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
Northside High Student Hospitalized Following Shooting
The male victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was transported to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Lawsuit: Clay Higgins Owes $100K in Child Support
The lawsuit states Higgins is on the hook for back child support payments for three children.
Angelle, Higgins Face Off For 3rd Congressional District Seat
In the 3rd Congressional District, two Republicans--Scott Angelle and Clay Higgins--will face each other in a runoff on Dec. 10.
Update: Car Crashes Into Lafayette Daycare
Motorists should avoid the area to accommodate first responders.
Impaired Mother Crashes Vehicle With Four Children As Passengers
The children ages--8, 5, 3, and 1-- were taken to area hospitals after being rescued from the burning vehicle by a good Samaritan.
Alabama Fans Arrested For Vandalizing Tiger Stadium’s Midfield Logo
A pair of teenagers were cited with criminal trespassing for breaking into Tiger Stadium early Saturday morning.
Jury: Ackal Not Guilty Of Civil Rights Charges
The jury in the federal civil rights trial involving Iberia Parish Sheriff Louis Ackal have returned not guilty verdicts.
Robideaux Appoints Aguillard as Lafayette Police Chief
Lafayette Mayor-President Joel Robideaux has confirmed Toby Jean Aguillard will serve as the Lafayette Police Department's new chief.
Copeland’s, 2Paul’s BBQ Closing Their Doors
Copeland's and 2Paul's Radically Urban Barbecue are both closing their Lafayette locations.
Interim LPD Chief Appointed As Temporary Deputy Chief
In a statement from City Hall, Robideaux said he is making the provisional appointment in advance of announcing Lafayette’s new Chief of Police.
UL Lafayette Hosts Tons Of Events For Homecoming Week
Homecoming Week (Oct. 31--Nov.5) activities and events include a traditional Homecoming Day parade, a pep rally, and a tailgating party.
UL Softball Coach Recieves State-Of-The-Art Medical Treatment In Lafayette
UL Lafayette Softball Coach Michael Lotief has become the first person in the nation to receive a state-of-the art tracheostomy valve.
UPDATE: Inmate Improperly Released From Lafayette Prison Located
The Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office reports Simon has been located and has been returned to police custody.
Mother & 2 Infants Killed In Kaplan House Fire Sunday
The State Fire Marshal’s Office suspects that an electrical malfunction may have sparked a house fire yielding three fatalities in Kaplan Sunday morning.
Russian Requests to Monitor Elections In La. Denied
Louisiana Secretary of State Tom Schedler's office--which is in charge of overseeing elections within the state--quickly denied the requests.
Dixie Cab Faces Closure Over Unpaid Traffic Camera Fines
Lafayette Consolidated Government may indefinitely suspend all permits for Dixie Cab Inc. on Oct. 30.
Jeanerette Cop, City Marshal Arrested For Fight At Precinct
A police officer and a city marshal have been arrested--and since released--on charges related to a fight at the police department late last month.
House Fire Claims Lives Of Mamou Couple
State Fire Marshall Brant Thompson reported firefighters responded to the fire on Birch Street around 2 a.m. Saturday.
Trump Apologizing Over Taped Comments; Melania Chimes In
Donald Trump is declaring "I was wrong and I apologize" for vulgar commentary.
N.C. Man Copper-Plates His SUV…With Pennies
Larry Hall of Randolph County glued over 51-thousand pennies to his Chevy Blazer