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
TownSquare Media Cameras Capture Vehicle Burglary In Progress [VIDEO]
These brazen burglars were caught in the act by our in-house surveillance system.
Vermilion Parish Man Convicted Of Hiring Hit Man To Kill His Wife
Harlow Hutchinson solicited the best man from his wedding to kill his wife of 24 years.
I-10 Traffic Stop Yields Almost $1Million In Narcotics
Lafayette Police made multiple arrests in connection with this huge drug bust.
Former LPD Officer, Wife Arrested On Battery Charges
A surveillance video and an internal investigation have led to both spouses being arrested.
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.
Most Acadiana Schools Set To Resume Class On Friday
School districts are determining if any cold weather damage will hinder Friday's attendance.
Schools Closing Ahead of Cold Weather For Tuesday
The following schools will be closed due to freeze warnings for Tuesday, January 16th.
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.
Lafayette PD Leaves No Homicides Unsolved In 2017
The Lafayette PD has solved all 24 of the city's 2017 homicides.
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.
Law Enforcement Investigating Suspicious Package At Target
The public is advised to avoid the area until the retail center is deemed safe.
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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Two Arrested On Drug Charges After Youngsville Home Raid
Thankfully, no one was injured as unexploded military ordinance was found at the scene of the residence on Gallet Road.
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.
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.
Iberia Parish Levee Development Voted Down
Iberia Parish voters overwhelmingly chose not to approve the development of a levee and drainage system in the southern part of the parish.
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.
Here’s A CPAs View Of How The Proposed GOP Tax Code Affects You
"We're still scratching our head trying to figure out how is this will really shake out when it's all said and done."
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 sent out a press release Wednesday afternoon stating Lotief violated school and UL System policies by verbally and physically assaulting players and staff...