Mississippi

Jackson hotel, restaurant taxes could increase with Mississippi Senate bill

Published

3 months ago

March 23, 2026

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Jackson hotel, restaurant taxes could increase with Mississippi Senate bill

A bill in the Mississippi Legislature proposes a tax increase on hotels and restaurants in Jackson.
The increased revenue would benefit the city’s tourism department, Visit Jackson.
The hotel tax rate would increase by 1% and the restaurant tax rate by 0.5%.
Legislators say the proposed rates would keep Jackson competitive with other cities in the region.

A bill making its way through the Mississippi Legislature would bump up tax rates on hotels, motels and restaurants in Jackson, with the revenue benefitting the city’s tourism department.

The proposal would increase the hotel tax rate by 1% and the restaurant tax rate by 0.5%, modest bumps, said bill sponsor Sen. Hillman Frazier, D-Jackson, that would go a long way for the Jackson Convention and Visitors Bureau, known as Visit Jackson.

“We’re trying to be very conservative here with this increase,” he said in a March 20 interview. “These changes are just enough to maintain operations.”

With inflation taking ever-growing bites out of profits and reduced state funds on the horizon as the income tax revenue decreases, Frazier said a minor tourism tax increase is necessary to keep Visit Jackson well-funded.

Hotels and motels currently have an 11% tax rate, most of which is attributed to the 7% sales tax. The convention center tax adds another 3%, and Visit Jackson nets 1%. Under Frazier’s bill, which has been co-authored by four other Jackson-area senators, Visit Jackson’s share would double.

For restaurants, the rate would increase from 9% to 9.5%, with Visit Jackson collecting 1.5% of that sum. The increased revenue, according to documents prepared by Visit Jackson and shared with legislators, would fund hotel-restaurant partnerships, collaborations with local farmers and culinary demonstrations at city events.

The rate changes, according to the documents, would yield the bureau around $2 million in additional revenue each year.

The crucial part of the bill, Frazier said, is that Jackson will remain competitive when compared to other cities in Mississippi and throughout the south.

The proposed 12% hotel tax rate falls below nearby New Orleans, which boasts a 16.2% tax and $3 nightly fee, and Birmingham, where the $3 nightly fee is accompanied by a 17.5% tax.

Neighboring Brandon, Flowood and Richland levy a 12% hotel tax and 9% restaurant tax, the documents read, nearly identical to the rates that Jackson would adopt with legislative consent.

Approval from other legislators may present a challenge, Frazier said, explaining that some lawmakers have opposed the provision in the past because it increases the amount they pay when they check into Jackson-area hotels during the session. His bill has passed two committees as of March 20 and faces a full vote in each chamber before it can become law.

“Visit Jackson does a very good job selling Jackson and bringing people here to visit,” Frazier said. “We need to give them the resources to keep doing what they’re doing.”

Bea Anhuci is the state government reporter for the Clarion Ledger. She covers the Mississippi Legislature, and its impact on Jackson. Email her at banhuci@usatodayco.com or message her on Signal @beaanhuci.42.

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Mississippi

Iconic Mississippi foods and top US foodie states

Published

7 hours ago

June 21, 2026

Press Room

Iconic Mississippi foods and top US foodie states

When you think of Mississippi food, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? The state has lots of iconic offerings, including biscuits, tamales and mud pie.

Talker Research surveyed 5,000 Americans for Hello Fresh. They talked to families about how much they cook at home, pride in local recipes and the states they think have the best cuisine in the U.S.

“Food has always been about more than just sustenance — it’s how we connect, share stories and pass down traditions,” said Michelle Doll Olson, senior manager of culinary development at HelloFresh US. “From California shrimp tacos and Minnesota Juicy Lucy, to Louisiana gumbo and New York bagels, the dishes that define each state carry generations of family memories and cultural pride.”

The average American reportedly cooks 12 meals at home every week. That’s three breakfasts, four lunches and five dinners.

Sharing food is a matter of community pride.

Get your groceries easily with Hello Fresh

What does Mississippi taste like?

New Hampshire was proud of its apple cider donuts while Utah bragged about “fry sauce.” Ohio loves its “buckeyes.”

People said the most iconic Mississippi foods are fried catfish and soul food.

Which states have the best food?

The Top 5 foodie states, according to the survey, were:

California
New York
Texas
Louisiana
Florida

Residents of neighboring Louisiana were the most confident (94%) that they had the best cuisine.

What dishes and flavors represent other Southern states?

According to the data, here’s what other Southern states say represents them.

Alabama: banana pudding, pinto beans and cornbread
Arkansas: catfish, country fried chicken
Florida: seafood, key lime pie, fresh orange juice
Georgia: peach cobbler, seafood boils
Kentucky: fried chicken
Louisiana: crawfish, Cajun cuisine, gumbo
North Carolina: barbecue, knoephla soup
South Carolina: soul food
Tennessee: barbecue
Texas: Tex Mex, barbecue
Virginia: ham

Bonnie Bolden is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with USA TODAY Network. Email her at bbolden@usatodayco.com.

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Mississippi

Mississippi Lottery Mississippi Match 5, Cash 3 results for June 20, 2026

Published

17 hours ago

June 21, 2026

Press Room

Mississippi Lottery Mississippi Match 5, Cash 3 results for June 20, 2026

The Mississippi Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at June 20, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Mississippi Match 5 numbers from June 20 drawing

06-14-22-23-29

Check Mississippi Match 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash 3 numbers from June 20 drawing

Midday: 3-3-4, FB: 7

Evening: 9-7-3, FB: 5

Check Cash 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash 4 numbers from June 20 drawing

Midday: 0-2-5-1, FB: 7

Evening: 7-1-0-9, FB: 5

Check Cash 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash Pop numbers from June 20 drawing

Midday: 02

Evening: 13

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.

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Mississippi

Eight tornadoes confirmed in Louisiana and Mississippi from Post-Tropical Cyclone Arthur storms

Published

1 day ago

June 20, 2026

Press Room

Eight tornadoes confirmed in Louisiana and Mississippi from Post-Tropical Cyclone Arthur storms

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – The National Weather Service has confirmed eight tornadoes touched down across Louisiana and Mississippi on June 18th, 2026, with damage surveys revealing significant impacts to homes, businesses, and infrastructure.

The survey work continues on several areas, including Eden Isle, where meteorologists are analyzing whether additional weak tornadoes occurred within widespread wind damage.

The NWS has asked for patience as crews complete their analysis, with the next update expected Monday, June 22.

A busy morning of severe weather

The tornado activity began early Thursday morning around 2:49 a.m. and continued through the morning hours, with the last confirmed tornado occurring around 8:12 a.m.

The storms primarily impacted the greater New Orleans area, including parts of Jefferson Parish, Orleans Parish, and St. Tammany Parish in Louisiana, as well as Hancock and Harrison counties in Mississippi.

The damage: eight confirmed tornadoes

Houma area hit hardest

Four of the eight confirmed tornadoes touched down in the Houma area, with a fourth nearby.

The most significant damage in Houma came from an EF-1 tornado that tracked through the city around 3:47 a.m., producing winds up to 95 mph.

This tornado damaged the Lynn Park Shopping Center, where nearly every window was damaged, and interior walls partially collapsed. Four homes sustained partial to significant roof loss, and one home had an exterior wall collapse.

Another EF-1 tornado in the same area tossed a truck 30 feet and caused significant damage. Multiple trees were snapped and uprooted, with several homes sustaining partial roof loss, and at least one carport collapsed.

An EF-1 tornado causes significant roof damage to two homes on Crozier Drive, and at least one exterior wall collapsed on each.

An EF-0 tornado also impacted the McCord area of Houma, damaging trees, several homes, and electrical poles.

Long-track tornado from St. Tammany Parish to Mississippi

The most significant tornado of the day was an EF-1 that traveled 12.42 miles from Treasure Isle in St. Tammany Parish to rural Hancock County, Mississippi. With maximum winds of 105 mph and a width of up to 300 yards, this tornado caused extensive damage across its path.

The tornado flipped a large boat near Treasure Isle and progressed northeast, removing shingles from homes and snapping trees along Bluegill Drive.

As it moved into Avery Estates, the tornado grew in size and strengthened, uprooting numerous trees along U.S. Highway 190 and damaging several outbuildings. A manufactured home had most of its roof removed and was shifted significantly off its foundation.

The tornado maintained strength as it moved over the Pearl River Basin before weakening as it approached Hancock County, where ground survey teams documented widespread tree damage on rural roads.

Additional tornadoes

An EF-1 tornado tracked 7.26 miles from Bridge City through New Orleans to the University of New Orleans area around 5:43 a.m., producing winds up to 95 mph. Damage was primarily tree damage and minor building damage across the city.

A brief EF-1 tornado touched down north of Highway 90 in Avondale, injuring two people. The tornado tracked northeast with home damage and snapped tree branches. One home sustained damage when another mobile home rolled into it. The wind speeds were estimated to be 90 mph.

An EF-1 tornado also tracked across Hancock and Harrison counties in Mississippi, with widespread tree damage, including several large trees uprooted and snapped. Minor damage occurred to several properties along the 6.38-mile path.