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
Pedestrian Killed In Rayne Train Collision
Rayne Police are still investigating the collision that occurred around 1 pm Monday.
UPDATE: Bank Teller Shot During Armed Robbery In Broussard
Schools are currently under lockdown while police search for the suspect of an armed robbery in Broussard.
Palmetto Teen Booked For High School Bomb Threat
The teen was arrested Friday for her role in scwraling a bomb threat on a bathroom wall.
Drainage-CREATE Rededication, Other Tax Renewals Approved In Lafayette Parish
The highly contested drainage-CREATE rededication and the to tax renewals were approved by Lafayette Parish voters.
U.S. Sen. Al Franken Facing Sexual Harrassment Allegations
A Los Angeles radio host says Democratic Sen. Al Franken forcibly kissed her during a 2006 USO tour. The host says Franken posed for a photo with his hands on her breasts as she slept.
UPDATE: Body Of Missing Coteau Man Found In Pond
The day-long search came to a tragic end today as Leroy Blaze's body was found.
Lafayette Schools Show Small Dip in Performance Scores
Lafayette Parish Schools maintain a B rating for 2016-17.
Would You Buy A Bottle Of Beer For $200?
The Samuel Adams Brewery is hoping 13,000 people will buy the expensive limited-run brew.
Michael Lotief Responds To Termination As Head Coach (VIDEO)
Former UL Lafayette head softball coach Michael Lotief responds to his firing at a press conference in Downtown Lafayette Wednesday.
The university rsent out a press release Wednesday afternoon stating Lotief violated school and UL System policies by verbally and physically assaulting players and staff.
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Opelousas Mayor Indicted For Overtime Payroll Scandal
Opelousas Mayor Reggie Tatum was indicted on 15 charges stemming from an overtime payroll scandal that followed the August 2016 flood.
BREAKING: Paul Manafort Charged In Russian Investigation
Manafort is being told to turn himself into authorities as part of the Russian probe.
LHS Marching Band Earns Top Honors At US Band Championship
LHS took top honors among 25 teams at the US Bands Southwestern Championship.
Authorities Searching For 2 Girls Missing From Duson
Anyone with information on the girls' whereabouts is urged to contact the LPSO at 236-5895.
Arnaudville Man Arrested On 76 Phone Harrasment Charges
After harassing the victim for a year with phone calls, the suspect invoked his right to remain silent.
Acadiana Voters Decide On Local Elections, Taxes & Millages
The following election results include races within Acadiana Parishes.
Iberia Parish
Voters in the City of New Iberia decide to approve a .5-cent sales tax that will fund the new development of the city's police department with a 63-37-percent vote...
Edwards, Schroder Head To Runoff For Treasurer; Greene Earns PSC Seat
Here are the results for treasurer, Public Service Commission District 2 and all 3 constitutional amendments.
Suspect Arrested After Death From Administering Silicone Injections
The suspect was administering silicone injections from a Lafayette hotel room.
Arrest Made In IHOP Double Homicide
The suspect was arrested in Marrero Friday.
UPDATE: Deceased Male Discovered In Vermilion River Identified
LPD and LPSO officials are investigating the man's identity and cause of death.
Deputies Searching For Missing Breaux Bridge Woman
Major Ginny Higgins said 29-year-old Keisha Sylvester was last seen in a white Chevrolet pickup truck on October 2, in Breaux Bridge.