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
Bishop “Deeply Saddened” Following Priest’s Arrest
The head of the Diocese of Lafayette shares his thoughts on the confession and arrest of a St. Landry Parish priest on sexual abuse charges.
Resource Officers Being Assigned To Every LPSS School
School resource officers could be found at every high school and middle school in the parish, Now, the presence of an armed, uniformed officer will be extended to all grades K-12.
LPSS To Unveil Online Checkbook
Lafayette School Board member Justin Centanni talks about new initiatives being implemented in the school district.
Crude Oil Tanks Burn At Gueydan Plant
Weather is being blamed for a blaze at Gueydan's Pure Oil facility.
Suspect Arrested After Standoff At Carencro Home
Shots were fired towards deputies, but no one was injured in the standoff on Bayou Bend Road.
Lafayette Cell Phone Store Robbed At Gunpoint
The Lafayette Police Department is investigating the afternoon armed robbery.
UPDATE: 3rd Man Arrested In Death Of St. Martinville Teen
62-year-old Donald Boutte of Breaux Bridge has also been arrested.
LPSS To Discuss Budget Wed.; Board Invites Public Input
The Lafayette Parish School Board will meet Wednesday to discuss the FY 2018-19 budget. A public hearing is set for 4 p.m.
Trump: WH Economic Adviser Larry Kudlow Suffers Heart Attack
Trump said Kudlow is being treated at Walter Reed Medical Center.
Terrebonne Parish Water Tests Positive For Brain-Eating Amoeba
Water testing found the brain-eating amoeba in a small Terrebonne Parish community's water system.
Online Video Leads To Road Rage Arrest In Lafayette
A video posted online today led to the arrest of a Lafayette man who was witnessed driving recklessly.
UPDATE: LPSS Whistle-Blower Files Federal Suit Against Admins
Two administrators named as defendants are on medical leave following the filing of a federal lawsuit.
Iberia sheriff’s Office Investigating Fatal Shooting
Deputies were just across the street when they heard gunshots near the McDonald's on New Iberia's Center Street.
UPDATE: Lafayette PD Looking For Suspect In Guilbeau Rd. Shooting
A 45-year-old man is recovering in a hospital following a shooting at The Gallery Apartment complex on Guilbeau Road.
Scott PD Thwarts Pharmacy Burglary
A Baton Rouge man wads arrested after police learned of his plans to burglarize a pharmacy in Scott.
Dual Investigations Underway Against St. Landry Parish Priest
Bishop J. Douglas Deshotel spoke to local media this afternoon addressing allegations of sexual abuse of a minor against a priest in St. Landry Parish.
Sen. Jonathan Perry Announces Candidacy For 3rd Circuit Judgeship
Today, State Senator Jonathan Perry officially announced his candidacy for Louisiana’s 3rd Circuit Court of Appeal.
US Imposes Steel. Aluminum Tariffs On Int’l Allies
Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said the tariffs would be 25 percent on steel and 10 percent on aluminum.
Senate Amends Tax Renewal Bill
Rep.Lance Harris' tax renewal bill finally earned House approval. But the Senate has made some major changes.
MARK POPE: Cleanliness Next To Godliness? [OPINION]
News and Views with Mark Pope