Authorities have identified the mother and son killed in the powerful tornado that struck near Keithville yesterday. The Caddo Parish coroner’s office says thirty-year-old Yoshiko Smith and eight-year-old Nikolus Little were killed when the storm stuck Tuesday afternoon. Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator says Smith’s husband was at work when the storm stuck and when he came home, he tried to find them.

Cut 7 (12)  “…them missing.”

About 20 deputies searched for the house which was completely destroyed.

New Iberia officials are also reporting tornado damage at a subdivision and the Iberia Medical Center. Captain Leland Lasiter with the New Iberia Police says they two tornadoes hit their town this morning and a temporary shelter has been set up at New Iberia Senior High School in the gym…

Cut 15 (11) “…has been displaced.”

A tornado destroyed a neighborhood in Farmerville last night. Jeff Palermo spoke with mayor John Crow….

Cut 1(27)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins says he’s supporting the first Republican, Attorney General Jeff Landry, who’s officially announced his gubernatorial candidacy. Higgins also supports the state party’s endorsement.

Cut 11 (11)  “…and strategic.”

In Caddo Parish 30-year-old Yoshiko Smith and her 8-year-old son, Nikolus Little were killed by a tornado Tuesday afternoon in Keithville. Their bodies were found hours later.

In Union Parish, Farmerville Mayor John Crow says a tornado hit the northern part of the town. He says it flipped over cars at an apartment complex, then crossed Lake D’Arbonne and caused damage on the lake’s south side.

Cut 5 (07) “…some barns”

Crow believes about 20 people were checked for minor injuries from that tornado.

Governor John Bel Edwards along with officials from his Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness will travel to areas of the state where the National Weather Service believes six possible tornados hit in Caddo, Union, Rapides, Madison, East Carroll, and Franklin Parishes. The weather remains a threat in Louisiana until this evening.

In ten months, Louisiana voters will go to the polls to elect the state’s next governor. Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins says he’s supporting the first Republican, Attorney General Jeff Landry, who’s officially announced his candidacy. In the video ad Higgins is shown driving his vehicle and talking to the camera about Landry.

Cut 10 (12) “… people.” 

Since a new law allowing adopted children access to their original birth certificate went into effect on August 1^st, the Louisiana Vital Records Registry has received 640 requests and about 520 have been located. Leesville Representative Charles Owen, who authored the legislation, says some of those who’ve found their birth parents have thanked him personally.

Cut 11 (07)  “… 102-year-old mother.”

Adopted individuals age 24 or older can request their original birth certificate at the Louisiana Department of Health.

A 30-year-old mother and her eight-year-old son were killed last night from a tornado that tore through the Caddo Parish town of Keithville. In Union Parish, Farmerville Mayor John Crow says a twister hit a northern part of his town…
cut 4 (09) “…left standing”
Crow says several people were injured, but no serious injuries or deaths.

Children’s Hospital in New Orleans announces it’s open the first center in the Gulf South that’s designed to treat eating disorders involving kids. Doctor Amy Henke, pediatric psychologist at Children’s Hospital in New Orleans says even if a family does not live in New Orleans, they could still provide treatment with virtual visits…
cut 26 (08) “…across the sate”
Henke eating disorders among children has risen significantly since COVID.

State lawmaker Blake Miguez represented the USA in the 2022 ISPC World Shoot on their way to a silver medal.
Cut 30 (29) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick”

A National Treasure series filmed in Baton Rouge debuts tonight on Disney Plus. The series uses multiple locations in Baton Rouge, like the Old State Capitol, the Old Governor’s Mansion, and the USS Kidd. Film Baton Rouge Executive Director Katie Pryor says when attractions like that are featured in a Disney production it’s a visual postcard on a global scale.
Cut 8 (04) “…unbelievable.”

A 30-year-old woman and her 8-year-old son were killed by a tornado that tore through the town of Keithville in Caddo Parish last night. Caddo Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Director Robert Jump says the tornado touched down in the Pecan Farms area

Cut 3 (06) “…subdivision” 

Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator says the young boy was found dead in a wooded area the woman was found deceased one street over from where her home.

Since a law that allows those 24 and older who are adopted access to their original birth certificate went into effect more than 600 have applied. Leesville Representative Charles Owen, who authored the legislation says he’s grateful the legislature realized it’s ok to change a law you believe was intended to protect individuals but instead it hurts people.

Cut 12 (09) “…right a wrong.”

The law went into effect on August 1^st.

Erath Representative Blake Miguez won the silver medal for team USA in the 2022 IPSC World Shoot. Miguez, who’s been shooting since he was 12, is a former world-champion pistol shooter. He along with Team USA traveled to Thailand where Miguez finished in fifth place in his division.

Cut 13 (13) “…brain forever.”

National Treasure the TV series begins streaming today on Disney+ and the series is not only shot in Baton Rouge it’s set there also. Film Baton Rouge Executive Director Katie Pryor says a Disney production is huge for the capital city and the old saying “if you build it, they will come” helps recruit other productions when they see what Baton Rouge can offer.

Cut 9 (10)  “…you gain.”

A tornado in Keithville Tuesday leaves two persons dead. Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator’s office says a missing mother, whose home was destroyed by the twister, was found dead among debris one street over. Her son was found dead in a wooded area nearly a half-mile away. Crews continue to look for victims and survivors this morning.

In Union Parish, a tornado virtually levelled a neighborhood in Farmerville. At least 25 people are reported injured. The worst damage is reported along Highway 2 near Scotts Hideaway Road. A shelter is now open at the Farmerville Recreation Center.

Children’s Hospital in New Orleans opens the first eating disorder center in the state. CHNO psychologist Amy Henke says eating disorders among kids are on the rise…:

CUT 04(11)         “…more limited.”

A tornado watch is in effect until 1 pm for most of southern and southeastern Louisiana. Be alert for possible twisters, plus large hail, very high winds, heavy thunderstorms and possible flash flooding. The severe weather should move out later today, bringing clearer and cooler weather.

State Representative Blake Miguez represented the USA in the 2022 ISPC World Shoot on their way to a silver medal. Kace Kieschnick has the story…:

CUT 03(29)      “…Kieschnick.”

A tornado watch is in effect until 1 this afternoon for a swath of parishes from Cameron in coastal western Louisiana to most all areas north of Lakes Maurepas and Ponchartrain. The National Weather Service says be alert for possible twisters, plus hail up to ping pong ball size, very high straight line winds and severe thunderstorms. The rough weather should start moving eastward by late afternoon.

A Caddo parish mother and son were killed by a tornado that destroyed their Keithville home Tuesday. Emergency workers are engaged in cleanup and searching for other survivors or possible victims today.

Residents of Farmerville in Union Parish are stunned by a twister that took out almost a whole neighborhood and injured 25 people. An emergency shelter is now open for those left without a home…right before Christmas.

A member of the state legislature wins acclaim for his marksmanship skills. Erath Rep. Blake Miguez took the silver for Team USA in this year’s IPSC World Shoot. The 30-year competitive pistol shooting veteran said this competition was especially tough…:

CUT 14(13)      “…very challenging.”

Miguez is a former World Champ at pistol shooting.

“National Treasure: Edge of History” debuts tonight on Disney+. The series, which was filmed earlier this year, is not only shot but set in Baton Rouge. Film Baton Rouge Executive Director Katie Pryor says Disney spent over $50-million in the Capital City; $17-million on payroll and that was only the beginning…:

CUT 07(07)      “…everything here.”

A tornado in Keithville has left two persons dead. Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator’s office says a missing mother, whose home was destroyed by the twister, was found dead among debris one street over. Her son was found dead in a wooded area nearly a half-mile away. Crews continue to look for victims and survivors this morning.

In Union Parish, a tornado virtually levelled a neighborhood in Farmerville. At least 25 people are reported injured. The worst damage is reported along Highway 2 near Scotts Hideaway Road. A shelter is now open at the Farmerville Recreation Center.

Since a new law went into effect stating adopted persons may see their original birth records, hundreds have applied to do so. Leesville Representative Charles Owen, who is adopted, wrote the law. He says the requests are being processed will haste..:’

CUT 10(11)      “…going to happen”

A LaPlace couple has been arrested for the beating death of their 1-year-old baby girl. St. John Sheriff Mike Tregre says Keaura Dillon, and her boyfriend, Renard Robinson – both 23 – were arrested on Monday. He says Robinson confessed during questioning. Charged with murder, his bond is set at $300-thousand. Dillon is charged as an accessory. Her bond is $190-thouisand.

Children’s Hospital New Orleans is addressing the notable rise in eating disorders amongst children and teens by launching the first pediatric Eating Disorder Center in Louisiana. Whitney Thomas reports…:

CUT 01(29)      “…Thomas.”

Tornadoes that tore through Louisiana yesterday have left at least 2 persons dead. In Caddo Parish, Sheriff Steve Prator says a woman’s body was found under debris one street away from her home which had been destroyed. Her child’s remains were found about a half-mile away. Another woman was seriously hurt in the storm. First responders continue their work this morning.

90 miles away, in Farmerville, a tornado virtually levelled an entire neighborhood, leaving almost 25 people injured. So far no deaths are reported there. More on these disasters as it develops.

Severe weather is expected today across southern Louisiana, with the possibility of tornadoes. Strong thundershowers, possible hail, damaging winds and flash flooding are anticipated. Be on alert for further weather watches or warnings. The bad weather is expected to begin moving out of the state by early evening, bring clearer and cooler temperatures.

Since a new law allowing adopted children access to their original birth certificate went into effect in August, the state office of Vital Records has received more than 600 requests and over 500 have been located…:

CUT 02(30)      “…Thorington.”

A good many schools across Louisiana have decided to close today, due to the severe weather outlook. Please check with your school board or local news sources for an update on your kids’ school, and stay safe.