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
Update: Police Identify Crowley Wal-Mart Shooting Suspect
Crowley Police report the victim is in critical condition following the Saturday afternoon shooting.
Crime Stoppers Is Not Just Solving Crimes (Audio)
Maj. Eddie Thibodeaux says Crime Stoppers investigators are helping to also solve missing persons cases.
Funerals Set For New Iberia Teen Brothers Killed In Wed. Crash
The teen brothers were killed in a car crash in New Iberia Wednesday.
Lafayette Live: LCG Council To Assess Red Light Camera Program (Audio)
LCG Mayor-President Joel Robideaux and the LCG Council will consider extending the Redflex traffic monitoring system for another year.
Update: Explosives Team Recovers Hand Grenade Found At Lafayette Business
The Explosive Ordinance Detonation Unit from Fort Polk has retrieved the grenade and bring it to the Judice area to render the device safe.
School Bus Catches Fire On I-10; No Injuries Reported
Students on board were quickly evacuated and transported back to school.
Former LCG Employee Stole Tens Of Thousands From Parking Meters
The total estimated value of the parking meter funds stolen ranges somewhere between $77,000 and $100,000.
Cajun Field Parking Lot Will Be Packed This Weekend
UL staff have shifted parking at Cajun Field this weekend to accommodate the LADA Car Show and Sale and a Ragin' Cajuns' baseball home series.
Some Carencro Area Schools Will Be Closed Monday
Some roads in the area remain closed due to high water which will hinder school bus travel.
Attempted Kidnapper Still At-Large In Youngsville
Police are still searching for the suspect who fled the scene on a bicycle Thursday afternoon.
Medical Marijuana Bill Earns Support In The La. Senate (Audio)
SB 271, authored by Sen. Fred Mills, sets rules and regulations for the use of medical marijuana.
The 30th Annual Festival International Is In Full Swing (Audio)
The 360-day wait is over! The 30th Annual Festival International weekend is finally here and we have a sneak peek at what's going down tonight.
OOPS! University Mistakenly Sends 5,000 Students Acceptance Emails
More than 5,000 prospective students have mistakenly been notified by email that they've been accepted into an upstate New York university.
Villle Platte House Fire Claims Life of 106-Yr-Old Man
Ville Platte responded to the blaze on John. F. Kennedy Drive at approximately 9:30 Saturday morning.
Lafayette Parish Arrest Report
The Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office reported 28 arrests in the last 24 hours.
Mamou Cop Arrested For “Discarding” Pot and Bong
The Mamou Police officer allegedly discarded marijuana and bong intended for the evidence lock-up.
Festival International Is Nearly Here! Are You Ready? (Audio)
With nearly 70 acts in five days, Festival International de Louisiane 2016 is stirring excitement as it draws near.
Youngsville Mayor, Councilman: Name The New School Youngsville High (Audio)
The school board will vote Wednesday night on the heated topic of what the new school may be named.
Firearms Friday: Cell-Phone Gun Raising Eyebrows (Audio)
A gun concealed as a cell phone? Should movie theaters be gun-free zones? Listen in as one firearms expert fires off about these topics.
10th Annual HopeFest Coming To Parc International April 9th (Audio)
Proceeds from the family event are being raised to assist the STM Options Program and Lafayette's Desormeaux Foundation.