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
Overdose Death Ruled A Homicide, Suspect Arrested
One man charged with murder for supplying lethal dose of narcotics.
UPDATE: All Lanes Open Near I-10 Crash Site
If you need to head to Baton Rouge from the Acadiana area, get off of I-10 at the 1-49 exit.
Downtown Library Evacuated
The Main Branch of the Lafayette Public Library is being evacuated at this hour amid a fire alarm activation.
According to the Lafayette Parish 911 system, the fire alarm was activated at 4:10 p.m.
The Lafayette Fire Department is currently on the scene...
Audit: Town of Baldwin In Financial Crisis?
An independent audit lists concerns about the financial future of one St. Mary Parish town.
According to Louisiana Legislative Auditor Daniel Purpera's office, an independent auditor expressed concern about whether the Town of Baldwin will be able to keep operating because of ongoing deficits that totaled more than $1...
Line Of Storms Cause Acadiana Power Outages
Thousands are without power in Acadiana following a line of storms early this morning.
Carencro Man Sentenced On Child Porn Charges
The U.S. Attorney's office reported 57-year-old Michael Deblanc will spend the next seven years behind bars for possessing child pornography.
Sheriff Looking For Answers In Cold Case Murder
Crime Stoppers of Acadia Parish is asking for any answers regarding a fatal 2016 shooting in Crowley.
Armed Robbery Suspect At Large In New Iberia
Investigators are seeking 23-year-old Anthony Wesley Jr. who is wanted for two alleged armed robberies.
Brushwood Drive Home Invasion Suspects Arrested
A pair of home invasion suspects have been arrested in connection to a robbery of the home on Brushwood Drive.
Lafayette Police Spokesman Cpl. Karl Ratcliff said Daremius Fils and Wilbert Chaisson were identified in surveillance video footage and from evidence found at the crime scene...
Lafayette General Threatens Split From UHC Agreement
The termination of the cooperative endeavor agreement will be effective June 30 if the State does not appropriate full funding by that date.
Breaking: Officer Who Shot Alton Sterling Fired From BRPD
Baton Rouge Police Chief Murphy Paul fires one of two officers inmvolved in the shooting death of Alton Sterling.
Calif. Judge Rules Coffee Requires Cancer Warning
The culprit chemical is a byproduct of the bean roasting process that is a known carcinogen and has been at the heart of an eight-year legal struggle between a tiny nonprofit group and Big Coffee.
LPSO Deputy Charged With Battery Of An Inmate
A corrections deputy was charged with simple battery following an incident at the jail Thursday afternoon.
LCG Summit Yields ‘Unity’ As Solution To Budget Woes
After a three-hour summit hosted by LCG's Revenue Committee, few solutions were offered, but many concerns were voiced.
GOP Sen. Cortez Files Bill To Overhaul DOTD
In hopes of fixing the backlog of projects, copious construction time frames and oversight miscues, Cortez filed Senate Bill 498.
Gov. Edwards Offers Statement On AG’s Alton Sterling Findings
Governor John Bel Edwards offered the following statement after Landry made his Tuesday announcement.
Dead Austin Bombing Suspect Identified (UPDATED)
When police approached the suspect in Round Rock, Texas, he took his own life by detonating an explosive device in a car.
Congress Honors WWII Veteran From Abbeville
Retired Brigadier General Robert Joseph LeBlanc earned the Congressional Gold Medal --the highest civilian honor the United States can bestow.
Lafayette PD Search For Pair Of Robbers After Home Invasion
Lafayette Police are searching for a pair of brazen robbers who broke into a home while the homeowners were inside.
Bayou Bridge Pipeline Construction Back On Track
The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeal ruled Thursday to allow Bayou Bridge Pipeline, LLC. to continue construction.