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”

Public visitation for departed Saints and Pelcians owner Tom Benson is underway. Archbishop of New Orleans Gregory Aymond says Benson worked hard to get where he was…

Cut 12 (11)   “he did”

Funeral services will be held Friday afternoon.

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”

The Mississippi River has recently crested along many local points within the last 24-36 hours. The river ultimately peaked at 43.78 feet in Baton Rouge. That will go down as the 9th highest crest on record dating back to records from the 1880’s. Heavy rainfall in February is responsible for the high waters.

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.

Cut 3 (16) “fly high max”

Their son was found to have choked to death on vomit, with a blood alcohol content of .495 after allegedly being coerced into drinking a 190 proof alcohol. The legal BAC is .08 for drivers

Three members of the Phi Delta Fraternity have been indicted on hazing charges, which currently comes with a 100 dollar fine and thirty days in jail.

20-year-old Matthew Naquin, was charged with negligent homicide.

And Governor John Bel Edwards indicates he would likely sign legislation that prohibits an abortion after 15 weeks from the start of pregnancy. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Ville Platte Senator Eric Lafleur is proposing a bill that would allow some 19 and 20-year-olds to purchase alcohol if they obtain a special certificate. LaFleur says he’s bringing the bill forward, because most people have had a drink before they turn 21 anyway.

He says this could incentivize young drinkers to partake in public venues which he says is safer than drinking in private.

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, with a blood alcohol content of .495. The legal limit is .08.

Parents Rae Ann and Steven Gruver both tearfully laid out their son’s final hours before the committee. 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”.

Gruver, and other pledges were allegedly coerced into drinking a 190 proof alcohol.

Today, thousands of young persons are joining nationwide for the 23^rd 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.  Director of Youth Advocacy Gustavo Torres says the best plan to stop anyone from smoking is just don’t start.

Cut 9 (06) “for life.”

The national youth smoking rate is a record low 8-percent.  In Louisiana, i’ts up to 12-percent.

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. In response, HUD awarded the community a 48.3 million dollar resettlement package. Louisiana Office of Community Development Executive Director Pat Forbes says most of the 80 residents are ready to leave.

Cut 14 (11) “to move.”

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”

Meanwhile, LSU has banned Phi Delta Theta through 2032. Six students who were arrested for hazing Gruver last September in the Phi Delta Theta house were still currently enrolled at LSU as of last month. Three were indicted in the death of Gruver and a fourth, Matthew Naquin is accused of negligent homicide, which is punishable up to five years in jail.

It’s Kick Butts Day, an event in which youth from across America team together in calling on officials to help bring up a tobacco free generation. Spokesman Carlos Vela says tobacco companies are using E-Cigarettes or electronic cigarettes to promote youth smoking…

Cut 8 (13) “a stand.”

12 percent of youth smoke in Louisiana.

A site has been selected for the residents of Isle de Jean Charles to relocate. The tiny island is sinking which makes it a risk of being crushed by a major hurricane. HUD has 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) “98 percent”

The House Criminal Justice passed the Max Gruver Act without objection today which will make hazing a felony crime in Louisiana. Parents Rae Ann and Steven Gruver both tearfully laid out their son Max Gruver’s final hours before the committee. Through the tears Rae Ann emphasized how this death has affected her family…

Cut 4  (11) “is broken”

Today, thousands of young persons are joining nationwide for the 23^rd annual Kick Butts Day, sponsored by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. Health advocates are calling for laws that will implement proven strategies that help bring a young generation tobacco-free. 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.”

Public visitation for mourners of departed Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson begins today at the Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans. The church will be open until 7pm today and 8am to 1pm tomorrow, with a private funeral ceremony being held 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.

Cut 10 (08) “could do”

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to their charity of choice.

A bill that increases the penalty for hazing by increasing fines and jail time is before the House Criminal Justice Committee today. The maximum penalty ones who are found guilty face is a 100 dollar fine and up to 30 days in jail. Lafayette Representative Nancy Landry wants to change that…

Cut 15 (10) “a crime.”

Maxwell Gruver’s parents are at the capitol today testifying about their son’s death and is supporting Landry’s bill.

A Senate Judiciary Committee passed a bill that would allow citizens to vote on requiring unanimous jury verdicts for felony convictions. Currently, only 10 of 12 jurors are needed to convict someone of a felony in the state. New Orleans Senator JP Morrell says the current laws aren’t making people any safer…

Cut 11 (10) “to jail”

A Senate Committee votes for legislation giving the residents of Tangipahoa Parish the opportunity to vote on a proposed riverboat casino.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

Four Angola prison employees have been arrested with a fifth placed on administrative leave. Penitentiary investigators say the allegations range from having inappropriate relationships with offenders, drug smuggling and receiving money from offenders and their relatives. Authorities say more arrests are expected as they continue the investigation.

Senate Judiciary B passed a bill to give Tangipahoa residents an opportunity to vote on allowing a casino along the Tangipahoa River near the I-12 Robert exit. If adopted, the Diamond Jack Casino in Bossier could be relocated.

The measure escaped deferment two to one, with Houma Republican “Norby” Chabert the lone dissenter. Charbert questioned the decision to move the casino to Robert, saying the area may not be the best location to support the venture.

Cut 6 (08) “the state.”

Chairmen of Peninsula Pacific Brent Stevens, the company that owns Diamond Jack, responded to Charbet’s critique. He says after a thorough analysis, his company realized that the region was ripe for a new facility.

Cut 7 (12)  “Tangipahoa Parish.”

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A Senate Judiciary Committee passed a bill that would allow citizens to vote on whether Louisiana should require unanimous juries for felony convictions. Currently, only 10 of 12 jurors are needed to convict someone of a felony. New Orleans Senator JP Morrell says our current laws aren’t making people any safer in one of the most crime ridden states in the nation.

Morrell argued that research done by the Innocence Project, a group that helps overturn wrongful convictions, proves unanimous juries help safeguard civil liberties.

Cut 12 (08) “jury convictions”

But Executive Director of the Louisiana District Attorneys Association Pete Adams spoke out against the legislation, he is concerned that stiffening conviction requirements would lead to more mistrials, which can be expensive for the state. He also says the US Supreme Court has already weighed in and deemed non unanimous juries an adequate requirement for justice.

Cut 14 (07) “last summer.”

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A bill that increases the penalty for hazing will go before the House Criminal Justice Committee today.  Kelley Ray has more.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

A House bill to establish a rebate for first time home buyers in Louisiana passed the Ways and Means Committee. Monroe Representative Jay Morris says the state doesn’t have money to fund this 15-million-dollar rebate plan. Since the Governor is calling for reductions to balance the budget, Morris says there’s no room to find money to fund Davis’ bill…

Cut 10 (10) “TOPS fully.”

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Senate Judiciary B passed a bill to give Tangipahoa residents an opportunity to vote on allowing a casino along the Tangipahoa River near the I-12 Robert exit. If adopted, the Diamond Jack Casino in Bossier could be relocated. Tangipahoa Council member Lewis Joseph says if approved, the casino would help the parish fund its education system.

Cut 5  (10)  “to spend”

A Senate Judiciary Committee passed a bill that would allow citizens to vote on whether Louisiana should require unanimous juries for felony convictions. Currently, only 10 of 12 jurors are needed to convict someone of a felony. Executive Director of the Louisiana District Attorneys Association Pete Adams spoke out against the legislation, saying neither politicians nor the public have enough quality research at hand to make a decision on the issue.

Cut 13 (09)  “more reliable.”

A Senate Committee has advanced a constitutional amendment that would require unanimous jury verdicts for felony convictions. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (32) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Senate Judiciary B passed a bill to give Tangipahoa residents an opportunity to vote on allowing a casino along the Tangipahoa River near the I-12 Robert exit. If adopted, the Diamond Jack Casino in Bossier could be relocated. Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller, who is in favor of the project, called on the committee to leave the potential re-location to the people of his parish.

Cut 4  (05) “to decide” 

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A House bill to establish a rebate for first time home buyers in Louisiana passed the Ways and Means Committee. Monroe Representative Marcus Hunter voiced concern over the bill. He says since parishes don’t share homestead exemption records between them, that some homeowners could take advantage of the proposed tax break…

Cut 9 (10)  “of it.”

A bill that increases the penalty for hazing by increasing fines and jail time goes before the House Criminal Justice Committee today. Three students responsible for the suspected hazing death of LSU student Maxwell Gruver were indicted last week and the maximum penalty they face is a 100 dollar fine and up to 30 days in jail. Lafayette Representative Nancy Landry wants to take this bill a step further. A provision in the bill would fine Greek organizations and hold them responsible if a hazing injury or death occurred as a result of their actions…

Cut 16 (10) “the campus.”

A Senate Committee votes for legislation giving the residents of Tangipahoa Parish the opportunity to vote on a proposed riverboat casino. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

A House bill to establish a rebate for first time home buyers in Louisiana passed the Ways and Means Committee. Baton Rouge Representative Paula Davis told the committee that a lack of cash and college debts are making it nearly impossible for young persons to own a residence in Louisiana…

Cut 8 (06)  “should promote.”

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A Senate Judiciary Committee passed a bill that would allow citizens to vote on whether Louisiana should require unanimous juries for felony convictions. Currently, only 10 of 12 jurors are needed to convict someone of a felony. New Orleans Senator JP Morrell says our current laws aren’t making people any safer in one of the most crime ridden states in the nation.

Cut 11 (10) “to jail”

A bill that increases the penalty for hazing by increasing fines and jail time goes before the House Criminal Justice Committee today. Three students responsible for the suspected hazing death of LSU student Maxwell Gruver were indicted last week and the maximum penalty they face is a 100 dollar fine and up to 30 days in jail. Lafayette Representative Nancy Landry says it’s not enough…

Cut 15 (10) “a crime.”