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
Five Finalists Remain For Lafayette Police Chief Search
Five candidates await their chance to advance to the next stage of interviews conducted by a Lafayette leadership panel.
UPDATE: Woman Found Safe After Family Searching For Her
Anje Broussard's family said she has been missing since September 4th.
St. Martinville Man Busted For Growing Marijuana
Deputies recovered marijuana plants, and equipment used to grow them, at the residence of 64-year-old Robert Russo.
Person Of Interest, Girlfriend Sought In Death Of Butte La Rose Man
Investigators are searching for 28-year-old Gary Brackett, of Carencro, for the death of 68-year-old Richard "Dick" Hanson of Butte LaRose.
UPDATE: I-10 Completely Reopened After Tanker Spill (Photos)
The tanker leaking molten sulfur had traffic backed up for hours.
Feds Sending $1.9 Million To Lafayette For Short-Term Flood Recovery
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is sending $1.9 million for immediate relief efforts. More funds may be on the way.
Jennings Motorcyclist Killed In 3-Vehicle Crash
The victim was ejected from his motorcycle when he hit a flat-bed trailer in Acadia Parish.
Obama Picks John Bel Edwards For National Governors’ Council
Edwards was chosen as one of 10 U.S. governors to serve on the bipartisan council.
Obama Agrees To Cover 90% Of Flood Relief Costs
Federal funds had--until now--covered 75 percent of flood relief costs.
LCG Votes To Approve LUS Utility Hikes And Crash Land Airport Tax (Audio)
LCG Council Chairman Jay Castille discusses the City-Parish Budget on KPEL's Lafayette Live.
Pedestrians Killed In Two Saturday Night Crashes
A Mississippi man and a Morgan City teen were each killed while walking along roadways Saturday night.
Suspect Arrested In Duson Murder Investigation
An initial report led investigators to believe the victim committed suicide.
Lafayette Police Investigating Body Found Near Acadiana Park
Lafayette Police have reported the discovery of a male corpse near Acadiana Park.
Youngsville Recovery Distribution Center Aided Thousands Of Acadiana Residents (Audio)
The flood recovery distribution site in Youngsville served as a hub for flood relief supplies.
UPDATE: St. Landry House Party Leads To 6 Arrests, 2 ER Visits
Underage drinking, unauthorized alcohol sales and a fight lead to Sheriff's Office investigations.
Three Arrested For High-Speed Chase, Shooting
A high-speed chase in a stolen car led to a shooting in Milton Tuesday.
LPSS To Receive $10,000 In Relief Funds Following Floods
A private company based in Vermont is offering supplies, manpower and funds to re-supply district classrooms.
UL Lafayette Sun Belt Rival Reaches Out To Flood Victims
The University of South Alabama Athletic Department will be delivering donated goods and supplies for victims from last week's floods.
President Obama To Visit Flood-Ravaged Louisiana Tuesday
President Barack Obama is set to visit flood-ravaged areas of Louisiana early next week.
LPSO Searching For Armed Robbery Suspects
The Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's assistance in identifying and locating two suspects wanted for an armed robbery in Scott.