrated forms – but extracting cannabis oil under the wrong conditions can be disastrous.
Minneapolis Public Schools was nearly conned out of $500K
At the height of the pandemic, one of Minnesota’s largest school districts fell victim to cyber fraud and nearly lost half a million dollars in the process.
Minnesota legislators consider action on PFAS in drinking water
The eastern Twin Cities metro is notorious for its problems with PFAS chemicals after manufacturer 3M dumped waste containing the so-called “forever chemicals” in the area and contaminated the drinking water of thousands of Minnesotans.
Minneapolis Public Schools facing 'fiscal crisis'
The state's third-largest school district is approaching an "impending fiscal crisis."
Ex-MPD officer who maced protesters also received $150K payout
It was a jarring sight: A Minneapolis police officer spraying mace out the window of a squad car at seemingly peaceful protesters in the aftermath of George Floyd’s death. Cell phone video recorded by the Star Tribune captured the incident, which subsequently went viral.
Analysis: Ex-Minneapolis cops rack up $26M in payouts amid surge in PTSD claims
In Minneapolis, at least 155 officers have received worker’s compensation settlements totaling nearly $26 million, according to a FOX 9 Investigators analysis. Many of those same officers have questionable histories of misconduct.