Born in Lafayette and raised in St. Martinville, I am a Cajun in heart, mind and spirit. I dove into the news industry with my start at my hometown newspaper where I picked up some journalistic skills. I earned a degree in mass communications at UL Lafayette which prepared me for covering news in Acadiana and around the state. As a news reporter for KPEL, my news beats include, but are not limited to, Lafayette Consolidated Government and the Lafayette Parish School Board. Jumping from print media to broadcast has been an exciting move for me in the ever-changing multimedia environment of today's news world. When not covering news, I can often be found playing guitar or cooking at home, both usually being done with my daughter, Jolie, very near by.
Derek Albert
Mardi Gras Parade Cancellations
We've all heard the phrase, "Don't Rain On My Parade." Well, it looks like that may happen this weekend in South Louisiana.
Robideaux Presents LCG Plan To Solve Drainage Dilemmas
Money from a recent millage rededication, and FEMA, will fund dozens of projects expected to be mostly completed by the end of 2018.
IPSO Investigating Fatal Shooting During Jeanerette Parade
One victim-who was shot in the chest--subsequently died from his injuries.
TownSquare Media Cameras Capture Vehicle Burglary In Progress (VIDEO)
These brazen burglars were caught in the act by our in-house surveillance system.
I-10 Traffic Stop Yields Almost $1Million In Narcotics
Lafayette Police made multiple arrests in connection with this huge drug bust.
Government Shutdown Begins; So Does The Finger-Pointing
Members of the US Congress could not agree on the stop-gap measure that was on the table.
Boil Advisories Issued Across Acadiana
Boil advisories are issued until further notice. Other water customers in Acadiana are asked to conserve water due to low pressure.
Most Acadiana Schools Set To Resume Class On Friday
School districts are determining if any cold weather damage will hinder Friday's attendance.
Schools Closed Today Due To Winter Storm Advisory
The following schools will be closed due to freeze warnings for Tuesday, January 16th.
Vermilion School Board Member Calls Incident Pathetic (AUDIO)
In a candid interview on Acadiana's Morning News, District G Board Member Sara Duplechain says the school board members are not united for a common cause.
Deyshia Hargrave Speaks Out Following Arrest (Video)
The embattled teacher comends the community for speaking out in her defense since Monday night.
BREAKING: Steve Bannon To Step Down From Breitbart News
The former White House strategist is leaving the news network.
LPSO Deputies Searching For Expensive Stolen Jewelry
A home burglary yields the loss of a $16,000 ring.
Lafayette PD Leaves No Homicides Unsolved In 2017
The Lafayette PD has solved all 24 of the city's 2017 homicides.
Breaux Bridge Man Arrested On Child Porn Charges
A multi-agency investigation led to the arrest of the suspect today.
Customer Accidentally Shot At Buckfins And Feathers In Broussard
Broussard police are reporting the incident is indeed an accident.
Recall Brian Pope Organizer Arrested By Lafayette Marshal’s Office
Steven Wilkersson was arrested on 20-year-old warrants for issuing worthless checks.
Law Enforcement Investigating Suspicious Package At Target
The public is advised to avoid the area until the retail center is deemed safe.
LUS Fiber Expanding To Youngsville, Broussard
Lafayette Utility Sytems announced today that its fiber optic communications sytem will be available in developemnts in Youngsville and Broussard.
“When we first proposed LUS Fiber, we sought to provide Lafayette residents and businesses with the best telecommunications products and services available," said Erin Batiste, LUS Fiber public information specialist...
Edgar Martin Teacher Recognized With Huge Education Award (VIDEO)
Dedicated Teacher and community volunteer Angela Boxie is Louisiana's Milken Educator of the year. She is the prestigious award's first winner from Lafayette Parish.