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
Dual Investigations Underway Against St. Landry Parish Priest
Bishop J. Douglas Deshotel spoke to local media this afternoon addressing allegations of sexual abuse of a minor against a priest in St. Landry Parish.
Sen. Jonathan Perry Announces Candidacy For 3rd Circuit Judgeship
Today, State Senator Jonathan Perry officially announced his candidacy for Louisiana’s 3rd Circuit Court of Appeal.
US Imposes Steel. Aluminum Tariffs On Int’l Allies
Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said the tariffs would be 25 percent on steel and 10 percent on aluminum.
Senate Amends Tax Renewal Bill
Rep.Lance Harris' tax renewal bill finally earned House approval. But the Senate has made some major changes.
UPDATE: Missing Breaux Bridge Toddler Found Safe
The girl--Ryan Trosclair-- has been returned safe and sound to the child's grandparents.
Firefighters Fight Blaze At Zoosiana (VIDEO)
Fortunately, no animals--or humans--were injured in a structural fire at Zoosiana Saturday night.
State Tax Renewal Fails In House By 7 Votes
It's lights out for a tax renewal that would cover about half of the state's looming budget gap.
Fire Officials Investigate Fatal Pineville Explosion
The explosion killed one employee at Pineville's Proctor & Gamble facility this morning.