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
Arrest Made For Theft Of NCAA Championship Rings
An Opelousas man stole at least two LSU rings from his brother-in-law who was a former football player.
DOTD Updates List Of Road Closures
DOTD Closures UPDATED AT 4:45 p.m.
Effective immediately, the following road closures and high water notifications are in place due to heavy rains. The roads will be reopened as soon as conditions improve.
Acadia Parish
Open:
I-10 eastbound from US 165 to I-49 at MP 88
LA 97 from I-10 to LA 100
Closures:
LA 91 at Estherwood Pontoon Bridge (Bayou Plaquemine Brule)
LA 98 East of LA 91 (Iota)
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Update: Additional Road Closures Reported
We are constantly updating the list of road closures. Continue visiting this post for updates.
UPDATE: Red Cross, Others Open Emergency Shelters
The Red Cross has opened 11 shelters across the state; two are in Acadiana.
Police: Acadiana Mall Re-Opened To Public
Police and Fire crews are currently investigating the situation. Traffic at Johnston and Ambassador Caffery is halted.
Latest: Wounded Deputy Released From From Hospital
One of the officers wounded in the ambush has been released from the hospital, and another remains in critical condition, according to officials.
UPDATE: Interstate 10 Crash At I-49 Cleared
Emergency Personnel were diverting traffic through the Louisiana Ave. and I-49 North exit.
Update: Police Identify Crowley Wal-Mart Shooting Suspect
Crowley Police report the victim is in critical condition following the Saturday afternoon shooting.
School Bus Catches Fire On I-10; No Injuries Reported
Students on board were quickly evacuated and transported back to school.
Some Carencro Area Schools Will Be Closed Monday
Some roads in the area remain closed due to high water which will hinder school bus travel.
NFL Acknowledges Link Between Football, Head Injuries (AUDIO)
Dr. Daniel Brock says medical data is finally surpassing the NFL's opinion of how football plays a role in some player's neurological symptoms.
Clinton, Trump Take Top Spots In Louisiana Primaries
In the Louisiana primaries, Clinton tops Sanders by 56 percent; Trump edging out a win over Cruz.
UPDATE: Best Buy Reopened Following Bomb Threat
Cpl. Paul Mouton said a note was found in a restroom on the premises.
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.
Ron Guidry To Be Immortalized Among UL’s Top Athletes
"Louisiana Lightning" to be inducted into UL Lafayette's Athletics Hall of Fame on Oct. 31.
***UPDATE: Ascension Parish Toddler, Grandmother Found Safe***
Mary Jones' estranged boyfriend, Troy Jones. is now in police custody.
UPDATE: State Trooper Dies – Governor Orders Flags At Half Staff Until Friday
The injured trooper remains in critical condition in a Lake Charles hospital.
Crowd Fills Blackham Coliseum To Unite, Honor, Heal
Hundreds gather at Blackham Coliseum to Unite, Honor and Heal following last week's Grand Theater shooting.
Vermilion Sheriff Searching For Abbeville Teen
Shaina Crochet, who may also go by the last name Primeaux, was reported missing at about 10:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Jindal: We’re trying to make sense of a senseless act.
Houser, fired 10 rounds, then exited theater 14. He re-entered fired four rounds and then shot himself.