Lorena O’Neil
@lorenaoneil.com
NOLA freelancer reporting on repro health, politics, culture, tech
Contributing writer at Rolling Stone & nonprofit newsroom @lailluminator.bsky.social
Bylines: The Guardian, Elle, The LA Times, Marie Claire, Jezebel
https://www.lorenaoneil.com
Contributing writer at Rolling Stone & nonprofit newsroom @lailluminator.bsky.social
Bylines: The Guardian, Elle, The LA Times, Marie Claire, Jezebel
https://www.lorenaoneil.com
I spoke with friends of Luigi Mangione's about his guilty plea on Friday: www.rollingstone.com/culture/cult...
'Deeply Emotional': Luigi Mangione's Friends React to His Guilty Plea
Luigi Mangione confessed to stalking and killing United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson. This is what how his friends reacted to his guilty plea
www.rollingstone.com
August 17, 2026 at 9:25 PM
I spoke with friends of Luigi Mangione's about his guilty plea on Friday: www.rollingstone.com/culture/cult...
Yesterday, Luigi Mangione managed to take some digs at the healthcare insurance industry while pleading guilty to stalking and killing Brian Thompson www.rollingstone.com/culture/cult...
August 15, 2026 at 11:39 PM
Yesterday, Luigi Mangione managed to take some digs at the healthcare insurance industry while pleading guilty to stalking and killing Brian Thompson www.rollingstone.com/culture/cult...
Reposted by Lorena O’Neil
Don't want this to get lost. Basically if Luigi Mangione pleads guilty tomorrow in federal court — either by plea deal or just open plea — Manhattan DA could try to push to convict him on a firearms charge in state.
Another lawyer I spoke with had an interesting note, he said there's a chance Manhattan DA can try to go to trial on the firearms charge. Just depends if Seidemann wants to push or not / what Carro decides
August 13, 2026 at 10:57 PM
Don't want this to get lost. Basically if Luigi Mangione pleads guilty tomorrow in federal court — either by plea deal or just open plea — Manhattan DA could try to push to convict him on a firearms charge in state.
On double jeopardy, Luigi Mangione, and a possible guilty plea today
Luigi Mangione might be pleading guilty tomorrow in federal court, but what does that mean for his state murder trial in September? I spoke with lawyers about double jeopardy and potential next steps: www.rollingstone.com/culture/cult...
What Happens If Luigi Mangione Pleads Guilty in Federal Court Tomorrow?
Lawyers weigh in on how a federal plea deal could affect his upcoming state trial for the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
www.rollingstone.com
August 14, 2026 at 1:13 PM
On double jeopardy, Luigi Mangione, and a possible guilty plea today
I've been reporting on Luigi Mangione since his arrest following the killing of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson. In March 2025 I published a deep dive profile on Mangione for @rollingstone.com www.rollingstone.com/culture/cult...
The Life and Mystery of Luigi Mangione
How Luigi Mangione, an Ivy League grad accused of the United Healthcare CEO shooting, became one of the most debated murder suspects in recent history
www.rollingstone.com
August 14, 2026 at 1:08 PM
I've been reporting on Luigi Mangione since his arrest following the killing of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson. In March 2025 I published a deep dive profile on Mangione for @rollingstone.com www.rollingstone.com/culture/cult...
Yes, the death penalty-related charge was dropped in January
But death penalty would definitely be off the table?
August 14, 2026 at 12:49 PM
Yes, the death penalty-related charge was dropped in January
There were long press/public lines for Luigi Mangione’s federal hearing in NYC early this morning, where he’s expected to plea guilty to stalking United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson
August 14, 2026 at 12:48 PM
There were long press/public lines for Luigi Mangione’s federal hearing in NYC early this morning, where he’s expected to plea guilty to stalking United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson
Don't want this to get lost. Basically if Luigi Mangione pleads guilty tomorrow in federal court — either by plea deal or just open plea — Manhattan DA could try to push to convict him on a firearms charge in state.
Another lawyer I spoke with had an interesting note, he said there's a chance Manhattan DA can try to go to trial on the firearms charge. Just depends if Seidemann wants to push or not / what Carro decides
August 13, 2026 at 10:57 PM
Don't want this to get lost. Basically if Luigi Mangione pleads guilty tomorrow in federal court — either by plea deal or just open plea — Manhattan DA could try to push to convict him on a firearms charge in state.
Luigi Mangione might be pleading guilty tomorrow in federal court, but what does that mean for his state murder trial in September? I spoke with lawyers about double jeopardy and potential next steps: www.rollingstone.com/culture/cult...
What Happens If Luigi Mangione Pleads Guilty in Federal Court Tomorrow?
Lawyers weigh in on how a federal plea deal could affect his upcoming state trial for the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
www.rollingstone.com
August 13, 2026 at 7:43 PM
Luigi Mangione might be pleading guilty tomorrow in federal court, but what does that mean for his state murder trial in September? I spoke with lawyers about double jeopardy and potential next steps: www.rollingstone.com/culture/cult...
For the past few weeks I've been in and out of Ocean Springs, MS reporting on the community's search for Nolan Wells: www.rollingstone.com/culture/cult... @rollingstone.com
Inside the Desperate Search for Nolan Wells
Before the teenager’s July 4 disappearance became national news, friends, family, and volunteers from the United Cajun Navy tried to find the teen
www.rollingstone.com
July 31, 2026 at 10:26 PM
For the past few weeks I've been in and out of Ocean Springs, MS reporting on the community's search for Nolan Wells: www.rollingstone.com/culture/cult... @rollingstone.com
Reposted by Lorena O’Neil
I spoke with a close friend of Nolan Wells, Tracestin Shepherd, who is clearing up what that viral video of a fight is about: “In that video, you hear somebody yelling — that is me." www.rollingstone.com/culture/cult...
What Really Happened in the Last Known Video of Nolan Wells: 'It's Me Yelling'
One of Nolan Xavier Wells’ close friends says he’s the person on the boat who can be heard shouting in the viral video circulating online
www.rollingstone.com
July 12, 2026 at 6:30 PM
I spoke with a close friend of Nolan Wells, Tracestin Shepherd, who is clearing up what that viral video of a fight is about: “In that video, you hear somebody yelling — that is me." www.rollingstone.com/culture/cult...
I spoke with a close friend of Nolan Wells, Tracestin Shepherd, who is clearing up what that viral video of a fight is about: “In that video, you hear somebody yelling — that is me." www.rollingstone.com/culture/cult...
What Really Happened in the Last Known Video of Nolan Wells: 'It's Me Yelling'
One of Nolan Xavier Wells’ close friends says he’s the person on the boat who can be heard shouting in the viral video circulating online
www.rollingstone.com
July 12, 2026 at 6:30 PM
I spoke with a close friend of Nolan Wells, Tracestin Shepherd, who is clearing up what that viral video of a fight is about: “In that video, you hear somebody yelling — that is me." www.rollingstone.com/culture/cult...
MS people: I'm reporting on Nolan Wells for
@rollingstone.com if you have any information you'd like to share my signal is lorenaoneil.64 and DMS are open
@rollingstone.com if you have any information you'd like to share my signal is lorenaoneil.64 and DMS are open
July 9, 2026 at 8:20 PM
MS people: I'm reporting on Nolan Wells for
@rollingstone.com if you have any information you'd like to share my signal is lorenaoneil.64 and DMS are open
@rollingstone.com if you have any information you'd like to share my signal is lorenaoneil.64 and DMS are open
My dispatch from today at court for Luigi Mangione’s evidence suppression hearing decision. Includes legal expert commentary. www.rollingstone.com/culture/cult...
Luigi Mangione's Alleged Gun and Notebook Allowed Into Evidence at Murder Trial
The judge also threw out evidence in what he said was an unlawful search of Mangione’s backpack as experts weigh in on what the decision means.
www.rollingstone.com
May 19, 2026 at 3:06 AM
My dispatch from today at court for Luigi Mangione’s evidence suppression hearing decision. Includes legal expert commentary. www.rollingstone.com/culture/cult...
Reposted by Lorena O’Neil
Lorena O'Neil's latest ...,
@lorenaoneil.com
@lorenaoneil.com
May 11, 2026 at 5:21 PM
Lorena O'Neil's latest ...,
@lorenaoneil.com
@lorenaoneil.com
I spoke with criminologists about the theory that Luigi Mangione has inspired “copycat crimes” www.rollingstone.com/culture/cult...
Luigi Mangione, Copycat Crimes, and the Rise of Political Violence
Experts weigh in on the complex nature of copycat crimes and why political violence is on the rise
www.rollingstone.com
May 11, 2026 at 2:03 PM
I spoke with criminologists about the theory that Luigi Mangione has inspired “copycat crimes” www.rollingstone.com/culture/cult...
Reposted by Lorena O’Neil
“Measles is basically a canary in the coal mine for our entire system,” says Dr. Scott Harris, the state health officer in Alabama’s Department of Public Health. “When it surges like this, it signals that our vaccination programs are starting to fail, and that other diseases won’t be far behind.”
Opinion | Measles Is Back. It’s a Sign Worse Is Coming.
www.nytimes.com
April 25, 2026 at 12:51 PM
“Measles is basically a canary in the coal mine for our entire system,” says Dr. Scott Harris, the state health officer in Alabama’s Department of Public Health. “When it surges like this, it signals that our vaccination programs are starting to fail, and that other diseases won’t be far behind.”
Reposted by Lorena O’Neil
The broader tech backlash in the light of the attack on Sam Altman's house and why we need more guardrails for AI, by @lorenaoneil.com. With quotes from @alondra.bsky.social, @safiyanoble.bsky.social and me, among others.
www.rollingstone.com/culture/cult...
www.rollingstone.com/culture/cult...
The 'Techlash' Against AI Is Here. Have We Hit a Tipping Point?
As backlash against AI increases, it has also turned violent, unveiling a deep mistrust of a system that would benefit from guardrails, say experts.
www.rollingstone.com
April 16, 2026 at 9:42 PM
The broader tech backlash in the light of the attack on Sam Altman's house and why we need more guardrails for AI, by @lorenaoneil.com. With quotes from @alondra.bsky.social, @safiyanoble.bsky.social and me, among others.
www.rollingstone.com/culture/cult...
www.rollingstone.com/culture/cult...
Reposted by Lorena O’Neil
Data centers are a physical manifestation of AI infrastructure and they've become a flashpoint precisely because they're tractable. They exist in specific places, consume specific resources, can be seen and pointed to. I spoke with @lorenaoneil.com @rollingstone.com about our urgent AI reckoning.
“The negative sentiment around AI has been growing steadily, and what’s changed is that the public has developed both the vocabulary and the lived experience to name what’s bothering them,” says Alondra Nelson, who led Biden's Office of Science and Tech Policy
April 16, 2026 at 11:04 PM
Data centers are a physical manifestation of AI infrastructure and they've become a flashpoint precisely because they're tractable. They exist in specific places, consume specific resources, can be seen and pointed to. I spoke with @lorenaoneil.com @rollingstone.com about our urgent AI reckoning.
Reposted by Lorena O’Neil
"what’s changed is that the public has developed both the vocabulary and the lived experience to name what’s bothering them,”
I wrote about the celebratory reaction to the rash of violent acts against Sam Altman and AI, and how it reflects the public’s growing anger and resentment against AI companies, data centers, and tech billionaires: www.rollingstone.com/culture/cult...
The 'Techlash' Against AI Is Here. Have We Hit a Tipping Point?
As backlash against AI increases, it has also turned violent, unveiling a deep mistrust of a system that would benefit from guardrails, say experts.
www.rollingstone.com
April 16, 2026 at 11:39 PM
"what’s changed is that the public has developed both the vocabulary and the lived experience to name what’s bothering them,”
Reposted by Lorena O’Neil
I wrote about the celebratory reaction to the rash of violent acts against Sam Altman and AI, and how it reflects the public’s growing anger and resentment against AI companies, data centers, and tech billionaires: www.rollingstone.com/culture/cult...
The 'Techlash' Against AI Is Here. Have We Hit a Tipping Point?
As backlash against AI increases, it has also turned violent, unveiling a deep mistrust of a system that would benefit from guardrails, say experts.
www.rollingstone.com
April 16, 2026 at 6:15 PM
I wrote about the celebratory reaction to the rash of violent acts against Sam Altman and AI, and how it reflects the public’s growing anger and resentment against AI companies, data centers, and tech billionaires: www.rollingstone.com/culture/cult...
I wrote about the celebratory reaction to the rash of violent acts against Sam Altman and AI, and how it reflects the public’s growing anger and resentment against AI companies, data centers, and tech billionaires: www.rollingstone.com/culture/cult...
The 'Techlash' Against AI Is Here. Have We Hit a Tipping Point?
As backlash against AI increases, it has also turned violent, unveiling a deep mistrust of a system that would benefit from guardrails, say experts.
www.rollingstone.com
April 16, 2026 at 6:15 PM
I wrote about the celebratory reaction to the rash of violent acts against Sam Altman and AI, and how it reflects the public’s growing anger and resentment against AI companies, data centers, and tech billionaires: www.rollingstone.com/culture/cult...
Reposted by Lorena O’Neil
“the way [these companies]have designed it, the bones of social media, is inherently unhealthy to kids…they’ll scroll &scroll until the wee hrs of the AM. Dev’ing brains need a lot of sleep, &so if a kid’s only getting 3 or 4 hrs of sleep/pm, it has ramifications that are completely debilitating.”🛟🧪
I spoke with one of the plaintiff's attorneys in the social media addiction trial about what comes next and how this $6 million verdict could impact tech companies www.rollingstone.com/culture/cult...
Social Media Addiction Lawyer on Landmark Trial: 'Social Media Is Inherently Unhealthy for Kids'
Emily Jeffcott, one of the lawyers for the plaintiff, on why this trial was so significant — and what happens next.
www.rollingstone.com
March 27, 2026 at 1:14 AM
“the way [these companies]have designed it, the bones of social media, is inherently unhealthy to kids…they’ll scroll &scroll until the wee hrs of the AM. Dev’ing brains need a lot of sleep, &so if a kid’s only getting 3 or 4 hrs of sleep/pm, it has ramifications that are completely debilitating.”🛟🧪
I spoke with one of the plaintiff's attorneys in the social media addiction trial about what comes next and how this $6 million verdict could impact tech companies www.rollingstone.com/culture/cult...
Social Media Addiction Lawyer on Landmark Trial: 'Social Media Is Inherently Unhealthy for Kids'
Emily Jeffcott, one of the lawyers for the plaintiff, on why this trial was so significant — and what happens next.
www.rollingstone.com
March 27, 2026 at 12:10 AM
I spoke with one of the plaintiff's attorneys in the social media addiction trial about what comes next and how this $6 million verdict could impact tech companies www.rollingstone.com/culture/cult...
UPDATED with @aoc.bsky.social comments: "We must sound the alarm now — because this surveillance of the American people is not going to stop. We must stop it. All of this harm has occurred, not in spite of, but because of the absence of federal legislation to regulate AI.”
Today @sanders.senate.gov is introducing an AI data center moratorium bill in the senate, and @aoc.bsky.social will be following suit in the house as they call for more AI regulation to protect Americans and the environment www.rollingstone.com/politics/pol... @rollingstone.com
Bernie Sanders and AOC Want to Pump the Brakes on AI Development
Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are introducing legislation aimed at slowing down the development of AI data centers.
www.rollingstone.com
March 26, 2026 at 1:02 AM
UPDATED with @aoc.bsky.social comments: "We must sound the alarm now — because this surveillance of the American people is not going to stop. We must stop it. All of this harm has occurred, not in spite of, but because of the absence of federal legislation to regulate AI.”