This might be a sign that New Orleans is on the way back, but skeptics are worried about this big event.

The Miss Universe Organization says New Orleans will be the site of the pageant in January bringing in millions in economic impact. The 90 contestants will flow in from all over the globe.

Mayor LaToya Cantrell says “the City of New Orleans and the Miss Universe Organization share common values of celebrating inclusion, culture and the empowerment of women.

Cantrell points out in a news release that former contestants and winners have gone on to become surgeons, diplomats, politicians and business leaders, adding “they all champion social causes that are important to them."

Why Did the Pageant Choose NOLA?

Paula Shugart, president of The Miss Universe Organization says “there is no place like New Orleans. This vibrant city has been at the top of our list to host for quite some time due to its rich cultural history, as well as its unique arts, entertainment, and culinary scene.”

 Is Miss Universe still owned by DonaldTrump?

The Trump organization owned the pageant from 1996 to 2015, but it was sold to WME/IMG. It was valued at the time somewhere over the $5 million dollar mark, but no specifics on the sale were released.

Did the Pageant Consider the Crime Rate in New Orleans?

This selection comes just days after the Wall Street Journal published a report listing New Orleans as having America's Highest Murder Rate.  The report on KEEL shows that New Orleans is losing police officers faster than they can replace them.  But they are also losing businesses who no longer feel safe, or no longer want to put their employees' safety at risk.

The pageant will air on January 14 from the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

This will be the 71st year for the pageant. The winner will be crowned by Bollywood actress Harnaaz Sandhu of India who was Miss Universe 2021.

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