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
Schools Closed Today Due To Winter Storm Advisory
The following schools will be closed due to freeze warnings for Tuesday, January 16th.
Diocese of Lafayette Marks Its Centennial Today (Video)
It was 100 years ago that Catholics in South Louisiana received a Papal Bull declaring the creation of the Diocese of Lafayette.
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.
Felon Pleads Guilty To Hiding Guns Near Federal Courthouse
A previously convicted felon gets caught trying to hide three guns on federal courthouse property.
Court Extends Halt In Louisiana Executions After Judge Dies
A lawsuit challenging the state's lethal injection protocols has kept death sentences on hold since 2014.
St. Martinville Man Arrested On Multiple Drug, Violent Crime Charges
A 911 call led to the suspect's arrest for drug, firearm and violence charges Thursday.
Infant Death Being Investigated In Duson
The Acadia Parish Sheriff's Office has taken over the investigation of a 5-month-old baby found unresponsive this morning.
Lafayette PD Leaves No Homicides Unsolved In 2017
The Lafayette PD has solved all 24 of the city's 2017 homicides.
Judge Schedules Another Probation Hearing For Brian Pope
Judge Jules Edwards has scheduled another probation hearing for City Marshall Brian Pope for January 17th.
Breaux Bridge Man Arrested On Child Porn Charges
A multi-agency investigation led to the arrest of the suspect today.
Breaking News: US House Passes GOP Tax Reform Bill
The bill now heads across the Capitol to the U.S. Senate. Senators are expected to vote on the bill sometime this evening.
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.
La. DOE Taps UL, LSU For Educator Resarch Consortium
ULL and LSU will serve as co-chairs of the Louisiana Educator Research Consortium for five years.
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...
Wintry Weather Brings Traffic Woes in Acadiana (UPDATED)
Louisiana State Police Master Trooper Brooks David said LSP is reporting the following issues:
All US 90 overpasses in St. Mary Parish are closed
US 90 @ LA 317
@ LA 3211
@ Yokley Canal Overpass
@ LA 3215
@ Amelia Bridge
(New) Morgan City Bridge on US 90 and on LA 182 both directions
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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.