In the summer of 2011, I accepted a position as a part-time reporter at KPEL. Since that time, I have covered all the major stories, including the disappearance and subsequent murder investigation of UL anthropology student Mickey Shunick, the approach and effects of Hurricane Isaac, and the 2012 Presidential election, with extensive reporting from Rick Santorum’s campaign rally in Lafayette. In December of 2013, I took over as KPEL's Brand Manager and Program Director. KPEL has grown a lot, and I hope to continue to guide that growth in the years to come.
Nathan Pike
Lafayette Fugitive Wade Lohse Explains In YouTube Video Why He Skipped Trial, Friend Of Cacie Barras Responds
In a more than eleven minute YouTube video published Sunday under the author John Smith, which depicts Wade Lohse somewhere in the woods, apologized for the accident, but he called into question the results of the crash investigation, accusing authorities of performing their calculations incorrectly.
Film Critic Roger Ebert Dead At 70
The 70-year-old Ebert reviewed films for the newspaper for 46 years.
Lafayette Parish School Board Reprimands Superintendent Pat Cooper In 6 to 3 Vote
In a tense executive session that featured a heated back-and-forth between district 6 board member Greg Awbrey and district 7 board member Mark Cockerham, Awbrey accused Cooper of violating school board policy and state law when he hired Welch.
School Bus Crash In Chataignier
Very few details are known at this time, but we will keep you updated as we receive them.
City-Parish President Joey Durel’s Wife Injured In Morning Accident
Chief Administrative Officer Dee Stanley confirms to KPEL that Lynn Durel was injured and had to undergo surgery.
Attorney Of Seth Fontenot Files Motion To Reduce Bail In First-Degree Murder Case Of Teen
Fontenot allegedly shot and killed 15-year-old Austin Rivault and injured two other teens. According to friends close to the family, they were dropping off a friend at his home in the Green Meadow Drive area.
Carnival Controversy–St. Louis Claims Second-Largest Mardi Gras, Lafayette Disagrees
The mayor of St. Louis, Mo., Francis Slay, told reporters today that his city has, not only the second-largest Mardi Gras event in the country, but the best in the U.S. as well.
Two Acadiana High School Students Taken Into Custody After Threatening To Bring Gun To Campus
Officials with the Lafayette Parish School System say a security drill was conducted Wednesday after the two boys were overheard by other students threatening to bring a gun to campus on Friday.
Wilbert Thibodeaux Charged With Shooting Of Murdering Police Officer, Second Man
Thibodeaux allegedly began shooting at responding officers after reports of a fire and that he was walking around with a shotgun.
One Person Dead, Ambassador Caffery Re-opened Following Major Crash
Police shut down the southbound lanes of the busy street for nearly three hours as they worked the crash. The roadway was re-opened shortly after 2 p.m.
Where Can I Get A Flu Shot In Lafayette?
The best way to protect yourself from the influenza is through the flu shot, but getting that pesky needle in your arm has apparently been difficult this year with many pharmacies running short of the vaccine.
Acadiana School Systems Announce Plans To Make Up Lost Class Time
Several schools were forced to close down because of wet weather and flooding in some areas.
Acadia Parish Officials Urge Motorists To Stay Off Flooded Roads, Will Make School Decision Later Sunday
ACADIA PARISH, La. (KPEL) — Residents in Acadia Parish are bracing for more flooding as water levels continue to rise and as more rain is expected Sunday. Worsening conditions are forcing sheriff’s office officials to ask motorists to stay off some major streets.
St. Mary Parish Public Schools To Make Up For Lost Instructional Time
Adding the extra minutes will allow students to make up the missed time without having to add extra days to the school calendar.
Disaster Resources For Residents Affected By Flooding
Continue following this post as we will update it throughout the day as we receive more information on disaster recovery.
Vehicle Accident With Injuries On I-10 Near Scott
There are reports of a multiple vehicle accident on Interstate 10 near Scott.
Lafayette Police Arrest Person Believed To Be Responsible For Carjackings
40-year-old Dylan Alfred was arrested by Lafayette Police in the parking lot of a business on Ridge Road.
Homeless Man Wanted On Robbery Charge, Possibly Connected To String Of Carjackings
Cpl. Paul Mouton says Dylan Alfred is "considered a person of interest in connection to the recent armed robberies that have occurred within the City of Lafayette."
Carencro Man Attacks Father With Samurai Sword, Will Face Attempted Second Degree Murder Charges
Police believe the father was trying to counsel his son, but the discussion soon escalated into an argument.
Work-Release Inmate, Girlfriend Charged With Trying To Sneak Drugs Into Lafayette Jail
Scott Police say 24-year-old Raylan Melancon of Carencro arranged to meet with the woman, 24-year-old Hana Knott of Carencro, near where he would be working.