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
Bus Drivers Needed Immediately For LPSS
The Lafayette Parish School System Is looking to hire up to 20 bus drivers for the school year that begins next month.
Acadiana Unites For Mayci Breaux Scholarship Fund
In less than a year following the Grand 16 shooting, the Mayci Breaux Scholarship Fund grew to more than $20,000 from Acadiana's giving spirit.
School Board Retaining “Stand Or Else” Policy For Daily Pledge Of Allegiance
School Board Instituting "Stand Or Else" Policy For Daily Pledge Of Allegiance
Lafayette Catholic School Closing After 80 Years In The Community
Several factors played major roles in the Catholic Diocese of Lafayette's decision to close the doors to the school before the beginning of the next school year.
Baton Rouge Mother Will Not Be Prosecuted For Whipping Sons
The East Baton Rouge Parish DA's office will not prosecute Schaquana Spears for whipping her sons.
Bike Lanes On W. Bayou Parkway Become Hot-Button Issue (Audio)
Listen in as members of both sides of the argument voice their concerns on KPEL.
Court Documents: Ackal Recorded Threatening Prosecutor
The U.S. Attorney's Office is requesting stricter pretrial release conditions in light of the threats.
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.
UPDATE: Interstate 10 Crash At I-49 Cleared
Emergency Personnel were diverting traffic through the Louisiana Ave. and I-49 North exit.
Funeral Being Held For Orlando Shooting Victim With Acadiana Ties
Frank Hernandez-Escalante's sister, an Acadiana resident, and the rest of his friends and family are mourning his loss this weekend.
LUS Faces Class-Action Lawsuit Over ‘Unfair’ Fees
The amount being sought in the suit is four times the amount of the Consolidated Government's General Fund.
Iberia Parish Sheriff Charged For More Civil Rights Violations
The Department of Justice announced today Sheriff Louis Ackal and two others were charged with civil rights violations in a new case.
Obama Endorses Clinton Following Meeting With Sanders
The announcement of Obama's endorsement came after an hour-long meeting with Sen. Bernie Sanders.
Clinton Clinches Nomination; Sanders Visits White House (Audio)
What now for Bernie? Political Analyst Donald Mazzella talks to KPEL about what he sees for the future of the Vermont senator.
Several Roads Closed In Scott Due To Flooding
Motorists are asked to avoid this list of streets in Scott to avoid pushing water i residences.
Poll: Voters Feel Disconnected, Helpless In 2016
The AP-NORC poll found similar responses among voters in both major political parties.
WWII Vet Whose Remains Returned To New Orleans Laid To Rest
The soldier's hometown was New Orleans before he was killed during fighting in the Pacific during WWII.