Mississippi

See which Mississippi towns made Southern Living’s 15 Most Adorable Small Towns

Published

2 years ago

July 18, 2024

See which Mississippi towns made Southern Living’s 15 Most Adorable Small Towns

Ocean Springs and Oxford were the only two Mississippi towns included in Southern Living magazine’s June 29 list of the “15 Most Adorable Small Towns for a Summer Getaway, as selected by Southern Living editors.

The magazine’s intro to the list states, in part:

“To be a truly adorable small town, several boxes must be checked. A walkable and charming main street or downtown are requirements. An old-fashioned ice cream parlor or candy shop is a nice touch. And finally, excellent community and friendly locals are a must. Each of the following Southern small towns has all of the above – and so much more – rendering it an ideal place to visit this summer … or maybe even move to one day (retirement ideas, anyone?). From sunny beach towns to nostalgic mountain communities, keep reading for our list of adorable small towns that are ideal for a dreamy weekend getaway.”

Ocean Springs

Southern Living’s description of Ocean Springs states: “The arts are alive and well in this coastal Mississippi town that was once the home of famed painter and writer Walter Anderson. You can see his nature-inspired works at the Walter Anderson Museum downtown, then spend the rest of your afternoon getting to know the town’s current roster of talented artists at places like Shearwater Pottery and Hillyer House. Well-designed boutique properties like The Beatnik, The Roost, and The Hemingway further make the case for Ocean Springs as the cutest town you’ll ever meet.”

Oxford

Southern Living’s description of Oxford states: “If you want to discover the heart of Oxford, head to the Square. The historic center of town is home to a bevy of must-visit local businesses, from bookstores and museums to art galleries and restaurants. Notable spots include Square Books (one of the South’s favorite bookstores), Neilsen’s (the South’s oldest department store), and City Grocery (a landmark restaurant in Oxford’s surprisingly wonderful dining scene). There’s a reason so many Ole Miss students make Oxford their permanent home after graduation, and it’s because the beloved college town has that special something.”

More: Kevin Hart reschedules Jackson shows for later this year. See new date here

Other towns included on the magazine’s list:

Boone, North Carolina
Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, Florida
Ellijay, Georgia
St. Michaels, Maryland
Seaside, Florida
Beaufort, South Carolina
Dripping Springs, Texas
Black Mountain, North Carolina
Fairhope, Alabama
Mount Airy, North Carolina
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Brevard, North Carolina
Abingdon, Virginia

Know an event coming up or have a good story idea? Reporter Kiara Fleming can be reached via email KDFleming@jackson.gannett.com and on X @Ki_dajournalist

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Mississippi

Mississippi federal and state tax deadline move to June

Published

8 hours ago

April 15, 2026

Press Room

Mississippi federal and state tax deadline move to June

The Mississippi Department of Revenue is moving tax day. The state announced on Wednesday, April 15, that it will offer tax relief after Winter Storm Fern.

The Internal Revenue Service announced on Tuesday, April 14, all Mississippi residents will get a federal extension to file.

The new deadline is June 8, 2026. It includes filing individual and business tax returns and making tax payments.

The decision follows a disaster declaration issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency after the severe winter ice storm that knocked out power to thousands in January. As of late February, the storm was estimated to have caused about $107 million in damages.

IRS gives Mississippi federal tax extension because of ice storm

Rodney Foushee handles IRS media relations for North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee. He said the relief applies to all 82 Mississippi counties.

It also covers all other IRS deadlines that fall between Jan. 23, when the winter storm started, and June 8. That includes “affected quarterly payroll and certain excise tax returns normally due on Feb. 2, 2026, and April 30, 2026.”

Penalties on payroll and excise tax deposits due on or after Jan. 23 and before Feb. 9 will be abated if the tax deposits were made by Feb. 9, the IRS wrote.

What does new state tax deadline in Mississippi affect?

Mississippi DOR said this change will include:

individual income tax return
corporate income and franchise tax returns
pass-through entity tax returns
quarterly estimated payments that were originally due in this period

The state will work with people who live outside the state but had business recorded, books or tax professionals who work in the affected area.

“The extension does not automatically apply to any other tax types or payments due on prior liabilities,” the DOR said.

Call the Mississippi Department of Revenue at 601-923-7700 if you need an extension or get a penalty notice.

Did Mississippi get rid of the state income tax?

The Mississippi Legislature agreed to eliminate the state income tax in 2025. Gov. Tate Reeves signed it into law.

The move also cut sales tax on groceries by 2%. It was designed to hike the gas tax by nine cents over three years to boost infrastructure funds.

When will Mississippi income taxes go away entirely?

Mississippi will phase out its income tax, but it could take up to a decade for it to be fully gone.

The state will have a 4% tax rate by fiscal year 2027. It should be at 3% by 2030.

After 2031, cuts will be activated by triggers set up in the language of the law passed in 2025.

How can I file Mississippi state taxes?

The Mississippi Department of Revenue encourages anyone who can to file electronically.

The most common paper return forms are also available online.

How can I track my Mississippi state tax refund?

You can check it online at https://tap.dor.ms.gov/. Have your ID type and number ready along with your refund amount.

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

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Mississippi

IRS extends tax deadline for Mississippi after winter storm

Published

20 hours ago

April 15, 2026

Press Room

IRS extends tax deadline for Mississippi after winter storm

Need extra time to file your taxes this year? The Internal Revenue Service is moving the deadline for all Mississippi residents to file.

Rodney Foushee handles IRS media relations for North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee. He said the relief applies to all 82 Mississippi counties.

The new June 8, 2026 deadline includes filing individual and business tax returns and making tax payments.

Penalties on payroll and excise tax deposits due on or after Jan. 23 and before Feb. 9 will be abated if the tax deposits were made by Feb. 9, the IRS wrote.

Mississippi state tax deadline stays the same

This change does not affect the state of Mississippi filing date.

The deadline to file and pay state taxes is April 15, 2026.

How do I get my federal tax return fast?

If you file electronically and choose to receive your refund by direct deposit, your refund will probably be issued within 21 days, the IRS says.

If you mail a paper return, the wait could be six weeks or longer. About 11 million Americans still file on paper, and the IRS is outsourcing the handling of those returns as part of its “Zero Paper Initiative.”

Can I get my tax refund as a paper check?

No. The IRS has phased out paper checks this year. (The IRS has said limited exceptions will be available.)

Plan to get it via direct deposit. People without bank accounts can use prepaid debit cards or digital wallets.

How do I track my 2026 income tax refund?

You can track the status of your refund check online at Where’s My Refund?

Some banks or financial institutions can take extra time to process checks. Weekends or holidays could delay processing, and the IRS says to check with your bank if you think it’s been processed but don’t see the funds in your account.

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

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