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
Impaired Driver Behind Bars In Lake Arthur Crash That Killed Passenger
The single-vehicle crash occurred Saturday just after midnight on Broadmore Road, north of Lake Arthur.
France Launches Airstrike Against ISIS On Syrian Soil
A French defense official spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorized to speak publicly.
Lafayette Parish Arrest Report
The Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office reported 23 arrests for Saturday.
Explosive In Paris Attacks Described As ‘Very Unstable’
The explosive TATP, used in the bombings yesterday, has been called the "mother of Satan" because of its volatility.
Lafayette Family Escapes House Fire Unharmed
The homeowner called 911 when she was woken by a smoke alarm at approximately 4 a.m. Saturday.
Vitter Talks Of His Conditions For Medicaid Expansion In La.
Both Vitter and his Democratic opponent John Bel Edwards answered questions at a Baton Rouge forum Friday about poverty, Medicaid expansion and the state's budget woes.
Lafayette Parish Arrest Report
Thirty-five individuals were booked into the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center Friday.
Four Arrested In Raid Of Broussard Residence
St. Martin Parish Sheriff's Narcotics Division agents recovered illegal drugs including methamphetamine, marijuana and LSD.
ON THE ROAD: Lafayette’s Mobile Confessional
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Lafayette acquired an old ambulance from an anonymous donor and transformed it into a "church on wheels."
Appeals Court Rules ‘Angola 3′ Inmate Can Be Tried A 3rd Time
A U.S. district judge ordered Woodfox.s release in June because he said after 40 years there is not enough evidence or witnesses left to hold a fair trial.
Audit: City of Franklin Water System Requires Repairs
Within a financial audit for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2015, an independent CPA listed issues such as leaking fire hydrants as needing repairs.
State To Revive Mercury Testing Program
Regular mercury contamination testing halted in 2008 as part of a series of budget cuts by Gov. Bobby Jindal.
Trucker Rescues Women Whose Car Ran Off Bridge Near Scott
When firefighters responded to the single-vehicle crash they saw the trucker in chest-deep water with the two semi-conscious women at the edge of the water.
UL Petroleum Engineering Team Earns Trip to Dubai
The team will attend the PetroBowl Championship to be held Sept. 26-28, at the Dubai World Trade Center, during the Society of Professional Engineers’ Technical Conference and Exhibition.
Ash Carter: Russia, China Potentially Threaten Global Order
Carter expressed concern about China's expanding influence and growing military might. But he reserved his stronger words for Russia.
Lafayette Parish Arrest Reports
The Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office reported 16 arrests for Saturday.
Heavy Rains Causing Flooding, Road Closures Throughout Acadiana
Today's downpours continue to add to rising flood levels from heavy rains Friday.
Expansion Of Artificial Reef In Vermilion Bay Underway
Approximately 3,500 tons of crushed limestone will be used to enhance the current reef.
Lafayette Parish Arrest Report
The Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office reported 36 arrests for Friday.
Road Closures Begin Monday Along Lafayette, Broussard Thoroughfares
Daily, and nightly, commutes may be affected by the following construction projects beginning Monday.