An annual statewide survey from LSU finds that consumer confidence has fallen below the nation for the first time in recent years. Michael Henderson, research director of the LSU Public Policy Research Lab, says the Louisiana Consumer Sentiment Index fell by six points from the end of the third quarter of 2014 to the end of the first quarter this year…
CUT 3 (06) “six months earlier”
He says the main culprit is the drop in oil prices.

Same-sex couples who want to change their last name on their driver’s license to reflect the same name as their spouse can do so starting today. State Police Lieutenant JB Slaton says the Office of Motor Vehicles had to upgrade their computers.

cut 9 (11) “…is working’
Slaton says couples who wish to change their name, must bring a certified marriage license, along with social security records.

The rising number of youth who are constantly on their cell phones and computers are putting strain on their eyes. Doctors say they’ve seen a growing amount of young patients suffering from computer vision syndrome. Dr. Monica Monica, spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology, says when looking at screens your blink rate decreases….

cut 6 (10) “….syndrome”
She says the best thing to do if you’re in front of a computer all day is to take periodic breaks.

A 36-year-old man faces vehicular homicide charges after the utility terrain vehicle he was driving fipped over and killed a 12-year-old passenger. The incident happened in St. Helena Parish on July fourth. Detective Joe Chaney says people need to be careful on these type of vehicles…
cut 14 (10) “…safety guidelines”
The man arrested has been identified as Joshua Tharpe and he was released from jail on a 100-thousand dollar bond.