Mississippi
Miss Mississippi 2024: Becky Williams takes crown during final competition
Williams wants to use platform to improve education opportunities
VICKSBURG — In her third year competing, Miss Capital City Becky Williams was crowned Miss Mississippi 2024 during Saturday night’s final competition held at the Vicksburg Convention Center.
Williams, a Purvis native, proved to be the last woman standing in her sparkling red gown Saturday night, bursting with emotion as her name was called and 2023 Miss Mississippi Vivian O’Neal placed the winner’s crown upon her head.
Williams, who is in her first year at Mississippi State University studying K-12 education, said she was delighted to hear her name called, which left her in a bit of a shock. In 2023, Williams was O’Neal’s first runner up.
“I don’t know how to tell you how it feels,” she said. “This is a dream I’ve dreamt since I was a little girl and to hear my name called on this stage and this environment and to know that I put my heart and soul into everything I did on this stage and in life is just a dream come true.”
For the talent section of the competition, Williams performed a dance number to Queen’s 1974 popular song “Don’t stop me now.” Williams is also focusing her impact initiative on education and is even working with Hinds Country Democratic Rep. Fabian Nelson to draft legislation relating to scholarship opportunities in Jackson.
“(We’ve) been working on some legislation that will directly affect Jackson Public Schools and I’m excited to get started with him soon,” she said.
Day 1 of prelims: Miss Mississippi 2024: Two take awards during first night of preliminary competition
Day 2 of prelims: Three contestants take home Miss Mississippi awards during Thursday preliminary
Day 3 of prelims: Check out the talent and dresswear of the Miss Mississippi 2024 contestants on day three
During her question-and-answer section, she spoke about cancel culture, saying that kids in the classroom and adults alike should be more mindful about what they say online and how their words can impact other people.
The final competition Saturday night featured 11 contestants total vying in multiple categories such as evening wear, talent and question and answers. Besides Williams, another four contestants were chosen to be her runner-up’s. The top four were as follows:
- First runner-up: Jane Granberry — Miss University
- Second runner-up: Morgan Nelson — Miss Mississippi State University
- Third runner-up: Sarah Randolph — Miss Heart of the South
- Fourth runner-up: Anna Leah Jolly — Miss Rankin County
Williams will go on to compete in the Miss America contest.
Grant McLaughlin covers state government for the Clarion Ledger. He can be reached at gmclaughlin@gannett.com or 972-571-2335
Members of a Fort Worth-area youth baseball team were among dozens of people rescued from rising floodwaters in Mississippi as Tropical Storm Arthur brought heavy rain and dangerous conditions to the Gulf Coast.
According to a release from Cajun Navy 2016, volunteers conducted multiple water rescues along the Biloxi River in Gulfport over the weekend as rainfall caused water levels to rise and flooded homes and roadways.
Among those evacuated were members of The Pickles, a Fort Worth-area youth baseball team.
Trey Williams, communications director for Cajun Navy 2016, said the rescue effort began when the mother of one of the players contacted the organization through Facebook seeking help. Initially, the situation did not appear urgent, but rising floodwaters overnight quickly changed conditions.
“They were just wanting to get to their game,” Williams said. “But overnight, the water rose a great bit, and it really did become more of an emergency situation where we needed to get them out of that house.”
According to Williams, volunteers working alongside the Gulfport Fire Department evacuated 12 players, nine adults, and three dogs; two German shepherds and a Labrador, from the flooded property.
The group was staying in an Airbnb near the Biloxi River when floodwaters began surrounding the elevated home. Williams said fast-moving water and changing currents created dangerous conditions for rescuers and those trapped inside.
“The most important thing was that water was very swift and fast-moving,” Williams said. “In that situation, it’s always best to get people out of harm’s way.”
The team rescue was one of several operations conducted by Cajun Navy 2016 during the storm response.
Williams said the rescue reflected the mission that inspired the organization after the historic Louisiana floods of 2016.
“It was neighbors coming together to help neighbors,” Williams said. “Every time we help somebody, they’re very grateful and relieved. In this situation, everybody was safe, everybody got out okay, and that’s why we’re here.”
A conversation on the history of Black cuisine in America
Black chefs and authors, Chef Marcus Samuelsson, Chef Thérèse Nelson, Chef David Rose, and Chef Ameer Natson discuss the origins of soul food and how Black chefs have contributed to American food.
Miguel Fernandez, NorthJersey.com
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.
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 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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