Penelope Lopez
She has a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Rhetorical Studies with a minor in Spanish from Hofstra University on Long Island, New York. Additionally, Penelope also studied communications at the University of Nebrija in Madrid, Spain, and film in Havana, Cuba.
During her senior year of college, she worked at ABC News Live Prime in New York as a booking producer. She secured exclusive interviews with high-profile global leaders, national political figures, White House officials, and social media influencers.
She left New York in 2023 to join KATC-TV3 as an ABC News affiliate reporter in Lafayette, Louisiana. During her time there, she covered local politics and gained an understanding of the importance of building strong relationships with the community, leaders, and officials to cover and report on key issues effectively.
Her goal is to use her storytelling as a means of shedding light on any issues or events impacting local communities. Penelope is passionate about being on the ground, uncovering untold stories that affect marginalized communities.
"I am excited to have the opportunity to report on the communities and culture of Fayetteville."
Penelope is from Long Island, New York. She enjoys trying new local restaurants, going to the movie theaters, and attending concerts.
Penelope's Stories
9/11 Day 2026 in Central NC: From stair climbs, wreath laying, to moments of silence
How first responders, volunteers and community members across Central NC remembered and honored the lives lost 25 years ago today.
North Carolina reaches historic settlement for PFAS contamination; affected people seek answers
The EPA found that the companies released PFAS chemicals into the Cape Fear River, a drinking water source for about 500,000 people.
25 years after 9/11, Fort Bragg community reflects on War on Terror
Twenty-five years ago, the Sept. 11 attacks not only changed the way America approached security, but they also launched the country into a global war on terror.
Labor Day Travel: Families pack the I-95 Cumberland County rest stop in NC for quick pit stop
"We just wanted to get away, get down to the beach. Put our toes in the sand, take a little break."
Mental health counselor offers support for families during extended deployments
A veteran counselor is encouraging military families to seek support and communicate openly as some U.S. troops face extended deployments in the Middle East.
Fort Bragg's historic Stryker Golf Course set to close after nearly 80 years
The historic Stryker Golf Course at Fort Bragg is set to close, drawing strong reactions from the military community.
Fort Bragg hosts Medal of Honor heroes and reenlistment ceremony
Six living Medal of Honor recipients visited Fort Bragg on Wednesday, sharing their stories and inspiring soldiers during the annual Valor Tour.
Violent crimes drop in Fayetteville; here's what police say is working
Homicides have dropped by 54%, with just 11 reported so far this year, 13 fewer than at the same point last year.
Woman says her sister was shot in face, car stolen by man who shot 2 other women in Fayetteville
Man accused of shooting three women Sunday in Fayetteville appears in court; investigators lay out timeline of his alleged crimes.
Booze It & Lose It' campaign kicks off in Fayetteville ahead of Labor Day weekend
Law enforcement officials are urging North Carolinians to drive sober over Labor Day weekend as the statewide "Booze It & Lose It" campaign gets underway.