Kaitlin Rust

Kaitlin Rust joined the Fox 8 News team in November 2020 as a reporter.

Born and raised in New Jersey, Kaitlin is enjoying her trek around the United States.

She's back down in the Bayou State after spending almost three years in Louisville, Kentucky reporting for Fox 8’s sister station WAVE 3.

Kaitlin started her career in Lake Charles after graduating from Rider University with a major in Digital Media and a minor in Political Science.

Obsessed with animals and music, Kaitlin can often be found spending time with her rabbit and two dogs or out dancing at a show.

She's excited to be in New Orleans and would love to tell your stories!

Feel free to email her with any ideas or just to say hello.

Recent Articles by Kaitlin

2 cases of Brazilian COVID-19 variant confirmed in Louisiana

Officials the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) has confirmed the state’s first two identified cases of the SARS-CoV-2 virus known as the Brazil P.1 variant.

WAFB Staff, FOX 8 Staff and Kaitlin Rust

Published April 29, 2021 at 10:29 PM

Live music allowed in New Orleans again with heavy restrictions

There’s been little federal help for an industry that spans from musicians to technicians.

Kaitlin Rust

Published February 2, 2021 at 10:30 PM

LDH launches new anonymous contact tracing app

In response to this third COVID-19 surge and the threat of variants sending us into another spike, the state health department launched a new app Friday that can anonymously detect if you’ve been exposed to COVID.

Kaitlin Rust

Published January 25, 2021 at 5:02 AM

Louisiana senators remain silent as House votes to impeach President

After the historic move to impeach the President for the second time in the House, it’s still unclear exactly what will happen in the Senate.

Kaitlin Rust

Published January 13, 2021 at 11:27 PM

‘Complete horror': Witness describes Olive Garden shooting

Kristina Larkin was only about 10 minutes into her 19th birthday celebration with her family when she heard a commotion near the host stand. Now, she said those next few terrifying moments have been playing on a loop in her head.

Kaitlin Rust

Published February 25, 2019 at 3:26 AM

Vinton High School senior receives over $1 million in scholarships

A high school senior at Vinton received over $1 million in scholarship money.

Kaitlin Rust

Published May 23, 2018 at 5:50 AM

DeRidder native takes aim at the Triple Crown

You just can't stop Justify. The fan favorite edges closer to glory, but there's something you may not know about this young stunner. One of his owners found her love for racing right here in SWLA. DeRidder native, Laurie Wolf is a co-managing partner with Starlight Racing, one of the four companies to own a part of the horse. Wolf says she never doubted Justify, who broke "Apollo's Curse" and becoming the first two year-old to win the derby in over 100 years....

Kaitlin Rust

Published May 21, 2018 at 6:16 PM

The great internet debate: Yanny or Laurel

Here we go again... This time, the internet isn't fighting over a dress that may or may not be blue and black. A strange audio clip has taken over making people question their hearing. It's the newest debate sweeping the internet, whether you hear Yanny or Laurel in this clip. What do you hear?! Yanny or Laurel pic.twitter.com/jvHhCbMc8I — Cloe Feldman (@CloeCouture) May 15, 2018 What do you hear? Audiologist and owner of Hearing Solutions of Louisiana...

Kaitlin Rust

Published May 16, 2018 at 7:06 PM

SPECIAL REPORT: Are small businesses struggling in Lake Charles?

Lake Charles has seen growth, but over the past year, you may have noticed a few notable restaurants and small businesses closing. Why is this the case if our economy is said to be thriving? "It's not a big town but you have to stay relevant," said Brett Stutes the owner of Sloppy Taco and Sloppy's Downtown. Stutes has had some success here in Lake Charles over the past 3 years, becoming a major player in the local food scene and with a new venture on the...

Kaitlin Rust

Published May 10, 2018 at 5:56 PM

State explains Medicaid cuts and provides timeline for nursing home eviction notices

The Louisiana Department of Health will begin mailing notices May 10 to nearly 37,000 Medicaid patients to inform them that their eligibility could end on July 1. These notices will include instructions on how the recipients can apply for re-determination for other Medicaid programs. In a press conference Wednesday, Jay Dardenne, commissioner of the Division of Administration, and Dr. Rebekah Gee, secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health discus...

Kaitlin Rust

Published May 9, 2018 at 3:10 PM

Nursing home evictions possible with proposed state budget

Over 30,000 elderly nursing home residents in Louisiana may be evicted due to proposed budget cuts to Medicaid. The Louisiana Department of Health says it's beginning the process of notifying nursing home residents who may lose their Medicaid eligibility and the effects of this could impact more than just the residents evicted. Massive cuts to the Department of Health proposed in the house's plan... "People tell us to cut the budget, cut the budget," said Repr...

Kaitlin Rust

Published May 8, 2018 at 5:34 PM

Local woman raises awareness about adopting senior dogs

Those who have ever rescued or adopted an animal know how much joy they can bring to your life, and vice versa. However, older animals tend to get overlooked. Julie Strong is a wife, mother of three humans (with one on the way) and a shining light for animals in need. 17 dogs, some handicapped bunnies, a 165 pound mini pig, a bunch of cats, there's nothing Strong doesn't take on. That's where Rita comes in. Fostering with the Lake Charles Pit Bull Rescue, Strong w...

Kaitlin Rust

Published May 7, 2018 at 6:02 AM

A hit and run Saturday morning left a Lake Charles salon picking up the pieces, for the second time. Signatures Salon Manager, Noel Mills, describes what happened early Saturday morning. "I was boarding a flight to New York at about 5 a.m.Saturday morning and my phone just kept going off from a phone number I didn't recognize, so I finally answered it," said Mills. "I was literally sitting in my airplane seat and it was Lake Charles Police Department." LCPD...

Kaitlin Rust

Published May 2, 2018 at 8:28 PM

Is there going to be a new restaurant on Shell Beach Drive?

Take a trip down Shell Beach Drive and you'll see signs lining the road, asking people to vote no on a restaurant. A historic home at 1301 Shell Beach Drive has been up for sale for $2.6 million dollars. "My vision is to keep the house in tact and save it from being demolished or being used for other commercial venues and the property can be used as a subdivision easily here in Lake Charles," said Mazen Hijazi owner of Mazen's in Lake Charles. Hijazi is planning...

Kaitlin Rust

Published May 1, 2018 at 7:29 PM

New concerns over West Fork River Bridge

Pictures on Facebook are sparking new concerns with the West Fork Bridge, better known as the Moss Bluff Draw Bridge on Highway 378. Driving over the draw bridge, everything seems normal, but people in the area say you have to go underneath to see what everyone's worried about. "We have a lot of dump trucks and 18 wheelers that pass, with all the construction that's going on and the Sasol projects, there's a good bit of traffic," said one Moss Bluff resi...

Kaitlin Rust

Published April 30, 2018 at 5:51 PM

Johns’ riverboat proposal gains approval

Louisiana's senators have agreed to allow the state's riverboat casinos to move on land. The Senate voted 22-14 Tuesday for the proposal by Sen. Ronnie Johns, a Lake Charles Republican. The measure would allow Louisiana's 15 riverboat casinos to conduct gambling activities within 1,200 feet on land from where the riverboat is berthed and remove the requirement the riverboats have an operable paddlewheel. It also would redefine the limits on gambling space.

Kaitlin Rust

Published April 25, 2018 at 8:32 PM

Local group tries to secure more federal funding for a new I-10 bridge

It's no secret we need a new I-10 bridge. Right now, there is work being done to strengthen the bridge to handle an a future increase in traffic, diverted from the re-decking of the I-210 bridge. The bridge already normally sees 90,000 vehicles cross a day. I-10 is an important corridor to the nation for interstate commerce and travel. There are a lot of scenarios like this all over the country and federal funding for infrastructure has been cut significantly.&nbs

Kaitlin Rust

Published April 18, 2018 at 6:18 PM

Man accused of killing 10-year-old on Shattuck Street pleads not guilty

The man accused of killing a 10-year-old boy on Shattuck Street was pleads not guilty. The grand jury indicted Felton Thompson, 50 on October 5, 2017 for one count of first-degree murder. Administrative First Assistant District Attorney, Loren M. Lampert says, "his arraignment was delayed in order to allow the Indigent Defense Board to appoint capital certified defense counsel. Both the State and defense filed pre-trial discovery motions. A status co...

Kaitlin Rust

Published April 17, 2018 at 3:32 PM

A local teen is trying to earn his Eagle Scout rank by going where not many Boy Scouts have gone before, to the pound. This is Joel Bailey, a 17 year old Boy Scout, eager to do something great. This is Greg Menkins, the only animal control officer for Beauregard Parish, who's mission could use a little help. "It's seven days a week, whether I'm here or on Facebook trying to network getting dogs out, constantly making new contacts with rescues," said M...

Kaitlin Rust

Published April 16, 2018 at 7:05 PM

Friends of cyclist hit and killed in Sulphur disagree with investigation

Close friends of the cyclist hit and killed last week on Highway 90 in Sulphur spoke with 7News today. 34 year old J.J. Brooks was riding his bike at night, and was struck from behind. State police say its preliminary investigation revealed the driver was not at fault and the cyclist was violating state law. Brooks' friends disagree. "Me and my fiancé, Crystal, he called us 'mom and dad'," said Michael Trahan. "It's really taki...

Kaitlin Rust

Published April 16, 2018 at 6:46 PM

Senator John Kennedy responds to Zuckerberg testimony

Louisiana Senator John Kennedy stood out during yesterday's testimony of Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg for grilling the billionaire on privacy and propaganda concerns. Mark Zuckerberg faced hours in the hot seat and Senator John Kennedy laid into the CEO. "I was mildly disappointed in the hearing because, I hope I'm wrong on this, I felt like we weren't connecting with Mr. Zuckerberg," said Kennedy. "He was well rehearsed. He's obviously whip smart, and he did ack...

Kaitlin Rust

Published April 11, 2018 at 5:18 PM

You may notice traffic on I-10 running a bit smoother, but with the westbound side of the interstate seeing some work, it won't stay that way. All 4 lanes are open on the bridge and on the eastbound side of the interstate, but now the westbound side is beginning to see some closures. Luckily they haven't reached the bridge quite yet. I-10 westbound is reduced to one lane from exit 33 to 31. Commuters, like Cade Marcantel, are used to getting stuck in traffic on the bridge and...

Kaitlin Rust

Published April 9, 2018 at 8:15 PM

Blood drive underway for CPSO Deputy hit by car

An off-duty Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Deputy is hospitalized and suffering serious injuries, after being struck on his motorcycle by a car. Deputy Parker Vaughan has a lot of surgeries in the coming weeks that will require a lot of blood. Today, there will be a blood drive that's open to the public for Deputy Vaughan from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Sheriff's Office, located at 4900 Broad Street. Stop by and donate! If you can't make it today, you ...

Kaitlin Rust

Published April 4, 2018 at 10:20 AM

Off-duty CPSO Deputy suffered serious injuries after being hit by car

An off-duty Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Deputy is now hospitalized and suffering serious injuries, after being struck on his motorcycle by a car Saturday night. "I've been texting his mother back-and-forth and he's in very, very serious condition in a Lafayette hospital," said Mancuso. "We're just kind a hoping and praying. I guess if I were to ask community for anything, it would be for their prayers, because he's got a long road to recovery and it's go...

Kaitlin Rust

Published April 2, 2018 at 5:41 PM

Project aims to improve sewerage system in Lake Charles

The aging water lines in the city of Lake Charles are no secret. This month the City began a project on a wastewater basin to rehabilitate sewer lines. This it the third year of a multiyear maintenance program for the sewerage collection lines that lead to Plant A located on North Ryan Street. The goal of the work is something you may not see, but something that affects you, especially when it rains. Water bubbling up through the sewers and manhole covers is common sight to see in...

Kaitlin Rust

Published March 28, 2018 at 11:33 PM

It was a not-so-pleasant surprise for criminals who have violated their probation or parole. The Department of Public Safety and Corrections, Probation and Parole Officers, along with local law enforcement, arrested 38 people out of 82, as part of a massive warrant sweep in Calcasieu, Cameron and Jefferson Davis parishes. The people they were searching for were on probation or parole for various crimes like armed robbery, battery, distribution and possession of drugs, as well as bur...

Kaitlin Rust

Published March 27, 2018 at 6:32 PM

Police chief thinks outside-of-the-box to slow drivers down

We're all feeling the increase in traffic, but no one feels the pain more than the people of Sulphur. With cars trying to find alternative routes, residential areas are becoming hazardous. Sulphur Police Chief Lewis Coats has come up with a unique way to hopefully help. "I believe I saw a painted bike in Lake Charles advertising a business, and I thought I could probably take that and twist it a little to put here in Sulphur and do somethi...

Kaitlin Rust

Published March 22, 2018 at 5:55 PM

With the recent case of Canine Distemper found at Calcasieu Parish Animal Services, it serves as a reminder for pet owners. Make sure your dogs are protected, especially in social situations, like the dog park or the vet. The most surefire way to ensure your dog's health, is to make sure all vaccinations are up to date. Here are a few tips from the American Veterinary Medical Association to protect your dog in social situations: Do not let your dog come into contact w...

Kaitlin Rust

Published March 20, 2018 at 7:29 PM

Dog adoptions put on hold due to canine distemper

Dog adoptions at Calcasieu Parish Animal Services have been suspended indefinitely due to a positive case of canine distemper in the shelter. One confirmed case of Canine Distemper is keeping Dr. Jamie Houston and the rest of Animal Services busy. "A lot of them are strays," said Houston. "They can come into contact with wildlife and we don't know. Sometimes, these animals may even be shedding the virus and not showing clinical signs when they get here, so by th...

Kaitlin Rust

Published March 20, 2018 at 7:28 PM

Fenton still under investigation for 2016 audit

A new audit report says the Village of Fenton continues to be under investigation by the State Legislative Auditor's Office. This is related to an audit report issued last fall, raising concerns for the 2016 fiscal year. In this report, an independent auditor was unable to issue an opinion on Fenton's financial statements or internal controls because officials cannot provide the proper documentation to justify their spending. Assistant Legislative Auditor, Bradley Cryer, says somet...

Kaitlin Rust

Published March 19, 2018 at 5:50 PM

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Kaitlin Rust

Recent Articles by Kaitlin

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