Mississippi

Mississippi’s title holders head to Orlando for Miss America competition

Published

2 years ago

January 6, 2024

Mississippi’s title holders head to Orlando for Miss America competition

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – In just a few hours, Miss Mississippi Vivian O’Neal and Miss Mississippi’s Teen Nataleigh Nix will board a plane at Jackson’s Airport for Orlando, Florida to compete for national titles at Miss America.

There are several firsts this year, including a new way state delegates will compete in talent.

O’Neal and Nix say they are excited about the new partnership with the American Heart Association to promote healthy living.(WLBT)

Vivian O’Neal said, “Fun fact: I’m actually the oldest Miss Mississippi ever that we’ve ever had.”

Vivian O’Neal is hoping five will be a lucky number. She tried five times before winning Miss Mississippi and is hoping she will be the fifth young woman from this state to win Miss America.

She was also 25 when she won the Miss Mississippi crown.

O’Neal said, “I will do the absolute best that I can. And I hope, it is my sincere hope to make the state proud, to make my community proud.”

O’Neal has a private judges interview hours after she arrives in Orlando. She also says the Preliminary Talent Competition will be different this year. She will dance in the talent prelim Thursday.

O’Neal said, “This year, it’s just going to be a talent show and it’s called Miss America’s Got Talent and the teens will compete in talent during the show at four o’clock and then the Misses will compete and that’s it, all 51 delegates will compete in talent.”

Miss Mississippi is a published author. Her book Josiah’s Big Day is tied to her Social Impact Initiative CapAble focusing on those who live with disabilities, like her younger brother.

O'Neal's Social Impact Initiative CapAble focuses on those living with disabilities. — O’Neal’s Social Impact Initiative CapAble focuses on those living with disabilities.(Miss Mississippi)

O’Neal said, “To have a story where you see a minoritized character is the main character and all his friends have rallied around him to help him advocate for himself when he felt insecure about doing so.”

Miss Mississippi's Teen will sing for talent in Miss America's Teen competition next week. — Miss Mississippi’s Teen will sing for talent in Miss America’s Teen competition next week.(Nataleigh Nix)

Miss Mississippi’s Teen Nataleigh Nix is a senior at Madison Central. The Teen and Miss America competitions will happen for the first time, during the same week.

The teen winner will be crowned Saturday, Miss America Sunday. Her Social Impact Initiative is Acts of Kindness or AOK.

Nix said, “I started to research. And I found out that when you perform an act of kindness, you release the hormones oxytocin and serotonin in the brain, the love and confidence hormone, so when you are giving back to your community and those around you, you’re also building a better mindset within yourself, and you’re thinking more positively.”

Nix and O’Neal have been extremely busy. Miss Mississippi is on car number six and has traveled all over Mississippi since she was crowned in June.

Since April, Nix has made more than 105 appearances.

Miss Mississippi says she is pretty close to the limit on Car number 6.

O’Neal and Nix are also excited about the new partnership with the American Heart Association to help educate the public about healthy eating habits, exercise and taking care of yourself from the inside out.

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Related Topics:america competition Featured Miss Mississippi Nataleigh Nix O'neal orlando teen Vivian

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Mississippi

Mississippi House of Representatives passes bill to make NIL earnings non-taxable

Published

9 hours ago

March 4, 2026

Press Room

Mississippi House of Representatives passes bill to make NIL earnings non-taxable

NIL money comes with a price. More specifically, a tax bill.

The Mississippi legislature is trying to reduce that burden for college athletes who play there.

Via Bea Anhuci of the Mississippi Clarion Ledger, the Mississippi House of Representatives has passed a bill that would exempt NIL earnings from state income tax.

It’s a recruiting tool for Ole Miss and Mississippi State, one that would put the Mississippi schools on equal footing with other states that host SEC universities. Florida, Tennessee, and Texas have no state income tax, and Arkansas carved out NIL earnings from the state’s income tax burden in 2025.

Mississippi currently charges a four-percent tax on anyone making more than $10,000 per year.

NIL earnings remain subject to federal income tax.

The bill will have to also pass the Mississippi Senate, and the governor would then be required to sign it into law.

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Mississippi

Why Rebels are keeping pace for Mississippi State CB commit Brandon Allen Jr

Published

1 day ago

March 3, 2026

Press Room

Why Rebels are keeping pace for Mississippi State CB commit Brandon Allen Jr

Ole Miss is working to eventually flip Mississippi State cornerback commit Brandon Allen Jr. (Atlanta, Ga.). Ahead of a packed spring travel schedule, visiting multiple programs, Allen speaks on his current recruitment with Rebels247.com.

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Mississippi

Carpenter Pole and Piling invests $5M in Mississippi, creating 10 jobs

Published

2 days ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

Carpenter Pole and Piling invests M in Mississippi, creating 10 jobs

Staff
| Mississippi Clarion Ledger

A Mississippi wood products manufacturer is investing nearly $5 million in an expansion.
Carpenter Pole and Piling’s project is expected to create 10 new jobs in Wiggins.
The expansion includes a new treatment plant and an additional 20 acres for storage.
Construction is anticipated to be completed by September 2026.

A wood products manufacturer is set to create new jobs as part of a major expansion.

Carpenter Pole and Piling is investing nearly $5 million into its Wiggins, Mississippi, operation.

The expansion will add 10 new positions and support long-term growth in the region.

“Carpenter Pole and Piling is a true Mississippi success story, and we’re proud to see the company continue investing right here at home,” Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves said.

“This expansion in Stone County is creating new opportunities for hardworking Mississippians while strengthening a company that has long contributed to our state’s economy,” Reeves said. “When Mississippi businesses grow, our communities grow with them, and we remain committed to fostering a business environment where companies can thrive.”

Carpenter Pole and Piling produces utility poles and pilings for marine and foundation use.

The project includes construction of a new treatment plant, investment in a 2,600-cubic-foot autoclave and an alternative treatment option to improve production capacity.

The company is also clearing and preparing an additional 20 acres for a new pole storage yard.

Stone County is also contributing to the project.

The company expects to complete construction by September 2026.

The new roles are expected to be filled by January 2027.

Carpenter Pole and Piling specializes in the production of utility poles. It also manufactures foundation and marine pilings.

The new autoclave will increase production and add an alternative treatment option.

This story was created by business and development writer Ross Reily, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more.

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