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
Cpl. Middlebrook’s Funeral Procession Underway Through The Hub City
Many line Lafayette streets to pay respects to fallen officer Cpl. Michael Middlebrook.
Rock Legend Tom Petty, 66, Dies Following Cardiac Arrest
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee was still touring during his 40th year in the music business.
Couple Killed In Dual Homicide At IHOP Friday Identified
Police responded to the dual homicide Friday night.
Suspect Wanted For Killing 10-Year-Old Boy Arrested
The suspect was paroled from Angola last year after serving 24 years there.
Suspect Booked For Early-Morning Arnaudville Shooting
The victim--who was shot in the leg-- is reported to be in stable condition.
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.
Cassidy Continues Fight For Graham-Cassidy Bill (AUDIO)
Despite disappointing news from Sen. John McCain Friday, Sen. Bill Cassidy will continue to push latest healthcare legislation.
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.”
Port Barre Woman Arrested For Having Sex With Minor
33-year-old Lainnie Benoit admitted to having sexual intercourse with an underage male at her home on Little Teche Road.
Suspect Sought For Theft Of LPSO Cruiser, Firearms
The vehicle was located, but so far, neither the stolen equipment, nor the suspect has surfaced.
Kaplan Police Chief Arrested On Theft, Malfeasance Charges
Louisiana State Police arrested the police chief for theft of Kaplan Police Department funds.
Restore LA Still Offering Aid For 2016 Floods
Louisiana government still has options available for helping homeowners and business owners recover from last year's floods.
Road Argument Leads To 6 Attempted Murder Charges
Violent encounter unfolded in St. Landry Parish with one man, one gun and six counts of attempted murder.
Lafayette PD Investigating Two Weekend Shootings
Two shootings have the Lafayette Police Department looking for answers.
Sunset Motorist Leads Police On High-Speed Chase
A high-speed chase earned the teen a laundry list of traffic violations.
Evacuation Orders Issued For Parts of Acadiana
Local officials issue evacuation orders for parts of Iberia, Vermilion and Acadia Parishes.
Resourceful Dog Becomes Epitome Of Texas Resiliency During Harvey (PHOTOS)
A dog in Sinton, Texas has become an unlikely sign of Texas' resiliency in the midst of historic flooding.
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.