Mississippi
The biggest solar farm east of the Mississippi is now powering Chicago
Swift Current Energy’s 800-megawatt (MW) Double Black Diamond Solar is up and running about 30 miles west of Springfield. It’s now the largest operating solar farm east of the Mississippi, and it’s set to make a serious dent in emissions while delivering clean energy to major customers, including the City of Chicago.
Chicago is sourcing around 70% of the power for its municipal operations from Double Black Diamond. That includes big energy users like O’Hare and Midway airports. Other customers buying power from the solar farm include CVS Health, Loyola University Chicago, PPG, State Farm, TransUnion, and Cook County, all through the energy company Constellation NewEnergy.
This project has been a long time coming – Swift Current started development in 2018 and leaned into a growing US supply chain. The company sourced most of its 1.6 million solar panels from First Solar’s Ohio factories, and the racking came from Nextracker, which used US-made steel and did some of the manufacturing in Chicago. Construction created around 500 jobs.
Double Black Diamond also met Illinois’ Clean and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) standards for labor and hiring, creating job opportunities for a broader group of workers. Over its lifetime, the solar farm is expected to generate $100 million in local tax revenue for Sangamon and Morgan counties. About 60% of that will go toward public schools, with the rest helping fund public safety, infrastructure, and community programs. Swift Current is also putting $10 million into community benefit programs, including school districts and local governments.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson called the project “a powerful example of why we believe in the green economy.” He said the solar farm helps Chicago cut emissions, supports good union jobs, and lowers energy costs for city operations.
Read more: Home solar prices just hit record lows – and storage is even cheaper
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Why you should celebrate the teachers in your life
This is why teachers deserve appreciation every day.
USA TODAY
Mississippi teachers are being recognized this week — and not just with thank-you notes. From free meals to discounts and giveaways, National Teacher Appreciation Week comes with real perks.
National Teacher Apprecation Day falls on Tuesday, May 5. It arose out of then-first lady Eleanor Roosevelt’s lobbying of Congress in 1953, according to the website of the National Education Association.
The NEA went on to create National Teacher Appreciation Week in 1985. During this week, many restaurants and businesses have deals and specials for teachers, as well as specials on educator gifts.
Earlier this year, Mississippi First published a report on the challenges educators face and suggested ways to reduce turnover.
A lack of regular raises and salaries having decreased buying power were the main concerns. This year, the Mississippi Legislature approved a permanent $2,000 raise that will start in the 2026-27 school year. That’ll bring the average teacher’s salary up to $55,704.
Mississippi First also highlighted “unsustainable” workloads for teachers across the nation. They suggested providing time, staff and resources to make the burden lighter.
Student behavior is another challenge for educators across the U.S. Mississippi First suggested strong student behavior supports that empower teachers to manage classrooms.
The group also said schools should work to develop and keep strong leadership. Good management from administrators contributes to teacher happiness and retention.
Chipotle free meal deal for teachers
Teachers and educators have a chance to win one of 100,000 free meals as part of Chipotle Mexican Grill’s Teacher Appreciation Week giveaway. Through May 12, teachers can go to Chipotle’s Teacher Thanks website and enter their name and email for the chance to win an e-gift card.
Starting May 13, randomly selected winners will be notified and asked to confirm their employment as an educator via ID.me within 48 hours. Those who don’t verify their employment will be removed from the list of winners, and another name will be drawn.
Chipotle launched the program to reward teachers and a similar promotion for National Nurses Week, which runs May 6-12 in 2016. Since then, the company has given away a combined $16 million in free food to teachers and healthcare workers.
“Recognizing teachers and healthcare workers through this program is one way we can give back meaningfully,” said Stephanie Perdue, Chipotle’s senior vice president of brand marketing, in a statement.
Whataburger offering free breakfast during National Teacher Appreciation Week
The San Antonio-headquartered burger chain is giving free breakfast nationwide to teachers and school staff on Thursday, May 7, from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. local time. Check with your local Whataburger for exact timing, as promotion hours may vary by location. The offer is good for dine-in, takeout and drive-thru orders, limited to one per person. The eligible recipient must be present to redeem.
You can also treat your teacher to Whatateacher merchandise in the restaurant chain’s online Whatastore, where you can find gifts including Whatateacher T-shirts and tote bags.
As part of Whataburger’s Feeding Student Success initiative, the company will award $1,000 classroom grants to 60 teachers across its 17-state footprint.
National Teacher Appreciation Week deals in Mississippi
- Buffalo Wild Wings: Teachers and school staff get 20% off their dine-in order May 4-10 with a valid school ID. Also, every Tuesday, when members of the Buffalo Wild Wings Rewards loyalty program buy one 6-, 10- or 15-count order of traditional wings, they get a second order of equal value free (dine-in only). Then, on Thursdays, with any quantity of boneless wings you buy, you get the same quantity free.
- Einstein Bros. Bagels: Teachers can get a free Bagel & Shmear of their choice with the purchase of any item on Wednesday, May 6, when they show a valid work ID. Offer is good for in-bakery orders only at participating locations.
- First Watch: The restaurant chain is giving teachers free coffee all day during the week, through May 8. Offer is good for hot and iced coffee with complimentary refills on hot coffee for dine-in guests. Just show a valid school ID at the register.
- FlutterHabit: The online lash shop is giving teachers 30% off their order (excluding bundles and kits) during National Teacher Appreciation Week through ID.me.
- Happy Joe’s: On Wednesday, May 6, teachers can get a free small order of Cheese Stix with the purchase of a large pizza at participating locations.
- Horace Mann Educators Corp.: The financial services company has several programs timed to National Teacher Appreciation Week, running through May 22, that include more than $17,000 in giveaways with prizes of daily $150 gift cards and weekly $500 gift cards, plus the chance to nominate educators for recognition and $1,000 for a project of their choice.
- Jason’s Deli: Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week with warm breakfast sandwich bundles (priced at $40 and serving 12) and catering packages starting at $6.59 per person.
- Krystal: Teachers get 50% off all breakfast combos from May 4–8. The offer is available in-store with a valid ID.
- Logan’s Roadhouse: The steakhouse chain has a deal on gift cards, should you want to use them as a gift for teachers – get $50 in gift cards for $40 – through May 8.
- McAlister’s Deli: Teachers get one free Sweet or Unsweet Tea May 4-8, no purchase necessary.
- Nothing Bundt Cakes: During the week, members of the Bundtastic Rewards loyalty program can earn 100, 200 or 300 bonus points when purchasing a Single, Double or Triple Bundtlet Tower – maybe as a teacher appreciation gift. Limited to one transaction during the offer period. Must be logged in to your valid Bundtastic Rewards account before making your purchase. Bonus points will be loaded on or about May 29, 2026.
- The Parking Spot: Teachers get a 10% discount every day from the company, but they can get 25% off any reservation made in May for travel through the end of 2026.
- Potbelly: Teachers get a free cookie or regular-sized fountain drink with the purchase of any entrée from Monday, May 4, to Tuesday, May 12. Eligible entrées include any sandwich, wrap, whole salad or bowl of soup. The offer is good in-shop only; just show a valid school ID at checkout to redeem. Also, school faculty and groups can get 10% off catering orders of more than $200 through Sunday, May 10 (using the code SAVE10).
Need ideas on how to show your gratitude to your favorite teacher? The National PTA and NEA, and We Are Teachers have gift suggestions and projects listed online.
Contributing: Drew Pittock/ USA TODAYMike Snider is a national trending news reporter for USA TODAY. You can follow him on Threads mikegsnider, Bluesky @mikegsnider.bsky.social, X @mikesnider or email him at msnider@usatoday.com.
Bonnie Bolden is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with USA TODAY NETWORK. Email her at bbolden@gannett.com.
Odds of winning the Powerball and Mega Millions are NOT in your favor
Odds of hitting the jackpot in Mega Millions or Powerball are around 1-in-292 million. Here are things that you’re more likely to land than big bucks.
The Mississippi Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at May 3, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Mississippi Match 5 numbers from May 3 drawing
03-11-18-21-32
Check Mississippi Match 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash 3 numbers from May 3 drawing
Midday: 2-9-1, FB: 1
Evening: 3-7-0, FB: 9
Check Cash 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash 4 numbers from May 3 drawing
Midday: 0-9-3-4, FB: 1
Evening: 0-4-4-7, FB: 9
Check Cash 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash Pop numbers from May 3 drawing
Midday: 01
Evening: 03
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Story continues below gallery.
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
Winnings of $599 or less can be claimed at any authorized Mississippi Lottery retailer.
Prizes between $600 and $99,999, may be claimed at the Mississippi Lottery Headquarters or by mail. Mississippi Lottery Winner Claim form, proper identification (ID) and the original ticket must be provided for all claims of $600 or more. If mailing, send required documentation to:
Mississippi Lottery Corporation
P.O. Box 321462
Flowood, MS
39232
If your prize is $100,000 or more, the claim must be made in person at the Mississippi Lottery headquarters. Please bring identification, such as a government-issued photo ID and a Social Security card to verify your identity. Winners of large prizes may also have the option of setting up electronic funds transfer (EFT) for direct deposits into a bank account.
Mississippi Lottery Headquarters
1080 River Oaks Drive, Bldg. B-100
Flowood, MS
39232
Mississippi Lottery prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the drawing date. For detailed instructions and necessary forms, please visit the Mississippi Lottery claim page.
When are the Mississippi Lottery drawings held?
- Cash 3: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
- Cash 4: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
- Match 5: Daily at 9:30 p.m. CT.
- Cash Pop: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Mississippi editor. You can send feedback using this form.
There is a nickname associated with the storied Texas Longhorns baseball program, on signage around UFCU Disch-Falk, seemingly at every corner, that reads, “The University of Texas at Omaha.”
It’s the truth, the Longhorns have appeared in the most College World Series in college baseball history. But it’s a daunting expectation that comes with living up to the mantra of ending the season as one of the final eight teams in Omaha.
For the past two conference series between Vanderbilt and in its current matchup with No. 10 Mississippi State, the Longhorns’ bats haven’t exhibited the same fury as they did earlier in conference play.
The Longhorns have only scored 11 runs in their past 36 innings at the plate.
This Mississippi State Series is Texas’ Final Test
Around this time last season, the wheels were falling off the wagon for the Longhorns, getting swept by Arkansas and losing its final home series to Florida before the SEC Tournament and ultimately losing in the Austin Regional to UTSA.
While last season’s woes were a combination of starting pitching struggles due to Jared Spencer being knocked down with a season-ending arm injury and the bats struggling to produce, the latter is starting to peek its ugly head into this May.
Saturday’s game against the Bulldogs at the plate was reminiscent of last season. The Longhorns’ situational hitting was struggling mightily, and the top producers, like Carson Tinney or Anthony Pack Jr., never got the right pitch to dive in crucial runs.
By the end of the afternoon, Texas batters left a combined 17 runners on base, with four loaded bases situations in the final four innings, allowing Mississippi State to force a rubber match on Sunday.
Despite losing with that many runners left on base, head coach Jim Schlossnagle wasn’t too worried about heading into Sunday’s game.
“I think they’re in a good spot,” Schlossnagle said. “The results can cover up some really good things.”
The Bulldogs are an Omaha quality team under Brian O’Connor, and Schlossnagle remarked on that fact pre-series media availability on Thursday and it will be the last true test on the schedule before Hoover and the Regional.
Granted, the Longhorns will face one more quality team in UTSA for their final midweek game in three days, but in a regional atmosphere, playing games for an entire weekend, the Bulldogs are it.
Texas closes out the season with an up-and-down Tennessee team and the worst squad in the conference, Missouri, providing opportunities for the Longhorns to tune up before postseason play commences.
Although there is not much worry inside the Texas locker room for the rubber match against Mississippi State, as the Longhorns have yet to drop just one Sunday game this season.
“We’re pretty confident,” Temo Beccera said after the Saturday loss. “This is the SEC, every series will be interesting and fun to play in, so we’ll get back at it tomorrow.”
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