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
DOTD Updates List Of Road Closures
This list of road closures is current as of 2 p.m. Thursday.
Lafayette School Board Assesses Damage, Discusses Schools Re-Opening
The Board agreed that re-opening the schools on Monday should help to bring normalcy to students in Lafayette Parish.
DOTD Updates List Of Road Closures
5:00am UPDATE: Here is the list of road closures throughout Acadiana, parish by parish.
Lafayette School Board Assessing Damages, Time Frame For Return
Some Lafayette Parish School facilities are still inaccessible due to flooding.
Robideaux: Water Draining But Many Still Stranded (AUDIO)
After an aerial inspection, Robideaux says water is draining but water recession will be slow and gradual.
Acadiana Area Curfews Set Due To Flooding
So far, two Acadiana law enforcement agencies have instituted curfews.
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.
Morgan City Man Arrested After 4-Hour Standoff
Morgan City Police, St. Mary Parish Sheriff's deputies and even the St. Mary Parish SWAT team were on scene earlier today.
Officials: Louisiana Tech QB Higgins Arrested on DUI Charge
Louisiana Tech quarterback Ryan Higgins has been arrested on a drunken driving charge.
Breaux Bridge Sex Offender Arrested…Again
Deputies arrested Stelly this morning following an investigation into reports of a non-compliant sex offender.
LCG Council Adds Deputy Chief Position To Police Force
Once a new Lafayette Police Department Chief is chosen, one of his/her first tasks will be to choose a deputy chief.
During the Lafayette Consolidated Government council meeting tonight, the council voted unanimously to approve a resolution--sponsored by Mayor-President Joel Robideaux-- to create the position of deputy chief within the Lafayette Police Department...
Facebook Tips Lead To Another St. Landry Burglary Arrest
The final of four suspects has been arrested for the burglary of the Savoy Music Center following tips submitted via social media.
Garafola Was A Man Who Put Others Before Self
More than 1,500 people attended the funeral for Brad Garafola, who was killed in the deadly shooting a week ago.
Lafayette Parish Arrest Report
The Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office reported 20 arrests for Saturday.
Sports Reporter Jordy Hultberg Charged With Domestic Abuse
The former LSU basketball player and current sorts reporter was arrested early Saturday morning at his home.
Police: Acadiana Mall Re-Opened To Public
Police and Fire crews are currently investigating the situation. Traffic at Johnston and Ambassador Caffery is halted.
Scott Police Search For Vehicle Thief
The suspect was caught on video surveillance stealing a 1976 El Camino.
Lafayette Police To Receive Updated Riot Gear
Amid recent protests aimed at officers, the LCG Council voted unanimously to outfit every Lafayette patrol officer with updated riot gear.
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.