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
La. Journalists Call For Transparency Amid Frat Hazings
Louisiana's chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists wants transparency and cooperation from universities regarding recent cases of fraternity hazing investigations.
LSP Investigating Officer-Involved Shooting in Eunice
The suspect--who was reportedly holding a hostage-- was shot. No officers were injured.
Two Arrested On Drug Charges After Youngsville Home Raid
Thankfully, no one was injured as unexploded military ordinance was found at the scene of the residence on Gallet Road.
Pedestrian Killed In Rayne Train Collision
Rayne Police are still investigating the collision that occurred around 1 pm Monday.
UPDATE: Bank Teller Shot During Armed Robbery In Broussard
Schools are currently under lockdown while police search for the suspect of an armed robbery in Broussard.
Missing Centerville Woman Found After Fatal Crash
87-year-ol;d Marian tabb was reported missing Sunday. She was found dead after LSP said she drove into a canal in Franklin.
New Iberia Man Killed In Fiery Crash
The crash occurred Tuesday morning near La. 83 in Iberia Parish.
Palmetto Teen Booked For High School Bomb Threat
The teen was arrested Friday for her role in scwraling a bomb threat on a bathroom wall.
Drainage-CREATE Rededication, Other Tax Renewals Approved In Lafayette Parish
The highly contested drainage-CREATE rededication and the to tax renewals were approved by Lafayette Parish voters.
Iberia Parish Levee Development Voted Down
Iberia Parish voters overwhelmingly chose not to approve the development of a levee and drainage system in the southern part of the parish.
GOP’s John Schroder Elected As Next State Treasurer
Republican candidate John Schroder defeated Democrat Derrick Edwards in the statewide runoff election.
Scott Parents Arrested For Child Molestation Incidents
A Scott man is being accused of sexually abusing his 11-year-old step-daughter.
U.S. Sen. Al Franken Facing Sexual Harrassment Allegations
A Los Angeles radio host says Democratic Sen. Al Franken forcibly kissed her during a 2006 USO tour. The host says Franken posed for a photo with his hands on her breasts as she slept.
UPDATE: Body Of Missing Coteau Man Found In Pond
The day-long search came to a tragic end today as Leroy Blaze's body was found.
Lafayette Woman Booked For Trying To Set A Car On Fire
There were no injuries reported thanks to the quick actions of the victim.
Acadiana Woman Pleads Guilty Following Massive Drug Bust
The Church Point woman faces 10 years to life in prison for the massive drug bust made earlier this year.
Lafayette Traffic Court Still On For Friday
Though the Lafayette Parish Courthouse offices will be closed in observance of Veterans Day, traffic court will be in session tomorrow.
Lafayette Schools Show Small Dip in Performance Scores
Lafayette Parish Schools maintain a B rating for 2016-17.
Here’s A CPAs View Of How The Proposed GOP Tax Code Affects You
"We're still scratching our head trying to figure out how is this will really shake out when it's all said and done."
BRAND BUZZ: Why Radio Works For Acadiana Businesses
When choosing a format to reach your audience, what works here in Acadiana is radio advertising.