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
Teens Arrested For Armed Robbery Near UL
UL Police report more arrests are possible for the staged armed robbery.
UPDATE: I-10 Completely Reopened After Tanker Spill (Photos)
The tanker leaking molten sulfur had traffic backed up for hours.
Obama Veto On 9/11 Legislation Is Overturned
The House and Senate handed the president his first overturned veto since he became president.
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.
St. Martinville Landmarks Still Closed Following August Flood
Work continues at the Acadian Memorial and the neighboring Cultural Heritage Center that sit on the bank of the Bayou Teche.
UPDATE: Body Found In Youngsville Pond Identified
The body has been identified as a missing 93-year-old man.
Motorists Will Head To Court For Driving On Flooded Roads In Scott
Driving on closed, flooded roads in Scott will soon earn motorists a date in city court.
Iowa Fire Chief Arrested On Drug Charges
Authorities said the chief was having controlled substances shipped to her home.
Two Men Drown In Bayou Teche
The bodies were discovered in the bayou just south of Breaux Bridge.
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.
Records Show Lafayette City Marshal Brian Pope Was Released “On His Own Recognizance” After Indictment (UPDATE)
Court records say Lafayette City Marshal Brian Pope was not required to post any bond after he was booked last month after his indictment.
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.
Lafayette School Board Assesses Damage, Discusses Schools Re-Opening
The Board agreed that re-opening the schools on Monday should help to bring normalcy to students in Lafayette Parish.
Stansbury: Emergency Personnel Getting Supplies To Those In Need
Lafayette Parish, Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Director Craig Stansbury said his office has received and responded to a record number of calls.
Robideaux: Water Draining But Many Still Stranded (AUDIO)
After an aerial inspection, Robideaux says water is draining but water recession will be slow and gradual.
River Stages Rising Even As Rains Subside
The Vermilion may have crested, but the Mermentau is expected to remain above major flood levels until next weekend.
DOTD Updates List Of Road Closures
DOTD Closures UPDATED AT 4:45 p.m.
Effective immediately, the following road closures and high water notifications are in place due to heavy rains. The roads will be reopened as soon as conditions improve.
Acadia Parish
Open:
I-10 eastbound from US 165 to I-49 at MP 88
LA 97 from I-10 to LA 100
Closures:
LA 91 at Estherwood Pontoon Bridge (Bayou Plaquemine Brule)
LA 98 East of LA 91 (Iota)
L
Churches Halt Services In Light Of Flooding
Both Protestant nad Catholic services have been canceled for this weekend.