Miss New York Nia Imani Franklin was named Miss America 2019 in Atlantic City.

Her victory Sunday night resurrected a string of successes the Empire State has had in the pageant in recent years. Mallory Hagan, Nina Davuluri and Kira Kazantsev won the title from 2013 to 2015 competing as Miss New York.

A classical vocalist whose pageant platform is “advocating for the arts,” Franklin sang an operatic selection and ended up winning a $50,000 scholarship along with the crown in the first Miss America pageant to be held without a swimsuit competition.

The swimsuits have been replaced by onstage interviews, which have generated attention-grabbing remarks from contestants regarding President Trump, and NFL player protests, among other topics.

Cara Mund the outgoing Miss America, after releasing a scathing email about the Miss America Board, only appeared at the very end of the pageant before the next winner was crowned. She was not allowed to speak live; instead a 30-second taped segment of her speaking was broadcast.

HIGHLAND MIDDLE SCHOOL CLOSED TODAY

A questionable substance was discovered by staff at Highland Middle School this week in the kitchen. In the interest of health, safety, and welfare for the students and staff, an air quality study was done by a certified company in the kitchen area. While waiting for the results, they are canceling school on Monday, September 10, 2018, for Highland Middle School students only, They may be able to restart school as early as Tuesday. If the school needs to be closed for further remediation, a plan will be devised so that students can attend school.

The closing includes meetings, athletics, and after school events that require use of the Highland Building. Check the school website and your phone messages for further communication.

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Dozens of dogs, many of whom are Instagram famous, showcased their talents and dressed in their very best for the Canines and Crowns Dog Pageant at the Ace Hotel in East Liberty on Sunday.​

Each animal took the stage to compete for the coveted titles of Mister and Miss Pupsburgh, Slobber Supreme, Cuteness Supreme, Costume Supreme and more.

Money raised at the event benefited the Humane Animal Rescue.

AMERICAN rapper and Pittsburgh native Mac Miller has died at the young age of 26.

Miller, whose real name is Malcolm James McCormack, has been very open about his substance abuse issues, died of an apparent overdose, according to law enforcement sources.

After a friend called 911 from Miller’s San Fernando Valley, California, home he was pronounced dead at the scene.

His family said in a statement that Miller died Friday but gave no further details.

“He was a bright light in this world for his family, friends and fans,” the statement said.

Hours before his death, Miller posted an Instagram story where a vinyl record is seen playing part of the lyrics from one of his songs titled “So it Goes”.

WEATHER….MONDAY SEPTEMBER 10, 2018

TODAY:
Rain early…then remaining cloudy with showers in the afternoon. High 71F. Chance of rain 90%.

Beaver County is under a Flood Warning until 6 p.m.

TONIGHT:
Cloudy. Areas of patchy fog. Low 58F.

TUESDAY:
Cloudy. High 74F. Winds light and variable.