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
Follow LCG’s Drainage Progress With New Web Site
You can now follow the progress of LCG's drainage projects with a new Web site.
America’s Cajun Navy Hosting Family Friendly Fundraiser
America's Cajun Navy is hosting a family friendly cook-off event this Sunday at Cowboy's in Scott.
UPDATE: Dine-&-Dash Couple Turn Themselves In
The pair of women--with a young child in tow--racked up a more than $100 meal bill before leaving a Scott restaurant.
Murder-Suicide Leaves 2 Teens Dead In Glencoe
Two teens are dead after a Tuesday morning shooting in St. Mary Parish.
More LCG Town Hall Meetings Scheduled
Now, all the members of the LCG Council have offered town hall meetings to discuss possible deconsolidation of local government.
Five LCG Town Hall Meetings Set For Next Week
The meetings are being held in order to gather public input on the issue of partial deconsolidation of LCG.
Plan To Revamp LCG Charter Clears First Hurdle
The council voted 5-3 Tuesday night to put the item on an LCG agenda for final approval in two weeks.
LPSS Shows Districtwide LEAP Test Gains (AUDIO)
LPSS Director of Accountability Tom Spencer tells us where the school district made improvements and which schools need more work.
How Have Recent Weather Patterns Affected Acadiana Agriculture?
LSU/SU AgCenter Extension Agents Blair Hebert, in Iberia Parish and Stan Dutile, in Lafayette Parish, explain how the last year's weather swings have affected several local agriculture industries.
Teen Arrested For High-Speed Chase In St. Martin Parish
The Arnaudville teen faces attempted murder charges following the Wednesday morning chase.
Lafayette Woman Hospitalized Following Afternoon Shooting
A 34-year-old black female victim was transported and treated at a local hospital for a gunshot wound.
Local Expert Weighs In On Justice Kennedy’s Retirment
Our local political science expert--Dr. John Sutherlin--tells us what may come when Justice Kennedy officially retires at the end of July.
UPDATE: CAPTURED; Lafayette Man Wanted For Child Sex Crimes
Attorney General Jeff Landry and his Cyber Crime Unit are looking for 65-year-old Durice "Joey" Richard accused of child sex crimes.
The New Iberia Police Dept. Hits The Streets This Weekend (AUDIO)
Police Chief Todd D'Albor discusses what changes will be seen on the streets of New Iberia when the NIPD is resurrected this weekend.
4th Arrest Made In Case Of Murdered Teen
A Breaux Bridge woman was arrested for supplying the murder suspect, a convicted felon, with a firearm weeks before Simone Robin was found dead.
Trump Endorses Clay Higgins For Congressional Re-election
The Donald J. Trump For President, Inc. organization announced the president is backing Higgins because--among other reasons--he is "a law-and-order candidate."
Decades-Old Catholic Charity Reorganizing In Acadiana
Catholic Services of Acadiana will have a new name, but will serve the same purpose.
Latest Escaped Inmate Returning to St. Mary Jail
A warrant for simple escape was acquired for Perez after he escaped on Friday.
Aggreko Expansion Bringing Jobs To Iberia Parish
The expansion that is expected to produce 30 new direct jobs and 30 new indirect positions in Acadiana.
Lafayette Native Rising To Top Of National Music Competition
TownSquare Media's Taste of Country features Lafayette native Chase Dugas among its national finalists.