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
Happening Now: Flooded Roads In Lafayette Causing Traffic Issues
Avoid flooded roadways and intersections this afternoon as rains continue to fall.
Opelousas Mayor Indicted For Overtime Payroll Scandal
Opelousas Mayor Reggie Tatum was indicted on 15 charges stemming from an overtime payroll scandal that followed the August 2016 flood.
LHS Marching Band Earns Top Honors At US Band Championship
LHS took top honors among 25 teams at the US Bands Southwestern Championship.
Acadiana Voters Decide On Local Elections, Taxes & Millages
A few people went to the polls yesterday to decide some of the issues that the rest of us must have been to busy to care about.
Breaux Bridge Man Arrested On Molestation Charges
St. Martin Parish deputies arrested the suspect Monday afternoon.
Arrest Made In IHOP Double Homicide
The suspect was arrested in Marrero Friday.
UPDATE: Deceased Male Discovered In Vermilion River Identified
LPD and LPSO officials are investigating the man's identity and cause of death.
Cpl. Middlebrook’s Funeral Procession Underway Through The Hub City
Many line Lafayette streets to pay respects to fallen officer Cpl. Michael Middlebrook.
Kaplan Police Chief Arrested On Theft, Malfeasance Charges
Louisiana State Police arrested the police chief for theft of Kaplan Police Department funds.
List Of Acadiana Sandbag Locations As Now-Tropical Storm Harvey Approaches (UPDATED)
We will continue to post updates on sandbag locations, in and around Acadiana, as they become available.
Harvey Halts Oil & Gas Production In Some Areas Of The Gulf
As of Monday afternoon, nearly 100 offshore oil and gas platforms have been evacuated.
UL Football Fan Survey Yields Big Changes At Cajun Field
Improved concessions, a new turf and interactive fan activities are just the beginning of the improved fan experience being unveiled this season.
Indictment Made In Murder Case Of Daisy Lynn Landry
A grand jury indicted Malik Davis for the murder of Jacqueline "Daisy Lynn" Landry.
UPDATE: Bodies Found Linked To Lafayette Woman’s Abduction
Lafayette Police confirm bodies found in Port Allen waterway are connected to weekend abduction of a Lafayette woman.
Leonard Fournette Donates Trophies For A New Use
A Jacksonville-area high school will be given the trophies, but after some major modifications.
Suspects, Stolen Equipment Sought In Acadia Parish
Sheriff K.P Gibson said four suspects were captured on video surveillance Monday night.
Dialing The Wrong Number Leads To Drug Bust In St. Mary Parish
These perps could not have made it any easier for deputies to make their arrests.
Cox To Begin Charging Residents For Data Usage
BIG changes are coming next week for the way South Louisiana Cox Communications' residential internet subscribers will be charged.
UPDATE: Victims ID’d In New Iberia Murder-Suicide
The Sheriff's Office says Danny Harris Junior and Judd Judice died from gunshot wounds.
Vermilion Parish Officials Issue Voluntary Evacuation Orders
Those who live in low-lying areas are being encouraged to find shelter elsewhere.