The tornado's aftermath — and how to support local relief efforts

with Jennifer Wadsworth | Assistant metro editor

Good morning. Below are some of our biggest stories today. 

Tornado's devastating aftermath

The deadly tornado that touched down near Arabi — where it killed at least one person and wrecked 150 or more homes — was "at least" an EF3 on the Fujita rating scale, based on the damage it caused, the National Weather Service said Wednesday. A full assessment of the damage won’t be released by the agency until its storm damage survey is complete, probably within the next two days. 

Meanwhile, for those of you looking for ways to support relief efforts for victims of the storm, here's a list of local organizations and businesses that could use a hand. 

Crashed 18-wheelers, burned barns

For about six months starting in summer 2020, a band of Louisianan ne'er-do-wells allegedly crisscrossed state lines to drink alcohol and wreck property in Mississippi — infuriating residents and law enforcement. Officials say the crew burned barns, crashed 18-wheelers and caused something on the order of $1 million in damage. And their alleged ringleader? Sources tell us he's the grandson of a high-ranking officer in the Jackson, Mississippi, police department. It's a wild ride of a story, and our public safety reporter James Finn crossed the same state line to bring us this dispatch.

New burger joint on Coursey

Did you see that new building going up right off Coursey Boulevard and east of South Sherwood Forest Boulevard? Well, it's slated to house a popular burger joint and should start serving customers by late summer. Here's Tim Boone with the details. 

Thanks for reading, and he sure to check back in for updates.