Miss America contestants discuss politics, arts education

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — Miss America contestants are using their onstage time to speak out against political divisiveness, in favour of arts education and on other topics during preliminary competition this week in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Miss Wisconsin McKenna Collins says Americans of differing political viewpoints need to talk to each other respectfully.

Miss Tennessee Caty Davis says opioid addiction is a disease, not a choice.

And Miss Ohio Sarah Clapper says the public should care about athletes as human beings, not just components of a fantasy sports team.

The third and final night of preliminary competition is Friday.

The next Miss America will be crowned Sunday night.

Wayne Parry, The Associated Press