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
UPDATE: Body Of Missing Coteau Man Found In Pond
The day-long search came to a tragic end today as Leroy Blaze's body was found.
Lafayette Woman Booked For Trying To Set A Car On Fire
There were no injuries reported thanks to the quick actions of the victim.
Lafayette Schools Show Small Dip in Performance Scores
Lafayette Parish Schools maintain a B rating for 2016-17.
Would You Buy A Bottle Of Beer For $200?
The Samuel Adams Brewery is hoping 13,000 people will buy the expensive limited-run brew.
Detectives Investigate Fatal Halloween Shooting In Amelia
The St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office reports the suspect has been arrested for the fatal shooting.
Michael Lotief Responds To Termination As Head Coach (VIDEO)
Former UL Lafayette head softball coach Michael Lotief responds to his firing at a press conference in Downtown Lafayette Wednesday.
The university rsent out a press release Wednesday afternoon stating Lotief violated school and UL System policies by verbally and physically assaulting players and staff...
BREAKING: Paul Manafort Charged In Russian Investigation
Manafort is being told to turn himself into authorities as part of the Russian probe.
LHS Marching Band Earns Top Honors At US Band Championship
LHS took top honors among 25 teams at the US Bands Southwestern Championship.
Authorities Searching For 2 Girls Missing From Duson
Anyone with information on the girls' whereabouts is urged to contact the LPSO at 236-5895.
Tomorrow Is Election Day; Polls Open At 7 a.m.
Secretary of State Tom Schedler predicts about a 15% turnout statewide.
Arrest Made In IHOP Double Homicide
The suspect was arrested in Marrero Friday.
Suspect Wanted For Killing 10-Year-Old Boy Arrested
The suspect was paroled from Angola last year after serving 24 years there.
Senate Will Not Vote On Graham-Cassidy Healthcare Bill
The last-ditch effort to repeal and replace Obamacare will not be voted on, senators say.
Former Abbeville Plant Manager Pleads Guilty To Polluting Vermilion RIver
The former manager pleaded guilty to directing employees to discharge pollutants into a canal that feeds into the Vermilion River.
AG Warns Consumers To Beware Of The Sale Of Flood Damaged Vehicles
Attorney General Jeff Landry: "I don’t want you to get taken for a ride.”
Suspect Sought For Theft Of LPSO Cruiser, Firearms
The vehicle was located, but so far, neither the stolen equipment, nor the suspect has surfaced.
Evacuation Orders Issued For Parts of Acadiana
Local officials issue evacuation orders for parts of Iberia, Vermilion and Acadia Parishes.
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.
UPDATE: Police: Barcelona Attack Aimed To Kill As Many As Possible
A van plowed into a crowded tourist area of the Mediterranean city.