Some redemption today for the parents of Max Gruver as they testified in front of a House committee looking to put more teeth in the state’s hazing law. Jim Shannon has more from the capitol.
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jim Shannon”
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A site has been selected to relocate the residents of Isle de Jean Charles off of their island that’s vanishing because of coastal erosion. Matt Doyle has more..
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”
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The House Criminal Justice passed the Max Gruver Act without objection today which will make hazing a felony crime in Louisiana. Gruver died following an alleged hazing incident one month into his first semester at LSU. Parents Rae Ann and Steven Gruver both tearfully laid out their son’s final hours before the committee asking them to pass this law which may have saved their son.
Cut 3 (16) “fly high max”
The bill heads to the House floor. Fighting back tears, Rae Ann, emphasized how this death has affected her family.
Cut 4 (10) “is broken”
Steven Gruver talked about meeting with other parents of kids who have perished from hazing.
Cut 5 (09) “ya’lls support”.
Brooke McCulley was Max’s friend and she testified how difficult it was for her because she says when you know someone who dies from hazing its different.
Cut 6 (08) “as such.”
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Today, thousands of young persons are joining nationwide for the 23rd annual Kick Butts Day, sponsored by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. Health advocates are calling on elected officials to implement proven strategies that help bring a young generation tobacco-free. Anti-tobacco advocate Carlos Vela says the tobacco companies are working hard to trying to get youngsters addicted to a deadly habit…
Cut 7 (07) “every hour.”
One recent development in the tobacco industry is proving deadly, E-Cigarettes or electronic cigarettes. Vela says youth are constantly bombarded with pressure from tobacco companies and advertising agencies…
Cut 8 (13) “a stand.”
Director of Youth Advocacy Gustavo Torres says the best plan to stop anyone from smoking is just don’t start. That’s why it’s important to begin talking to young persons as soon as they are able to comprehend what smoking is…
Cut 9 (06) “for life.”
The national youth smoking rate is a record low 8-percent. In Louisiana, i’ts up to 12-percent. Kickbuttday.org has more information about events going on in Louisiana today.
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Public visitation for departed Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson is underway at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans. Mourners can pay their last respects until 7pm today and 8am to 1pm tomorrow, with a private funeral ceremony on Friday at noon. Archbishop of New Orleans Gregory Aymond says it’s a last opportunity for fans to pay their respects to a man who meant a lot to the city.
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Benson, a devout Catholic, talked often with the Archbishop Aymond….
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Aymond says Benson didn’t have it easy growing up, but was able to work his way to the top, becoming the richest man in Louisiana.
Cut 12 (11) “he did”
Benson had an estimated net worth of 2.5 billion dollars.
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A site has been selected for the residents of Isle de Jean Charles to relocate. They currently live on a tiny, sinking island along the state’s coast, which is at risk of being crushed by a major hurricane. In response, HUD awarded the community a 48.3 million dollar resettlement package. Louisiana Office of Community Development Executive Director Pat Forbes says it’s been a slow motion disaster.
Cut 13 (12) “90 percent”
11.7 million of the resettlement dollars are going to the development of a new community in northern Terrebonne Parish for the residents of Isle de Jean Charles. Forbes says most of the 80 residents are ready to leave, but he understands why some are still holding out.
Cut 14 (11) “to move.”
After relocating, residents will still have access to their Isle de Jean Charles property, as long as it’s still there.
Forbes says many residents have expressed concern over how long the process is taking. The state won’t break ground on the new community until 2019, which means the islanders may have to ride out one or two more hurricane seasons before they leave. Forbes empathizes, but says federal dollars have strings attached.
Cut 15 (11) “to follow.”