Meg Gatto
:no_upscale()/s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/gray/6426d731-a4a3-42d0-abaf-fdb011b67609.jpg)
Meg Gatto is an Edward R. Murrow award winning reporter and anchor, who can be seen on FOX 8 News at 5pm & 10pm, anchoring alongside Lee Zurik.
Meg also leads the FOX 8 Defenders, working with the National Council of Jewish Women to report on the community’s most pressing consumer related complaints. As part of her work with the FOX 8 Defenders, Meg’s investigations exposed the horrific living conditions at an apartment complex owned by a religious non-profit and helped countless neighbors deal with issues from sporadic trash pick-up to blighted pools. Her investigations into the religious non-profit that owns the apartment complex in New Orleans, earned her a Suncoast Regional Emmy nomination.
Originally from a suburb of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Meg followed in the footsteps of her parents, moving to New Orleans to attend college. She graduated from Loyola University with a degree in Broadcast Journalism.
After working for two years in Harrisonburg, Virginia, Meg made the move back to New Orleans.
During her time here, she’s been honored with a regional Edward R. Murrow award for an investigation into the New Orleans Police Department. She’s won countless New Orleans Press Club awards for breaking news story of the year, best government/political reporting, general news and others. Meg has been nominated for numerous Suncoast Regional Emmy awards including one for an investigation into the Crimestoppers organization. She’s also been honored for her work by the Louisiana Associated Press awards.
Over the years, Meg has covered a number of high profile stories including the mass shooting at Virginia Tech, the Danziger Bridge trial, BP oil spill, the murder of former Saints player Will Smith and countless tropical storms and hurricanes.
In her spare time, Meg enjoys spending time with her husband and children.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/DGIZM53KMVDWHM7G7HCRF6CX7Y.JPG)
A former priest, sitting in jail on child sex abuse charges, wants his bond, reduced. An attorney for Lawrence Hecker filed the paperwork Wednesday, saying Hecker isn't a flight risk and should be at home.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/VDUR6F7IJRDMBMZZW2OTKCMAII.jpg)
The Louisiana Attorney General's office now says it's contacting other state attorney generals about its investigation into Spring View Medical Clinic.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/DWF6TQUCTFDYTKVBDKQIQI7YVY.jpg)
Former Parc Fontaine tenant sues Tennessee-based religious non-profit over deplorable living conditions, joining a growing legal battle against the organization.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/6L2MZVUH2JEEVFVTV355QY4URY.jpg)
Men file additional complaints against a closed Metairie medical clinic after reports of unpaid bills and questionable practices.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/WGLBB26AAJANRBZYJEJ5WXYPP4.jpg)
The Louisiana Attorney General’s office launches an investigation into a former Metairie clinic that some local men say promised results for a problem they long kept hidden.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/5E6IYP6FFNA7ZPSXPMI2CMCMDU.jpg)
A young family living at The Willows says this violence is the last straw
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/YOTVOYEJ2BBCLCY5A4OKWJTG7E.jpg)
A New Orleans man narrowly survives a shooting incident at The Willows apartments, calling for increased security measures and improved police response times.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/NEBJTCFXEBC3VJXA2HPWP5S6FY.png)
The family of a teen critically injured by a falling tree in Jackson Square has filed a lawsuit against the City of New Orleans.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/LMYIP5ODW5F27KO2DDLBQ5OP7U.jpg)
New video obtained by Fox 8 shows the moments the first large tree branch snapped in Jackson Square, over a week before a teenager was critically injured by a second branch falling from the same tree.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/PRQ2QSZWNZABXM3F4TIOEZV6QQ.jpg)
The board of commissioners is expected to vote on Tyrell Morris' fate on Tuesday.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/K3WY77PFA5HHJBMPEQRNROCT3I.jpg)
A woman in New Orleans is fighting to recoup thousands of dollars that was stolen from her in an online scam.
A North Shore grandmother fights to recoup thousands of dollars, stolen from her in an online scam.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/TLAA7GZYKJATNKKHTNMUKGLQPI.jpg)
The board will meet Thursday to discuss the issue and potentially vote on Morris’ future with the OPCD.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/RYLU6TMQ5NFK5HBOOHOKTMVG3Y.jpg)
New audio recordings FOX 8 obtained, reveal the moment 911 center chief Tyrell Morris got into an accident in his city owned vehicle. We've also learned from a City Hall source, the Inspector General's office sent investigators to the 911 center Thursday, seizing cell phones and computers, as the investigation into Morris, continues.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/PIC62RY5ABGTFBPEBTB6ZAZF24.jpg)
NOPD seeks public's help in identifying two suspects involved in an auto theft incident on Ursulines Avenue.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/2HBSK5WJWVHMBFBEDGHYXA6HKI.jpg)
Mayor LaToya Cantrell says she doesn't embrace a recent crime coalition survey that puts her approval rating at just 30 percent. Meanwhile, the head of the New Orleans Crime Coalition says the numbers don't lie.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/D375L527S5ALTC4RJPQ2FEM7OE.jpg)
No evacuees were injured, but a firefighter was hospitalized after being overcome by heat
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/M4P2YGV27FHS5JBYNEXGU6NEWU.jpg)
Officials says a law change, prompted by FOX 8 investigations after Hurricane Ida, and a federal agency's new recommendations will save lives.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/UPEA5HQHRVENRAVVNYCOR66NRM.png)
New taxpayer funding requests for the Bayou Phoenix project caught some city officials by surprise
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/VFLGUYPMHZAALAYPGO4MSYY7OQ.jpg)
Proposed constitutional amendment still needs approval of state senate, Louisiana voters
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/5POMZPDNTBGHDP3ORVQDZOCSBE.jpg)
An 11-year-old girl in New Orleans is preparing for a life-changing procedure while her classmates are thinking about summer break.
A North Shore family is about to face their biggest test yet. We first introduced you to the Holley family last year. The dad and oldest daughter suffered from stomach cancer and had to undergo a grueling surgery to remove their stomachs, in order to survive. Now, the family faces yet another challenge, one they've been dreading as they try to spread awareness of the rare genetic condition, that’s testing their faith.
A debate on the House floor Thursday prompts questions from state lawmakers about a proposal to force slumlord non-profit property owners to pay taxes. The bill was drafted after our FOX 8 Defenders reports highlighted dangerous living conditions at apartments owned by a religious non-profit.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/CAX5FXIFBREGNIY34673MMMMIQ.jpg)
A proposal to force slumlord non-profit property owners to pay property taxes is debated on the house floor by state lawmakers.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/UIL22VENZNHD7H7SCFZ6V55BZQ.jpg)
Multiple victims have reported their checks being stolen and altered after being deposited in the blue boxes in Harahan.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/2LXVSFJJ35EVHDGG57HVJO72CE.jpg)
Criminal penalties proposed to get attention of absentee owners of blighted properties
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/T4YRRJDN2NGITCTWJ4B5THLJH4.jpg)
City officials expect repair progress in six months or the owner could face a hearing and fines
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/IYTPMZX3VVDY3KDH6OZGYTTEGI.jpg)
A New Orleans-based federal judge donated tens of thousands of dollars to the New Orleans archdiocese while serving on a judicial panel overseeing the archdiocese’s bankruptcy case
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/5R4FJI5A25AHDCZYFDWJXWG6HQ.jpg)
An Uptown woman says two people ambushed her with a gun as she unloaded her car Wednesday morning (April 19).
A group of New Orleans East residents sue the owners of The Willows apartments alleging they've let the property fall into disrepair. Our FOX 8 Defenders investigations exposed what residents called dangerous conditions at The Willows and two other properties owned by a religious non-profit.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/WJ5VMIMNL5DXDLVCAEMPVK732Q.JPG)
A Tennessee religious nonprofit owns three apartment complexes in the New Orleans area
A House committee will consider a proposal to empower municipalities to seek property tax from nonprofit landlords who fail to maintain their properties
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/B7HWDGQQAREWNBGRSIAGE3TXCQ.jpg)
New Orleans' Inspector General says the Orleans Parish Communications District used over $7,000 in public funds on goods and services, like parties for employees and may have even violated the state constitution. Thursday, the OIG released its audit on the OCPD.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/TES7KHN4U5C2RGTN3TFWHPO7OI.jpg)
Court employees contend they improperly missed years of enrollment in state retirement system
The property's owner said progress on restoring the house has been disrupted by thieves who stole building materials
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/DJHUUMPJMNBYFDKBSEW53E7VBU.jpeg)
Thieves hit a French Quarter art gallery for the third time in two years. The owner says rampant crime is making it difficult to operate in the city. It's a sentiment shared by so many others.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/GXRWA64OMRETFNUIXDX35OAFYE.jpg)
The New Orleans City Council voted Thursday (March 25) to change requirements for short-term rental owners and operators.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/MEJYVEFRAZD4BJTCA33WJQLGA4.jpg)
An administrator said the OMV has 62 job openings and is trying to hire more people to answer calls and return messages faster
Frustrated customers say calls and voice messages go unanswered by state agency
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/LIFHG5F4D5AK5HW77GA2CZGO2Y.png)
The refusals happened before the cases were screened by the D.A.’s office and before police reports were turned in for the arrests.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/57MXHZFE7JHFXANYQBQ4CSW67Q.jpg)
The bill also gives authority to local municipalities to determine if a non-profit is fostering sub-standard living conditions at its properties.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/RQX3QGINEZDJ3CIAOYDLEXJKTQ.jpg)
One state lawmaker plans to file a proposal to pull the tax exempt status of property owners who run non-profits, but who lawmakers say are slumlords. The idea for the bill came after our FOX 8 Defenders investigations exposed what residents said were deplorable living conditions at apartments owned by a religious non-profit. Now, one group hits the pavement trying to help tenants who feel they have nowhere else to turn.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/2IBASCIRJZENLDSUZ6ZD3NAUI4.png)
Gomila, 21, is a computer science major at Virginia and minoring in economics
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/PSTTAXUACZCX7GTVT2BT2FCUDE.png)
Feoli is executive director of Tulane's Center for Inter-American Policy and Research
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/UROWOVLO3NABHBWEKK4ZNHYABM.JPG)
New Orleans motorists and homeowners are frustrated by unfinished road work projects across the city
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/TCSQDNBG3NHSVND2JPV77RMYHI.jpg)
Experts say scammers are using every avenue possible to try and take advantage of people and they’re becoming more aggressive.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/MKKILRSSHRA5RLEYTR3DGNRVXU.jpg)
The Louisiana Supreme Court had reversed an earlier mistrial ruling Friday and ordered the trial to resume Saturday
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/COQOA2CQ5RFVTKEGCWGM3SHEWE.jpg)
Richards Disposal insists it would be caught up on collection routes 'in the coming days'
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/KNR34YAH3FB7XLB5VNLVDKYBMY.jpg)
Some New Orleans residents say they're fed up after weeks of no trash pick-up from Richard's Disposal. Others say their pick-up is sporadic and they have no idea when the trash company is coming to their house.
The former chief of the Jefferson Parish Fire Department, calls the Bellemont apartment complex a ticking timebomb. The owner of the Bellemont is a religious non-profit that’s racked up fines and code violations over the years. Now, the former chief, Dave Tibbetts, says not much has changed there after a heated meeting with the head of the non-profit.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/OUGDJCHI2VDC7AFDFMOYZYDHCY.jpg)
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/YQU3DUAOPVFSXC2K7FWOCGN224.png)
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/PZB4YXUB4ZHJXORVM5FUXCU2JI.jpg)
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/TORFNI6RHJAR3JO5BEN77W7QIE.jpg)
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/OVR6JNOFSFG7VHSBX7PZ57NC4M.png)
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/HTKNDGUM7ZEWDAW3SX5GN5TBXQ.jpg)
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/XUAUQOF3KRBN5FVCUP3DUCC73M.jpg)
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/42PA6LAUVNDNZF6IJBAVQYFPXM.png)
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/3ZJNOXK74FB37ET7ENITNPT7CY.jfif)
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/TFYQMGBWXNEC7BDMBEVEP43TGE.jpg)