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
Pinhook Businesses Flooded Near Vermilion River [PHOTOS]
Business threatened with water as rains continue in Acadiana.
UPDATE: More Curfews Added Throughout Acadiana
KPEL will continue to update this list as more reports of curfews are reported.
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.
SLEMCO Crews Reacting To Power Outages As Rains Persist
Flooding is inhibiting crews from accessing some areas, but power will be restored ASAP.
SM’Ville Man Charged With Murdering His Stepbrother
St. Martin Parish Sheriff's deputies arrested Wilfred Viator of killing his stepbrother Sunday.
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.
5-Year-old Boy, Metairie Man Killed In Separate Boating Accidents
The two tragic accidents occurred within approximately 60 miles and two hours of each other late Saturday,early-Sunday.
Police: Man Struck, Killed By Louisiana State Police Vehicle
The fatal crash occurred Friday night on La. 1 in Lafourche Parish.
Lafayette Pair Arrested For Sex Trafficking Scheme
Louisiana State Police reported the arrest were made after a juvenile victim was rescued in New Orleans.
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.
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.
Police: 8-Year-Old Boy Drowns In Youngsville
The drowning occurred at a family gathering in the Copperfield Subdivision Saturday.
Opelousas Woman Arrested After Stealing Child’s iPad
The woman attempted to right her wrongs after seeing herself in social media posts.
Suspect Killed Following Standoff In Iberia Parish
What began as a domestic disturbance call turned into a fatal altercation between deputies and the suspect.
Broussard Canceling Independence Day Fireworks Show
City officials cite the economic downturn in the oil and gas industry as the catalyst for the cancellation.
No Tuition Hikes Planned For Community, Technical Colleges
The decision marks the first time in five years tuition won't be boosted on its campuses.
LSU and Southern Approve Plans To Grow Medical Marijuana
LSU and Southern University both want to begin growing marijuana for medical use.
UPDATE: Arrests Made In Double Homicide
Investigators have linked two men to the victims who were found burnt in their vehicles Tuesday.