Proposed ban on text messaging while driving approved by Pa. House Transportation Committee

Pa. House panel OKs ban on texting while driving

Supreme Court considers what inventions are too abstract to be eligible for patent protection

High court considers what can qualify for a patent

Former New Orleans technology chief, wife, former vendor indicted on bribery and fraud charges

Ex-New Orleans tech chief, wife, vendor indicted

Feds: 14 charged in widening $25M Wall Street insider trading case

Feds: 14 charged in insider trading case

NEW YORK — Two attorneys and Wall Street professionals were among 14 people charged Thursday in a widening $53 million insider trading case that has snared one of America’s richest men and shown white collar suspects to be using the cover-up tactics of drug dealers.

Lawmakers seek to ban laptops, other devices in cockpits after airliner incident

Lawmakers seek ban on laptops in airliner cockpits

Wisconsin state senators approve plan to ban all drivers from sending text messages

MADISON, Wis. — All Wisconsin drivers, not just teenagers, would be banned from sending text messages while driving under a bill that passed the state Senate on Tuesday.

Booksellers say Ohio law shielding kids from harmful material online is threat to free speech

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Supreme Court hears arguments Tuesday in a case that pits defenders of online child protection against advocates of free speech.

Wall Street wake-up call: Hedge fund boss, 5 others charged in $25M-plus insider trading case

NEW YORK — One of America’s wealthiest men was among six hedge fund managers and corporate executives arrested Friday in a hedge fund insider trading case that authorities say generated more than $25 million in illegal profits and was a wake-up call for Wall Street.

Shriver apologizes for violating Calif law banning hand-held cell phones while driving

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California first lady Maria Shriver says she’s sorry for breaking a state law that requires drivers to use hands-free devices while talking on cell phones.

Obama administration, Congress members looking to ban text messaging from the driver’s seat

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration said Thursday it will seek to ban text messaging by interstate bus drivers and truckers and push states to pass their own laws against driving cars while distracted.

Obama administration to push for text messaging bans for truck and bus drivers

WASHINGTON — Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says the Obama administration will pursue new federal rules that could ban text messaging by truck and interstate bus drivers and urge states to pass laws against distracted driving.

Transportation chief signals goal should put the brakes on drivers texting behind the wheel

WASHINGTON — Determined to stop people from texting while driving, the Obama administration plans a campaign similar to past government efforts to discourage drunken driving and encourage the use of seat belts.

Transportation Department holds summit to find ways of curbing cell phone use by drivers

WASHINGTON — Driving while distracted is a growing peril in a nation reluctant to put down its cell phones and handheld devices even behind the wheel, the Obama administration declared on Wednesday. Officials said Congress and the public must team up to reduce the danger.

RI judge tosses $388 million patent infringement verdict against Microsoft

SEATTLE — A federal judge in Rhode Island threw out a $388 million patent infringement jury verdict against Microsoft Corp., the latest move in a six-year legal skirmish.

Transportation Department kicks off effort to prevent drivers from using mobile devices

WASHINGTON — Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood called distracted driving a “menace to society” Wednesday, kicking off a two-day meeting on preventing drivers from using mobile devices behind the wheel.

Government says nearly 6,000 highway deaths tied to driver distraction in 2008

WASHINGTON — Opening a government meeting on auto safety, the Obama administration reported Wednesday that nearly 6,000 people were killed and a half-million injured last year in vehicle crashes connected to driver distraction, a striking indication of the dangers of using mobile devices behind the wheel.

Transportation Dept. kicks off meeting on texting, mobile use by drivers

WASHINGTON — Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood called distracted driving a “menace to society” Wednesday, kicking off a two-day meeting on preventing drivers from using mobile devices behind the wheel.

Feds weigh whether bus, truck drivers should have to hang up their cell phones when driving

WASHINGTON — Safety investigators told federal regulators three years ago that it was dangerous for bus drivers to talk on cell phones while driving, and recommended a ban.

Auto industry group backs ban on handheld texting and cell phone use in cars

WASHINGTON — An auto industry trade group says it supports a ban on texting and using hand-held cell phones while driving in advance of next week’s major government summit on distracted driving.

States offer instant traffic updates via Twitter, sending mixed message on texting and driving

Fiddling with your iPhone behind the wheel can get you fined across much of the nation. But many states are more than happy to tweet you with up-to-the-minute directions on how to steer clear of a traffic jam.

Jury selection begins in civil trial over New Orleans crime camera program

NEW ORLEANS — Jury selection began Monday in a civil trial that claims a rip-off scheme surrounding New Orleans’ problem-plagued crime camera system.

Ford says its supports federal legislation pressuring states to ban texting while driving

WASHINGTON — Ford said Thursday it backs federal legislation pressuring states to ban texting while driving in an effort to reduce driver distractions that could lead to accidents.

Federal safety board says its employees can’t text or talk on cell phones while driving

WASHINGTON — The federal safety agency that investigates transportation accidents is banning texting and talking on cell phones by its employees while driving on government business.

Graphic British safety video about dangers of texting and driving becomes global Internet hit

LONDON — A graphic British public service announcement about the dangers of sending text messages while driving has become an Internet hit and sparked debate around the world.

Graphic British safety video on dangers of texting and driving becomes global Internet hit

LONDON — A graphic public service announcement from British police about the dangers of sending text messages while driving has become a global Internet hit.

In reversal, highway safety association supports state laws against texting behind the wheel

SAVANNAH, Ga. — The national association representing state highway safety officials on Sunday threw its support behind a growing movement to ban text messaging by drivers, reversing its previous stand.

Texas judge OKs patent judgment against Microsoft, tells it to stop selling Word in 60 days

SEATTLE — A federal judge in Texas has ordered Microsoft Corp. to stop selling some versions of its Word software in the U.S. within two months.

Judge says Palin’s use of private e-mail accounts for state business is legal

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — A judge ruled Wednesday that the Alaska governor’s office can use private e-mail accounts to conduct state business, as former Gov. Sarah Palin sometimes did.

Judge says Palin’s use of private e-mail accounts is legal

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — A judge ruled Wednesday that the Alaska governor’s office can use private e-mail accounts to conduct state business, as former Gov. Sarah Palin sometimes did.

Obama administration to convene safety summit on texting, distracted driving

WASHINGTON — Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said Tuesday he will convene a summit of experts to figure out what to do about driver cell phone use and texting, practices that studies — and a growing number of accidents — show can be deadly.