The parents and friends of Maxwell Gruver went before the House Criminal Justice Committee today to urge the panel to pass a bill to strengthen the penalities for those convicted of hazing. Gruver died last September in a suspected hazing incident at an LSU fraternity. Brooke McCulley was Max’s friend and had trouble holding back her tears….
cut 6 (08) “….as such”
Under current law, hazing is a misdemeanor and the maximum penalty is up to 30 days in jail. Lafayette Representative Nancy Landry’s bill would make it a felony.

The state department of corrections has announced the arrest of four prison officers who allegedly smuggled drugs into Angola and also took part in inappropriate behavior with the inmates. The four officers arrested are women and they have resigned. The D-O-C also announced the firing of another officer, while another was placed on administrative leave.

It’s a somber atmosphere outside of the Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, where a two-day public visitiation for Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson is underway. Benson was a devout Catholic, and talked often with Archbishop of New Orleans Gregory Aymond…
cut 11 (10) “…a Christian″
Benson’s funeral is set for Friday.

A site has been selected to re-locate the Isle de Jean Charles residents off an island that’s vanishing off the state’s coast. 11-point-seven million dollars in federal money will go towards building a community for residents in northern Terrebonne Parish. But ground will not be broken until next year. Pat Forbes is with the state Division of Administration….
cut 15 (11) “…to follow”
Forbes says most of the 80 Isle de Jean Charles residents are ready to leave now.