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Regan Hutsell of Texas Crowned Miss America 2027 in West Palm Beach

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Regan Hutsell, representing Texas, reacts as she is crowned the 99th Miss America during the national competition in West Palm Beach, Florida. Hutsell became the fourth Miss Texas to capture the Miss America title. Photo: Miss America

The former Radio City Rockette and Birmingham Royal Ballet performer captured the national title in West Palm Beach after winning preliminary fitness and talent awards.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (FNN) — Regan Hutsell, representing Texas, has been crowned the 99th Miss America, capturing the national title following several days of competition in West Palm Beach.

Hutsell emerged from a field of 52 delegates representing the 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Her victory makes her the fourth Miss Texas to win the Miss America title in the organization’s 105-year history, according to the Miss America Organization.

The final competition was held at the Palm Beach County Convention Center.

From Radio City Rockette to Miss America

Hutsell entered the competition with an extensive professional dance background.

At 18, she began her professional dance career as a Radio City Rockette and later performed internationally with the Birmingham Royal Ballet, traveling throughout Europe.

Her dance background proved significant during Miss America competition. Hutsell captured preliminary awards in both fitness and talent, earning the talent honor for her jazz dance performance to “Le Jazz Hot.”

Personal Journey Inspires Service Initiative

Hutsell has also publicly discussed overcoming an eating disorder and struggles involving perfectionism and body image while pursuing her professional dance career.

Those experiences became the foundation for her community service initiative, “Your Body Is Your Home.”

Through the initiative, Hutsell seeks to encourage positive self-worth, healthier internal dialogue and the message that a person’s value should not be determined by physical appearance.

Her personal experience gives the initiative a direct connection to the challenges she encountered while working in elite performing arts.

Hutsell Marks Historic Milestone

According to the Miss America Organization, Hutsell also made history as the first woman of color to win the Miss America crown while wearing her natural hair.

The milestone adds another chapter to the evolution of a competition that has increasingly emphasized education, service, leadership and professional development alongside its longstanding traditions.

Hutsell received a distinctive crown featuring red and blue stones commemorating America’s semiquincentennial, the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Nearly $90,000 in Scholarships

Education will remain a major component of Hutsell’s year as Miss America.

According to the organization, she has earned nearly $90,000 in scholarships through the Miss America Opportunity.

Hutsell is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in health sciences and plans to become a physical therapist.

“Miss America has always represented hope and inspiration,” Hutsell said in a statement.

She said she looks forward to using the title to encourage people “to walk boldly in their purpose, pursue their wildest dreams, and never give up on themselves.”

Louisiana’s Shelby Bordelon Finishes First Runner-Up

Hutsell advanced to the Top 5 alongside four finalists:

  • Shelby Bordelon, Louisiana — First runner-up
  • Kate Dimmett, Illinois — Second runner-up
  • Sharlize True Trujillo, California — Third runner-up
  • Evelyn Smith, District of Columbia — Fourth runner-up

The semifinalists were Carly Yoshida of Hawaii, Erika Dalton of Utah, Madison Oh of New York, Lindsay Jones of South Carolina, McKenzie Kerry of Iowa and Jane Granberry of Mississippi.

Celebrity Panel Selects Miss America

The final night was hosted by Jennifer Hale and Billy Gilman.

The celebrity judging panel included Kate Shindle, former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Regina Benjamin, Vicki Vlahos, Hal Rubenstein, Ubah Hassan and Ellen Latham.

The competition followed two nights of preliminary events before the field was narrowed for the final rounds.

Scholarships Remain Central to Miss America

The Miss America Organization says its national, state and local programs provide more than $5 million in tuition scholarships annually, along with an additional $35 million in in-kind scholarship opportunities.

Hutsell’s nearly $90,000 in scholarship earnings will help support her health sciences education as she works toward her goal of becoming a physical therapist.

What’s Next for the New Miss America?

As Miss America, Hutsell begins a year of appearances, community engagement and advocacy centered on the organization’s mission of “Empowering Women to Lead with Purpose.”

Her year of service is also expected to expand the reach of Your Body Is Your Home, combining her personal experience with her focus on self-worth and healthy body image.

From professional dancer to national titleholder, Hutsell now takes her message to a national audience while representing Miss America during its 105th anniversary era.

Follow Florida National News for continuing coverage from West Palm Beach and major entertainment, lifestyle and cultural events across Florida.

Entertainment

“4000 Days,” “Frampton” Set for Naples International Film Festival Oct. 24–25

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NAPLES, Fla. (FNN) — Two documentaries exploring families’ fight against college hazing and the career of musician Peter Frampton will screen at the Naples International Film Festival Oct. 24–25, according to an announcement from 10 Lives Studios.

Both films will be shown at Pavilion Naples, 833 Vanderbilt Beach Road.

“4000 Days”: Families Turn Grief Into Advocacy

Directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Daniel E. Catullo III and executive produced by Paris Hilton, “4000 Days” follows three families whose sons died in fraternity hazing incidents.

Gary and Julie DeVercelly, Linda and Eric Oakes, and TJ and Kim Burch joined forces to challenge hazing practices, seek accountability and push for legislative reform. The title represents the approximately 4,000 days of their struggle to turn personal loss into change, according to the filmmakers.

The 111-minute documentary premiered at Tribeca and won the Grand Jury Award at the Jersey Shore Film Festival, according to the announcement.

Catullo, Julie and Gary DeVercelly, and Eric Oakes are scheduled to participate in question-and-answer sessions following the Naples screenings.

Screenings:

  • Saturday, Oct. 24: 4 p.m.
  • Sunday, Oct. 25: 11 a.m.

“Frampton”: A Career of Setbacks and Comebacks

Directed by Frampton’s longtime bandleader, Rob Arthur, and produced by Catullo, “Frampton” traces the guitarist’s rise through the Herd and Humble Pie, his breakthrough as a solo artist and his continued performances while facing a degenerative condition.

Marking the 50th anniversary of “Frampton Comes Alive!”, the documentary combines archival footage, interviews and recent performances to examine the musician’s career and resilience.

The 102-minute film features appearances by musicians and entertainers including Ringo Starr, Sheryl Crow, Tom Morello, Alice Cooper and Nancy Wilson.

After premiering at Tribeca, the documentary won the Audience Award for Music on Screen at the Calgary International Film Festival, according to the announcement.

Screenings:

  • Saturday, Oct. 24: 7:05 p.m.

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Entertainment

Kym Whitley, Yvette Nicole Brown to Headline First Ladies Health Initiative Brain Health Luncheon

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Side-by-side headshots of actresses Yvette Nicole Brown and Kym Whitley, speakers at the First Ladies Health Initiative brain health and caregiving luncheon.
Emmy-nominated actresses Yvette Nicole Brown, left, and Kym Whitley will participate in the First Ladies Health Initiative’s “Mindful of the Memories: A Path to Better Brain Health” luncheon Sept. 19 in Marina del Rey, California.

The Sept. 19 luncheon in Marina del Rey will spotlight Alzheimer’s, dementia, caregiving and brain health as the First Ladies Health Initiative celebrates new grant support for programs empowering girls.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (FNN) — Emmy-nominated actresses Kym Whitley and Yvette Nicole Brown will headline a First Ladies Health Initiative luncheon focused on Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, caregiving and brain health on Saturday, Sept. 19, in Marina del Rey.

The First Ladies Health Initiative, or FLHI, will host its leaders summit luncheon, “Mindful of the Memories: A Path to Better Brain Health,” beginning at 11 a.m. at The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey.

Whitley, whose credits include Act Your Age and Raising Whitley, and Brown, known for Community, Act Your Age and The Mayor, will participate in a fireside conversation moderated by Dr. Shalonda “Sunshine” Crawford, co-pastor of Experience Christian Ministries.

The discussion will address the experiences of families affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia, including the demands placed on caregivers and the challenges of balancing caregiving with careers and other responsibilities.

Personal Experiences Bring Caregiving Into Focus

FLHI Co-Executive Director Marquisé Alston-Allison said Whitley and Brown were selected in part because both have personal experience caring for their fathers.

“Alzheimer’s disease has a devastating impact on the African American community, where individuals are approximately twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia,” Alston-Allison said in the organization’s announcement.

The luncheon takes place two days before World Alzheimer’s Day on Sept. 21.

Brain Health and Prevention Take Center Stage

FLHI is also partnering with the INSPIRE-Faith program at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, led by neurologists Drs. Dean and Ayesha Sherzai.

The program emphasizes lifestyle factors associated with brain and overall health, including nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management and social connections.

The initiative brings prevention-focused health education into faith and community settings while addressing conditions such as dementia, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and stroke.

Luncheon to Feature Music and Special Honors

Radio personality Aundrae Russell of 102.3 KJLH-FM will serve as emcee, with a musical performance by recording artist David Daughtry.

FLHI will also pay tribute to its founding president, Tracey Alston, who died last year.

Dr. Betty Ruth Price, former first lady, co-founder and matriarch of Crenshaw Christian Center, will also be honored during the event.

FLHI Among Organizations Receiving Girls Opportunity Alliance Support

The event comes as FLHI celebrates its selection for support through the Obama Foundation’s Girls Opportunity Alliance.

According to the announcement, a total of $500,000 will be distributed among 10 organizations working to empower girls, with FLHI among the selected recipients.

FLHI is currently led by second-generation co-executive directors Marquisé Alston-Allison and Taylor Alston-Cleveland, alongside co-founder and National Chair Jamell Meeks of Salem Baptist Church in Chicago and Los Angeles Chair Crawford.

The organization also acknowledged support from Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Healthy Mind Initiatives, Black Girl Vitamins and The Ritz-Carlton.

For additional information, visit First Ladies Health Initiative.

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Central Florida News

Orlando International Fashion Week 2026 Opens Early Bird Pass Sales for November Runway Shows

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OIFW returns Nov. 8-15 with fashion, entertainment and cultural events across Orlando, culminating in a runway weekend at Caribe Royale Orlando.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Orlando International Fashion Week is opening early bird access for its Fall 2026 “The Shows Pass,” giving guests an opportunity to secure admission to the event’s final weekend runway experiences before individual show tickets go on sale.

Orlando International Fashion Week, or OIFW, returns Nov. 8-15, 2026, with a week of fashion, art, music, entertainment, runway shows and cultural experiences throughout Orlando.

Select events will be invitation-only, while public ticketed programming will be offered throughout the week. The celebration will culminate with runway programming at Caribe Royale Orlando, the host hotel for OIFW’s final weekend experiences.

Early Bird Shows Passes

The Shows Pass is designed for guests seeking early access to OIFW’s featured runway experiences during the final weekend.

Early bird options include:

  • 2-Day General Access — Nov. 14-15: $275
  • 2-Day Preferred Access — Nov. 14-15: $425
  • 2-Day Front Row Access — Nov. 14-15: $650
  • 3-Day Front Row Access — Nov. 13-15: $750

Two-day passes include access to featured OIFW runway experiences on Saturday, Nov. 14, and Sunday, Nov. 15, at Caribe Royale Orlando.

Select three-day pass options also include FEN Social on Friday, Nov. 13, at Society Orlando, along with the final weekend runway experiences.

Individual show tickets are expected to be released at a later date.

Fashion, Entertainment and Tourism Come Together

“Orlando International Fashion Week continues to grow as a platform where fashion, entertainment, culture, and tourism come together,” said Rob Henlon, co-founder of Fierce Entertainment Management. “The Shows Pass gives our audience a first opportunity to be part of the final weekend experience as we prepare to announce more designers, models, featured guests, vendors, and special programming.”

OIFW is a Fierce Entertainment initiative produced and coordinated by Fierce Entertainment Management LLC.

Fall 2026 Model Casting Set for Sept. 26-27

Ahead of fashion week, OIFW will hold its Fall 2026 Model Casting on Sept. 26-27 in continued collaboration with the Global Peace Film Festival.

The casting will give models an opportunity to be considered for fashion, media, festival, promotional, live-event and runway opportunities connected to the Global Peace Film Festival and OIFW’s November 2026 shows.

Fierce Entertainment Management will manage and coordinate the casting.

Vendor Opportunities Available

Vendor opportunities are also available for select Fall 2026 events, including FEN Social at Society Orlando and the OIFW runway weekend at Caribe Royale Orlando.

Participation is subject to approval, space availability, venue guidelines and production needs.

OIFW Vendor Registration

Additional designers, models, featured guests, performers, vendors, partners and special experiences will be announced as details are finalized.

Early bird Shows Passes are available through the Orlando International Fashion Week official website.

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