On August 15, a new Louisiana law making texting-while-driving a primary offense took effect. Prior to that date, drivers could be ticketed for texting while behind the wheel, however, the driver had to be pulled over for another violation, such as speeding, before the ticket could be written. Now, police officers will be able to pull over and ticket drivers solely for texting or checking e-mail while driving.

The Coast Guard has called off its search for 11 oil rig workers missing after the explosion of Deep Water Horizon last Tuesday. Assumed dead, the 11 missing workers join 17 other victims injured in the accident - four of whom remain in critical condition.

There are myriad concerns surrounding the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, chief among them is the current and potential harm to the ecosystem. Not only did 11 workers lose their lives in this catastrophe, but also there is the possibility that more people will become sick due to the chemicals BP is using to control the oil spill.emicals BP is using to control the oil spill.

Increased crude oil production in the Gulf of Mexico has sparked hope that the recession will soon end. As the nation returns to economic health, shipping lanes, ports and the gulf oil and gas production and drilling industry will get busier with goods moving in and out.

The average semi-truck weighs about 18,000 pounds without a trailer, while an empty trailer adds about 10,000-15,000 additional pounds. If the semi is making a delivery, the vehicle most likely weighs upward of 60,000 pounds or more.