Two Mississippi Senate bills that have gained national attention will help protect the lives of teenagers during the Christmas holiday season.  

Senate Bill 2616 makes it illegal to sell or give alcohol to a person under the age of 21, setting out a punishment of up to $1,000 for a first offense conviction. Subsequent convictions carry a maximum fine of $2,000, a year in prison and loss of business permit.  

Senate Bill 2280 increases by six months, the time required for an intermediate and beginning driver to obtain a permanent license, giving them more time to learn from an experienced driver and develop safer driving skills. It also bans text messaging by intermediate and beginning drivers.  

From Staff Reports and the American Chronicle

Hattiesburg - Brooke Cruthirds is the crurator of a unique Mississippi Landmark: the African American Military History Museum. Over 1500 guests have come through the doors of the museum since it opened on May 23rd, the official grand opening to the public. Since that time the museum has seen a steady flow of visitors from across the State and the nation. “We knew that the numbers would be positive, but this is really encouraging,” said Hattiesburg Convention Commission Executive Director Rick Taylor.

JACKSON — In an incredible story that seems more like a hollywood movie or from the 1900’s, the chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee says the U.S. Justice Department is investigating an incident in the Mississippi Delta in which he was told a mostly white group used weapons and “vigilante” techniques to search for a black burglary suspect. The FBI says it is also looking into the circumstances surrounding the burglary arrest in Sumner during which residents reportedly took it upon themselves to search for the suspect. Democratic U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson represents Tallahatchie County, where witnesses say the manhunt occurred last week. It’s near where black teenager Emmett Till was lynched in 1955. Thompson said Justice officials confirmed they’re investigating.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of MS and the MS State Conference NAACP are calling for state and federal officials to investigate an incident that occurred in Sumner, MS on August 20, 2009.

Our offices received several calls alleging that Tallahatchie County Prosecuting Attorney John Whitten led a heavily armed “militia” consisting of private citizens in search of a suspect accused of breaking and entering. According to initial reports, the incident allegedly involved vigilante and terrorizing activities by public officials in Tallahatchie County.

Dawn Moss continues her work behind the scene

On Monday, August 4, a celebrity panel of judges determined the winner of the “2009 Miss Black USA” crown, Miss Black Pennsylvania, Shayna Rudd. Mississippian Alicia Lewis came in 2nd. The winner  also received an academic scholarship along with a host of other prizes.

Dawn Moss, the 1996 Miss Black USA winner, a International Fashion guru,a Managing Partner for Carolina Kitchen restaurants and spokesmodel for 4Life research is the Executive Producer of the pageant. Her job she said “is to oversee the entire production, make sure everyone does what they are suppose to do, up until the queen is crowned.”