събота, 30 април 2011 г.

ND0425114

Title: Fast Casual Movers and Shakers
Description: Fastcasual.com reveals the top 100 strongest players in the fast casual segment.
Page Content:

LOUISVILLE, KY ? Last week Fastcasual.com released its 2011 Top 100 Movers and Shakers ranks the restaurant-industry segment's best brands�based on innovation, sales and unit growth, marketing successes and food quality.

?This year's winner smoked the competition, boosting both average-unit volumes and overall�sales in 2010,? noted the news source, referring to Jacksonville, Florida-based Firehouse Subs.

?Our top 10 fast casual brands used the economic recession as an opportunity rather than an obstacle and used creativity and innovation to move their brands and the segment forward,? wrote Valerie Killifer, fastcasual.com?s editorial vice president, foodservice division.

The top 10 fast-causal restaurants are:

  1. Firehouse Subs
  2. Wildflower Bread Company
  3. Genghis Grill
  4. Mooyah
  5. Five Guys Burgers & Fries
  6. Go Roma
  7. Chipotle Mexican Grill
  8. Tom & Eddie?s
  9. Wow Bao
  10. Au Bon Pain

In addition to the top 100, this year?s issue�includes a look at the top marketing, technology and food trends of 2010, along with an executive Q&A with Panera Bread chairman Ron Shaich.

Content Subject: Foodservice
Formatted Article Date: April 25, 2011

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ND0422114

Title: Milwaukee Votes to Add Cameras to Convenience Stores
Description: The city now requires retailers to have two high-definition surveillance cameras.
Page Content:

MILWAUKEE, Wis. ?Milwaukee Mayer Tom Barrett signed into law a new requirement for city convenience stores to have at least two high-definition surveillance cameras to record the comings and goings of customers, the Milwaukee News Buzz reports. Earlier this month, the city?s Common Council approved the bill, which had been pushed by the Milwaukee Police Department.

The measure replaces the old ordinance that allowed convenience stores to have one camera that produced ?reproducible digital color images.? The new regulations require retailers to install at least two ?high resolution surveillance security cameras.? The rules even dictate where the camera lens must capture: one at the entrance and one on the cash register area.

The law also changes how the video will be recorded. Instead of on videotapes, now images must be stored on recordable DVDs or CDs that are not rewritable. Retailers have to keep the CDs or DVDs for at least 30 days.

?In some cases where the cameras are older and haven?t been updated, the resolution is really not as good as it could be,? said Alderman Michael Murphy, who sponsored the bill.

Under the new law, many stores will have to replace their current taping systems with new digital ones, while some will have to add a second camera. ?Digital cameras now are substantially cheaper than they?ve ever been,? said Murphy. ?It?s the cost of doing business?More eyes on the scene of where customers are doing business and on the employees provides greater safety and security.?

Murphy emphasized that the new rules are to help catch suspects who committed crimes, such as robberies.

Only one member voted against the ordinance. ?This is government helping save us from ourselves,? said Alderman Jim Bohl. ?There?s an imposition to business owners. While I think it is clearly something business owners should do, it also becomes a point where we start providing mandates and it potentially becomes a slippery slope and an additional cost of doing business.?

Content Subject: Risk Management & Security
Formatted Article Date: April 22, 2011

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In flashpoint Syrian city, another day of shelling

A few dozen tanks fired shells on Saturday in the restive Syrian city of Daraa, the site of ongoing clashes between security forces and protesters, eyewitnesses told CNN.

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President of Technology Firm Pleads Guilty in Kickback Scheme

The founder and president of a technology services company located in Rhode Island and Georgia pleaded guilty Thursday in U.S. District Court in Providence to bribing a public official in a kickback scheme netting more than $9 million of naval funds.

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Mann first UK woman to enter Indy 500

Pippa Mann is hoping to make history after becoming the first female British driver to enter the prestigious Indianapolis 500 race.

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Cape Cod Gambling Group Charged with Illegal Gambling and Obstructing and Investigation

Adam Hart, William Neoftistos and Timothy Reardon were charged with operating an illegal gambling business and conspiring to obstruct a Massachusetts State Police investigation into their activities. All the defendants have agreed to plead guilty and cooperate with the government?s investigation. The three allegedly operated an illegal gambling business from approximately 2000 through 2009.

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ND0428114

Title: U.S. Department of Labor Investigates Alleged N.J. Gasoline Station Wage Violations
Description: The agency is conducting a 12-month examination into claims that station attendants receive less than the minimum wage.
Page Content:

HADDONFIELD, N.J. -- The U.S. Labor Department is in the middle of a yearlong investigation into alleged violations of wage and hour laws at New Jersey gasoline stations, the Associated Press reports. New Jersey is one of two states that prohibit customers from pumping their own gasoline.

The agency believes that gasoline attendants are not receiving minimum wage or being paid properly for overtime throughout the state. All 20 northern New Jersey wage-and-hour examiners and some investigators from the southern part of the state are probing alleged abuses.

?It?s one of the worst industries that we have in our state in terms of overall compliance,? said Joseph Petrecca, head of the department?s northern N.J. Wage and Hour Division. He claims that around three-fifths of gasoline retailers do not pay their employees properly.

Petrecca said examiners have attempted to discover illegal pay practices before but now have implemented surveillance methods to capture wrongdoings. From 2007 to 2010, the Labor Department garnered $1.2 million in back pay for N.J. gasoline station workers.

The ?NINJA? campaign?for Noncompliance Initiative for New Jersey Attendants?started in October and has gathered more than $600,000 thus far, said Petrecca.

Sal Risalvato, executive director of the New Jersey Gasoline C-Store Automotive Association, said the campaign isn?t fair to the state?s gasoline retailers. ?It's not that it's prevalent in gas stations?it?s common in any kind of business where the owner does it all and they don't have a payroll department,? he said.

Risalvato also pointed out that many times, the employee is salaried, but regulators think they should receive hourly pay instead. ?They're making it like business owners are ripping off employees,? he said. ?They're not. It's not like the employees are complaining about it.?

Content Subject: Human Resources
Formatted Article Date: April 28, 2011

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ND0428117

Title: Indiana AG Looks Into $4 Gas Prices
Description: Also, the West Virginia AG explains what can and cannot be done about rising pump prices.
Page Content:

INDIANAPOLIS ? The state attorney general?s office is investigating why gasoline stations in central Indiana hiked pump prices above $4 on Monday, WXIN-TV reports. An office spokesperson indicated that the examination was triggered because wholesale prices for regular unleaded gasoline on Monday ranged from $3.40 to $3.55, plus taxes.

The attorney general?s chief economist said he wants answers as to why the spike in gasoline prices. ?I want to make sure exactly from whom and when they purchased gasoline from. From there I can go back to that same supplier and see what are the ongoing prices that they maintained,? said Tom Bowdin.

If he finds that prices shouldn?t have gone up that much, Bowdin indicated that consumers could see a refund. ?The retail stations have worked with us to provide a refund to consumers back to a market price that was sustainable,? he said, adding that if a station is found to have engaged in price gouging, the attorney general?s office can issue a fine.

Meanwhile, a few states over, the West Virginia attorney general?s office is trying to explain to residents what can and cannot be done about rising pump prices. ?The price gouging law is only triggered when there is a declaration of an emergency by the governor or the Legislature, or a national declaration by the U.S. President,? said Doug Davis, assistant attorney general in West Virginia Attorney General?s Office, to WVNS-TV.

The AG?s office is attempting to educate consumers in how the prices are set for fuel. ?It gives a little information on how the gasoline industry works and our role in dealing with gasoline price gouging,? said Davis.

An investigation into price gouging allegations following Hurricane Ike in 2008 found ?that the retailers were staying within that 10 percent price cap,? said Davis.

Content Subject: Petroleum Retailing
Formatted Article Date: April 28, 2011

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Mexican kingpin extradited to U.S.

Drug kingpin Benjamin Arellano Felix, one of the leaders of the major Tijuana cartel, was extradited to the United States on Friday, Mexico's attorney general's office said.

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NATO: Slain U.S. troops were armed

The eight American troops killed by an Afghan pilot earlier this week at an airport in Kabul l were all armed with "weapons and ammo," according to the preliminary findings released Friday of an investigation by NATO and the Afghan government.

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ND0428114

Title: U.S. Department of Labor Investigates Alleged N.J. Gasoline Station Wage Violations
Description: The agency is conducting a 12-month examination into claims that station attendants receive less than the minimum wage.
Page Content:

HADDONFIELD, N.J. -- The U.S. Labor Department is in the middle of a yearlong investigation into alleged violations of wage and hour laws at New Jersey gasoline stations, the Associated Press reports. New Jersey is one of two states that prohibit customers from pumping their own gasoline.

The agency believes that gasoline attendants are not receiving minimum wage or being paid properly for overtime throughout the state. All 20 northern New Jersey wage-and-hour examiners and some investigators from the southern part of the state are probing alleged abuses.

?It?s one of the worst industries that we have in our state in terms of overall compliance,? said Joseph Petrecca, head of the department?s northern N.J. Wage and Hour Division. He claims that around three-fifths of gasoline retailers do not pay their employees properly.

Petrecca said examiners have attempted to discover illegal pay practices before but now have implemented surveillance methods to capture wrongdoings. From 2007 to 2010, the Labor Department garnered $1.2 million in back pay for N.J. gasoline station workers.

The ?NINJA? campaign?for Noncompliance Initiative for New Jersey Attendants?started in October and has gathered more than $600,000 thus far, said Petrecca.

Sal Risalvato, executive director of the New Jersey Gasoline C-Store Automotive Association, said the campaign isn?t fair to the state?s gasoline retailers. ?It's not that it's prevalent in gas stations?it?s common in any kind of business where the owner does it all and they don't have a payroll department,? he said.

Risalvato also pointed out that many times, the employee is salaried, but regulators think they should receive hourly pay instead. ?They're making it like business owners are ripping off employees,? he said. ?They're not. It's not like the employees are complaining about it.?

Content Subject: Human Resources
Formatted Article Date: April 28, 2011

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President of Technology Firm Pleads Guilty in Kickback Scheme

The founder and president of a technology services company located in Rhode Island and Georgia pleaded guilty Thursday in U.S. District Court in Providence to bribing a public official in a kickback scheme netting more than $9 million of naval funds.

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ND0422112

Title: Soaring Pump Prices Line Pockets of Credit Card Firms
Description: Gasoline retailers are not happy with high prices because of the big bite swipe fees take.
Page Content:

ATLANTA ? Across the country, the price of gasoline has edged closer to ? and, in some places over ? $4 a gallon. Skyrocketing pump prices hurt consumers, but can benefit oil companies and another business ? credit card companies. That?s because credit card firms make a percentage each time a fill-up is charged, WSB-TV reports.

Credit card companies rake in between eight and 10 cents on each gallon of gasoline bought with a credit card. ?Although it doesn't show up on your statement, it shows up in the price of gasoline because retailers pay anywhere from 2 to 3 percent of the purchase to credit card companies when you use plastic,? said Jim Tudor, president of the Georgia Association of Convenience Stores.

?Our customers think we're making all this money, and we're some of the first people they get angry at,? said Tudor, adding that higher pump prices hurt in-store sales, too.

Some convenience stores are trying different promotions to lure customers inside the stores, like an Atlanta QuikTrip location that gave away free pastries.

?Gasoline is not where we make profit, so if all of your money is spent at the gas pump, our model doesn't work,? explained Tudor. He added that retailers would probably soon advertise lower pump prices to drivers who pay cash.

Content Subject: Petroleum Retailing
Formatted Article Date: April 22, 2011

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Top Ten News Stories for the Week Ending April 29.

A capture in a nationwide manhunt and fraud schemes top week's stories.

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ND0422115

Title: Retailers Turn to Technology to Lower Drive-Offs
Description: QuikTrip?s PumpStart is helping the retailer reduce the number of drivers who fill up and leave without paying.
Page Content:

DES MOINES, Iowa ? Higher gasoline prices are contributing to an increase in drive-offs, the Des Moines Register reports. ?We have noticed an increase in gas drive-offs since gas prices have gone up. However, the number of drive-offs is not as high as it's been in the past,? said Sgt. Chris Scott with the Des Moines Police Department.

In this state where an honor system still exists, convenience store retailers have not been quick to ask for prepayment at the pump. But law enforcement officials highly recommend prepayment requirements as a deterrent to drive-offs.

New technology and more stations offering prepayment options have lowered theft of gasoline, according to police. For example, QuikTrip installed a new security system in its Des Moines area locations six years ago, which virtually stopped drive-offs.

Called PumpStart, motorists scan their driver?s licenses to get a PumpStart card, which activates the fueling pump. This allows customers to pay inside after filling their tanks, said QuikTrip spokesman Mike Thornbrugh.

By requiring either prepayment or use of PumpStart, thieves can?t get away with stealing gasoline. Before implementing PumpStart, gasoline thefts at QuikTrip stations cost the company around $12 million each year, said Thornburgh.

Despite the evidence that technology stops most drive-offs, some convenience stores prefer to rely on the honesty of its customers. ?At Kum & Go, we firmly believe people are trustworthy,? said spokeswoman Catherine Huggins. The company has no pre-pay policy in place.

Sometimes not paying is attributed to faulty memory. Across the country, police who stop motorists who have left without paying for their fill-up say frequently the reply is the driver forgot to pay, said NACS spokesman Jeff Lenard.

?The level of forgetfulness is directly related to the price of gas. It seems more than coincidence that it increases when prices increase,? said Lenard.

Content Subject: NACS, Petroleum Retailing
Formatted Article Date: April 22, 2011

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ND0428118

Title: Thorntons Partners With Make-A-Wish Foundation
Description: All locations will sell Wish Stars for $1 to raise funds for the nonprofit.
Page Content:

LOUISVILLE, Ky. ? For the fourth year, Thorntons is partnering with the Make- A- Wish Foundation of Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. Starting yesterday, all Thorntons store locations are selling Wish Stars for $1, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the foundation. Since 2008, Thorntons has raised more than $40,000 for the foundation.

?We are very proud to partner with such a great organization as the Make-A-Wish Foundation,? said Matt Thornton, president/CEO of Thorntons, in a press release. ?We have seen an overwhelmingly positive response from our customers in regards to this program, and we are thrilled to serve as a vehicle for our customers to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation.?

The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Founded in 1983, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana chapter is the largest of the 64 Make-A-Wish chapters in the country in both territory and wishes granted. The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana, Kentucky Region has fulfilled the individual wishes of 852 local children since it was founded in 2001. Currently, the foundation has more than 225 pending wishes.

Content Subject: Operations
Formatted Article Date: April 28, 2011

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Former Federal Probation Officer Convicted on Civil Rights Charges

Mark John Walker, 52, of Eugene, Oregon, pleaded guilty to violating victims' Constitutional rights by engaging in sexual contact or aggravated sexual abuse with female offenders who were under his direct supervision as a federal probation officer from 2006 to 2009. While exercising his authority as a probation officer, Walker willfully violated the victims' civil rights by kissing them or touching their breasts, buttocks and inner thighs without their consent and in order to gratify his own sexual desires.

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Alonso: Ferrari too slow in China

Ferrari's Fernando Alonso says the Italian team were too slow at Sunday's Chinese Grand Prix as the legendary marque continued their stuttering start to the 2011 Formula One season.

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Columbia Man Pleads Guilty to Enticement of a Minor

Roy R. Browne, 29, faces a term of imprisonment of not less than 10 years in prison.

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Hamilton targets more Turkish delight

Lewis Hamilton hopes McLaren can continue to challenge Red Bull's dominance when the Formula One circuit returns to action in Turkey this weekend.

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Mexican kingpin extradited to U.S.

Drug kingpin Benjamin Arellano Felix, one of the leaders of the major Tijuana cartel, was extradited to the United States on Friday, Mexico's attorney general's office said.

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Lucasville Man Sentenced to 138 Months in Prison for Running Large Pot Growing Operation

Kevin L. Burton, 50, of Lucasville was sentenced in United States District Court to 138 months' imprisonment for overseeing a marijuana growing operation in southern Ohio that reached into central Ohio and South Carolina

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ND0427118

Title: California Lawmakers Nix Soda Tax Proposal
Description: The bill was created as a way to generate revenue for obesity prevention programs.
Page Content:

SACRAMENTO, CA ? A California Assembly committee shelved a proposal to tax sodas, sweet teas, sport drinks, and other sugary beverages, the Sacrament Bee reports.

Assembly Bill 669 was held without a vote, so the bill technically remains alive, though lawmakers conceded it is unlikely to advance.

Indeed, Assemblyman Bill Monning, who drafted the bill, said the committee would not move AB 669 to the Assembly floor unless it can win a two-thirds vote there, which is not yet the case.�

"I would acknowledge that it's an uphill struggle," Monning said.

Monning drafted the bill to generate revenue for obesity prevention programs, seeking to assess a one penny per fluid ounce tax on sugar drinks distributed in California.

"I remain committed to continuing to pursue this issue and educating the public about the dangers of sugary drinks ? the biggest contributor to current obesity trends," Monning said after the bill failed to gain movement. "The long-term health of California's children is at risk and we must work together to avoid a future influx of chronically ill adults into our already overstressed healthcare system.

Opponents to the bill maintained it would harm the beverage industry and that sugar drink consumption is a matter of personal responsibility and parental authority.

Content Subject: Marketing/Merchandising
Formatted Article Date: December 30, 1899

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ND0428115

Title: Mountain Mudd Drives Into Connecticut
Description: The drive-thru kiosks will enter the state later this year.
Page Content:

ST. PAUL, Minn. ? Mountain Mudd Espresso drive-thru specialty coffee is expanding into the state of Connecticut through a long-term contract with PJP Coffee Enterprises, Inc. ?I?m thrilled to represent the Mountain Mudd brand and bring world-class specialty coffee drinks to the Nutmeg State,? said Phillip J. Penn, owner of PJP Coffee Enterprises, in a press release.

Penn, already a minority owner of two non-competing beverage businesses, will be drawing on more than two decades of business experience to drive the success of Mountain Mudd in Connecticut. First phase of the development includes opening two Mountain Mudd kiosks in Hartford and Litchfield counties in 2011, with plans to develop 38 additional franchise locations in Connecticut by early 2016.

?We are excited to grow into the Connecticut market and move into this strategic relationship with Phil Penn,? said Gary Braaten, president of Mountain Mudd operations for CHS. ?Phil?s experience and entrepreneurial spirit are impressive, and his personal passion for the brand is contagious. This expansion fits our mission of becoming the dominant, premier drive-thru specialty coffee retailer worldwide. The success of our franchisees is our highest priority.?

Despite the weak economic backdrop, Mountain Mudd Espresso system-wide sales held strong in 2010, and are slated for substantial growth in 2011, according to Braaten.

?Mountain Mudd locations offer the same great experience and delectable products, whether you order your latte in Burlington, Conn., or Byblos, Lebanon,? said Jill Mason, Mountain Mudd national sales consultant. ?Progressive entrepreneurs recognize the value of this brand and are capitalizing on the market for convenient, premium beverages.?

Content Subject: Marketing/Merchandising
Formatted Article Date: April 28, 2011

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петък, 29 април 2011 г.

'Flight recorder' found for Air France crash

Search teams have found a part of the crucial "black box" data recorders of the Air France flight which crashed into the Atlantic Ocean in 2009, says France's Bureau of Investigation and Analysis (BEA).

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ND0422117

Title: McDonald?s Responds to Happy Meal Lawsuit
Description: The fast-food company asks for a dismissal of the suit from a mother who said she couldn?t say no to her children?s request for Happy Meals.
Page Content:

SAN FRANCISCO ? In December, a mother filed a lawsuit against McDonald?s claiming that the fast-food chain made it difficult to say no to her children. McDonald?s has responded this week with a request for dismissal because parents have the freedom not to purchase Happy Meals for their kids, Reuters reports.

The plaintiff, Monet Parham, accused the restaurant of luring children to eat its food with toys, saying that McDonald?s has violated California consumer protection laws with its advertising. Some localities like San Francisco have banned toys with kids? meals if the food is not healthy enough, while Florida wants to make sure toys can stay with any children?s meals.

Parham says in her suit that she does regularly tell her children ?no? when asked to buy Happy Meals, McDonald?s wrote in its court papers. ?She was not misled by any advertising, nor did she rely on any information from McDonald's,? the company said.

If the lawsuit is allowed, it would open a whole can of legal worms, said McDonald?s. ?In short, advertising to children any product that a child asks for but the parent does not want to buy would constitute an unfair trade practice,? said the fast-food chain.

Content Subject: Foodservice
Formatted Article Date: April 22, 2011

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Lucasville Man Sentenced to 138 Months in Prison for Running Large Pot Growing Operation

Kevin L. Burton, 50, of Lucasville was sentenced in United States District Court to 138 months' imprisonment for overseeing a marijuana growing operation in southern Ohio that reached into central Ohio and South Carolina

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ND0428117

Title: Indiana AG Looks Into $4 Gas Prices
Description: Also, the West Virginia AG explains what can and cannot be done about rising pump prices.
Page Content:

INDIANAPOLIS ? The state attorney general?s office is investigating why gasoline stations in central Indiana hiked pump prices above $4 on Monday, WXIN-TV reports. An office spokesperson indicated that the examination was triggered because wholesale prices for regular unleaded gasoline on Monday ranged from $3.40 to $3.55, plus taxes.

The attorney general?s chief economist said he wants answers as to why the spike in gasoline prices. ?I want to make sure exactly from whom and when they purchased gasoline from. From there I can go back to that same supplier and see what are the ongoing prices that they maintained,? said Tom Bowdin.

If he finds that prices shouldn?t have gone up that much, Bowdin indicated that consumers could see a refund. ?The retail stations have worked with us to provide a refund to consumers back to a market price that was sustainable,? he said, adding that if a station is found to have engaged in price gouging, the attorney general?s office can issue a fine.

Meanwhile, a few states over, the West Virginia attorney general?s office is trying to explain to residents what can and cannot be done about rising pump prices. ?The price gouging law is only triggered when there is a declaration of an emergency by the governor or the Legislature, or a national declaration by the U.S. President,? said Doug Davis, assistant attorney general in West Virginia Attorney General?s Office, to WVNS-TV.

The AG?s office is attempting to educate consumers in how the prices are set for fuel. ?It gives a little information on how the gasoline industry works and our role in dealing with gasoline price gouging,? said Davis.

An investigation into price gouging allegations following Hurricane Ike in 2008 found ?that the retailers were staying within that 10 percent price cap,? said Davis.

Content Subject: Petroleum Retailing
Formatted Article Date: April 28, 2011

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Nampa Man Arrested for Enticing 12-Year-Old Girl to Idaho

Alex Trowell, 18, of Nampa, Idaho, appeared today in federal court in Boise on charges of enticing a 12-year-old New Mexico girl to engage in sexual activity and transporting the girl from New Mexico to Idaho to engage in sexual activity for which an individual can be criminally charged.

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Somalian Sentenced to Federal Prison for Making False Statements on Application for Asylum

Ahmed Muhammed Dhakane, 25, a citizen of Somalia, was sentenced to ten years in federal prison after admitting to making false statements under penalty of perjury on his application for asylum.

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Four Indicted for Alleged Roles in Sham Minority Cable Business in Chicago

Four defendants were indicted on federal fraud charges for allegedly engaging in a sham minority-owned cable installation business that fraudulently obtained more than $8.3 million in subcontracts from a cable company that serves residents on the city?s north side.

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ND0422117

Title: McDonald?s Responds to Happy Meal Lawsuit
Description: The fast-food company asks for a dismissal of the suit from a mother who said she couldn?t say no to her children?s request for Happy Meals.
Page Content:

SAN FRANCISCO ? In December, a mother filed a lawsuit against McDonald?s claiming that the fast-food chain made it difficult to say no to her children. McDonald?s has responded this week with a request for dismissal because parents have the freedom not to purchase Happy Meals for their kids, Reuters reports.

The plaintiff, Monet Parham, accused the restaurant of luring children to eat its food with toys, saying that McDonald?s has violated California consumer protection laws with its advertising. Some localities like San Francisco have banned toys with kids? meals if the food is not healthy enough, while Florida wants to make sure toys can stay with any children?s meals.

Parham says in her suit that she does regularly tell her children ?no? when asked to buy Happy Meals, McDonald?s wrote in its court papers. ?She was not misled by any advertising, nor did she rely on any information from McDonald's,? the company said.

If the lawsuit is allowed, it would open a whole can of legal worms, said McDonald?s. ?In short, advertising to children any product that a child asks for but the parent does not want to buy would constitute an unfair trade practice,? said the fast-food chain.

Content Subject: Foodservice
Formatted Article Date: April 22, 2011

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ND0429116

Title: 7-Eleven Acquires Wilson Farms
Description: This agreement expands the western New York presence of 7-Eleven.
Page Content:

DALLAS -- 7-Eleven, Inc. has signed an agreement to purchase Wilson Farms, a Buffalo-based convenience store chain with 188 outlets in New York state, with an expected closing in the second quarter. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The addition of Wilson Farms significantly increases 7-Eleven's presence in the western New York area. Post closing, 7-Eleven will assume responsibility for all Wilson Farms locations and personnel from the WFI Group, which is led by Bruckmann, Rosser, Sherrill & Co., a private-equity firm, and the Nanula Family, which together have managed the stores since 2005.

?Wilson Farms has a successful store operation, quality locations and a strong customer-service culture,? said Stan Reynolds, 7-Eleven executive vice president and CFO, in a press release. ?The combination of the two companies will strengthen our convenience offering in the western New York area.?

7-Eleven will invest in remodeling the stores, adding proprietary beverages such as Big Gulp fountain and Slurpee drinks, and a coffee service and fresh foods. Local contractors will be hired for the remodeling program to begin later this year. Additionally, the company will introduce its proprietary retail information system to the Wilson Farms stores to provide store personnel with leading technology to serve their customers' needs.

?Consumers can expect to benefit from 7-Eleven's greater concentration of stores in this area, introduction of private brands and other proprietary products," said Reynolds. ?Like Wilson Farms, 7-Eleven is committed to bringing customers quality fresh food, good value and friendly service.?

Content Subject: Operations
Formatted Article Date: April 29, 2011

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U.S. challenges China's 'serious backsliding'

Talks between China and the United States about human rights issues, including missing Chinese activists, ended Thursday with little progress and many unanswered questions, an American diplomat said.

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U.S. challenges China's 'serious backsliding'

Talks between China and the United States about human rights issues, including missing Chinese activists, ended Thursday with little progress and many unanswered questions, an American diplomat said.

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ND042711

Title: FDA Holds Retailer Tobacco Compliance Webinar
Description: The agency outlines its inspection procedures and enforcement options that they may utilize against retailers.
Page Content:

WASHINGTON ? On Tuesday the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) held a webinar for retailers to discuss the various enforcement options the agency has at its disposal regarding tobacco violations.� �

Although President Obama signed the Tobacco Control Act almost two years ago, the FDA has only recently begun inspecting retail outlets to ensure compliance. Tobacco retailers must understand that their outlets may be inspected at any time.�FDA will not announce inspections ahead of time.�In fact, retailers will not know if their store has been inspected until after the inspection occurs and FDA staff has a chance to review the inspector?s report.�Further, inspections are likely to include undercover youths posing as tobacco purchasers to test retailer?s compliance with age and identification requirements.�

As detailed during the webinar, the FDA has a variety of enforcement options that they may utilize against retailers.�

The most lenient penalty is a Warning Letter, which will be issued the first time FDA conducts an inspection and finds a violation.�These letters will request a retailer submit a corrective action plan to FDA, and the agency will then determine ? generally through a re-inspection of the facility ? whether the retailer has taken appropriate corrective action.�Retailers will have 15 days to respond to a warning letter; FDA expects a response to include: (a) a plan for preventing future violations, and (b) a timeline for implementing that plan. All warning letters will be posted on the FDA?s website.

FDA also indicated on Tuesday that it will post notices of store inspections that yield no violation, but will not be sending retailers individual letters to this effect.

Other possible penalties include civil fines for multiple violations at the same retail location, and no-tobacco-sale orders against retailers who repeatedly (at least five violations over a 36-month period at a particular retail outlet) violate the Tobacco Control Act?s requirements.�Note that retailers are subject to less extensive fines if they have an adequate ?retailer training program? in place.�Complete details pertaining to retailer training programs can be found here.

NACS members are encouraged to utilize the We Card training system, which encompasses approximately 90 percent of FDA?s recommended training program components.�NACS has urged FDA to utilize We Card?s expertise and stipulate that full compliance with the We Card program is an effective training program warranting the lower schedule of penalties.�

Other possible penalties include civil fines for multiple violations at the same retail location, and no-tobacco-sale orders against retailers who repeatedly (at least five violations over a 36 month period at a particular retail outlet) violate the Tobacco Control Act?s requirements.�

The civil fine process involves FDA filing and serving an administrative complaint on the retailer, at which point the retailer will have 30 days to respond or else pay the fine demanded in the complaint.�Once the retailer responds, it may engage in settlement negotiations with the FDA and offer evidence for a reduction of the fine proposed by FDA.�Cases that are not settled will be decided by an Administrative Law Judge.

FDA has recently finalized a guidance document detailing its current policies with respect to these enforcement options.

Content Subject: Government Relations
Formatted Article Date: April 27, 2011

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U.S. challenges China's 'serious backsliding'

Talks between China and the United States about human rights issues, including missing Chinese activists, ended Thursday with little progress and many unanswered questions, an American diplomat said.

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ND0425113

Title: Virginia Rep. Reintroduces Plastic Bag Tax
Description: The Trash Reduction Act would impose a 5-cent per disposable bag tax at retail.
Page Content:

WASHINGTON ? An effort to tax plastic bag use was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Jim Moran (D-VA). On April 15, Earth Day, Moran announced H.R. 1628, the Trash Reduction Act 2011, along with Rep. Eleanor Norton Holmes (D-D.C.).�

Moran?s legislation would impose a 5-cent retail tax on each disposable carryout bag.

During a speech on the House floor Moran noted that, according to the U.S. EPA, the average American throws away about 4.4 pounds of trash each day (or 1,600 pounds per year), which is equivalent to nearly 248 million tons of garbage each year. ?To put that in perspective, it?s enough trash to fill a football-field-sized hole over 93 miles deep,? he said.

?We consume an estimated 12 million barrels of oil and copious amounts of natural gas annually to make plastic bags that are used once??or twice, then tossed into the garbage,? Moran continued, adding that the U.S. International Trade Commission reported in 2009 that 102 billion plastic bags were used in the United States, and that most of the oil and natural gas used in those bags ?comes from foreign countries and it's all non-renewable.?

Moran said that recycling efforts for plastic bags are dismal ? that only one percent to three percent of all plastic bags are recycled, compared to a slightly higher 10 to 15 percent paper bag-recycling rate.

He cited the bag-recycling initiative in Washington, D.C., that has ?led to spectacular reductions in disposable bag use. The number of plastic bags dropped from the 2009 monthly average of 22.5 million to just 3 million per month by the end of 2010.?

Earlier this year in Virginia, a measure that would have required stores to charge customers a 5-cent tax on paper bags and disposable plastic bags didn?t pan out in the Virginia Legislature, although the bill?s sponsors vow to bring it up again next year.

Content Subject: Government Relations
Formatted Article Date: April 25, 2011

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ND0425115

Title: French Fry Consumption Falls
Description: Sales of frozen processed potatoes to restaurants have plummeted.
Page Content:

CHICAGO ? Is America?s love affair with French fries waning?

The NPD group found that the crisp potato now comprise 13.2 percent of restaurant meals, a decline from the 14.5 percent in 2004, the Chicago Tribune reports. Since 2007, frozen processed potato sales to restaurants have dropped by 500 million pounds, according to the United States Potato Board.

Contributing to the decline are the economy, dollar menus and the demise of supersizing meals. But fast-food chains are looking for ways to fill in the gap.

For example, McDonald?s has been looking to breakfast and its line of smoothies and frappes to boost business. Recently, Wendy?s debuted hand-cut and sea-salt sprinkled fries.

?This is a category that's been a little bit sleepy for a while,? said Ken Calwell, Wendy?s chief marketing officer. ?Over the last 10 years there have been a lot of new hamburger products that have come out, chicken sandwiches, dairy products, salads, new 99 cent (items). There's been innovation across the category. But there's been very little, if any, innovation across the French fry area.?

As the economy grows, analysts predict French fry consumption will likely increase, too, but will probably not achieve previous heights. ?As America becomes smarter and more frugal ? and even post-recession, these behaviors are continuing ? we?re focusing less on sides and more on main courses and beverages,? said Darren Tristano, Technomic executive vice president. ?The dollar drink is a 'must have'; McDoubles for a dollar is a must. When you're looking at fries for $1.29 to $2, it's likely going to be left behind in many purchases.?

Meanwhile, sweet potato fries have come into vogue in some restaurants as a healthier side dish to potato fries, Nation?s Restaurant News reports. Sweet potato fries allow restaurants to offer more variety to condiments than the ubiquitous ketchup, such as ranch dressing, apple butter and marshmallow.

Content Subject: Foodservice
Formatted Article Date: April 25, 2011

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ND0428112

Title: Altoona, Pa., Change Name to ?POM Wonderful Presents: The Greatest Movie Ever Sold?
Description: The town will go by the film title for the next 60 days.
Page Content:

POM WONDERFUL PRESENTS: THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD, Pa.? At 1 p.m. yesterday, the city of Altoona, Pa., temporarily changed its name to ?POM Wonderful Presents: The Greatest Movie Ever Sold,? the Associated Press reports. The name change will remain in effect for 60 days.

The city decided to change its name for $25,000 and to help Morgan Spurlock?s film about advertising. Spurlock gained prominence with his 2004 movie ?Super Size Me,? in which he ate McDonald?s food alone for an entire month.

?We live in a place and a time when it seems like everything is brought to you by some sponsor,? said Spurlock. ?It starts to become this question of, ?Where does it end???

Fifteen companies signed on to sponsor Spurlock?s movie about product-placement in films and TV shows, as well as other marketing opportunities. Sheetz, Inc., inked a deal with Spurlock to be in the film and the chain lobbied for its hometown of Altoona to be renamed ?POM Wonderful Presents: The Greatest Movie Ever Sold.?

Sheetz shelled out $100,000 initially to be seen for six minutes in the film, which could escalate to $250,000 if the movie and DVD sales trend as predicted. President Stan Sheetz said that ?the money itself was not that big of a risk. The risk is, 'What does it do to our brand??

?I'm hoping people will be saying, 'Well, that looks like a fun place, those look like cool people, and a brand I want to associate with,?? said Sheetz.

Content Subject: Marketing/Merchandising
Formatted Article Date: April 28, 2011

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ND0425113

Title: Virginia Rep. Reintroduces Plastic Bag Tax
Description: The Trash Reduction Act would impose a 5-cent per disposable bag tax at retail.
Page Content:

WASHINGTON ? An effort to tax plastic bag use was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Jim Moran (D-VA). On April 15, Earth Day, Moran announced H.R. 1628, the Trash Reduction Act 2011, along with Rep. Eleanor Norton Holmes (D-D.C.).�

Moran?s legislation would impose a 5-cent retail tax on each disposable carryout bag.

During a speech on the House floor Moran noted that, according to the U.S. EPA, the average American throws away about 4.4 pounds of trash each day (or 1,600 pounds per year), which is equivalent to nearly 248 million tons of garbage each year. ?To put that in perspective, it?s enough trash to fill a football-field-sized hole over 93 miles deep,? he said.

?We consume an estimated 12 million barrels of oil and copious amounts of natural gas annually to make plastic bags that are used once??or twice, then tossed into the garbage,? Moran continued, adding that the U.S. International Trade Commission reported in 2009 that 102 billion plastic bags were used in the United States, and that most of the oil and natural gas used in those bags ?comes from foreign countries and it's all non-renewable.?

Moran said that recycling efforts for plastic bags are dismal ? that only one percent to three percent of all plastic bags are recycled, compared to a slightly higher 10 to 15 percent paper bag-recycling rate.

He cited the bag-recycling initiative in Washington, D.C., that has ?led to spectacular reductions in disposable bag use. The number of plastic bags dropped from the 2009 monthly average of 22.5 million to just 3 million per month by the end of 2010.?

Earlier this year in Virginia, a measure that would have required stores to charge customers a 5-cent tax on paper bags and disposable plastic bags didn?t pan out in the Virginia Legislature, although the bill?s sponsors vow to bring it up again next year.

Content Subject: Government Relations
Formatted Article Date: April 25, 2011

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Kubica discharged from Italian hospital

Injured Formula One driver Robert Kubica has left hospital nearly three months after a rally accident nearly cost him his hand, according to reports in Italian media on Sunday.

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ND042211

Title: Justice Department Forms Price-Gouging Watchdog Group
Description: U.S. Attorney General Holder is asking the group to explore any evidence of manipulation of oil and gas prices, collusion or violations at the retail and wholesale levels of state or federal laws.
Page Content:

WASHINGTON ? U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder announced last week the formation of an Oil and Gas Price Fraud Working Group that will focus on making sure consumers are not victims of price gouging.

?Rapidly rising gasoline prices are pinching the pockets of consumers across the country,? said Holder. ?We will be vigilant in monitoring the oil and gas markets for any wrongdoing so that consumers can be confident they are not paying higher prices as a result of illegal activity. If illegal conduct isresponsible for increasing gas prices, state and federal authorities shouldtake swift action.? ??

The working group will include representatives from the Department of Justice, the National Association of Attorneys General, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the Federal Trade Commission, the Department of the Treasury, the Federal Reserve Board, the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as the Departments of Agriculture and Energy. ??

The Oil and Gas Price Fraud Working Group will explore whether there is any evidence ofmanipulation of oil and gas prices, collusion, fraud or misrepresentations at the retail or wholesale levels that violates state or federal laws and harms consumers or the federal government as a purchaser of oil and gas. The group will also evaluate developments in commodities markets and examine investorpractices, supply and demand factors and the role of speculators and index traders in oil futures markets.

Content Subject: Petroleum Retailing
Formatted Article Date: April 22, 2011

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Fairview Heights Man Convicted for Making Terroristic Threats

Roman O. Conaway, 51, was indicted by a Federal Grand Jury on October 5, 2010, in a two-count indictment following a seven hour standoff with federal authorities. The indictment alleged that on September 21, 2010, agents of the FBI and United States Secret Service went to Conaway's home to investigate allegations that he had threatened to kill the president and threatened to burn a Quran.

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New Mexico Man Pleads Guilty to Killing His 95-Year-Old Grandmother

Brian Joseph Chavez, an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Cochiti, pled guilty in Albuquerque, New Mexico to murdering his 95-year-old grandmother by shooting her several times in the chest. Chavez claimed he had killed his grandmother at her request and in order to end her suffering.

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Navajo Man Pleads Guilty in New Mexico to Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury

Tony Curtis Jr., an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was convicted in Santa Fe, New Mexico of assault resulting in serious bodily injury for hitting a man in the head with a sledge hammer, causing a depressed skull fracture.

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ND0426118

Title: Nebraska Lawmakers to Debate Healthy Food Bill
Description: A second round of legislative debate is about to begin for a Nebraska bill that would direct more healthy food options to poverty areas.
Page Content:

LINCOLN, NE ? A Nebraska bill that would direct more healthy food options to Nebraska?s high poverty areas is scheduled to receive a second round of legislative debate, CNBC reports.

State Sen. Brenda Council introduced a bill that would require the state to create a financing program to increase the availability of fresh produce and other nutritious food, a program that would tap funds from both the public and private sectors. The money would be used to build new grocery stores and establish farmers markets, among other options.

The bill already advanced through a first-round vote. A second round of debate is expected to begin as early as today, when the legislature reconvenes.

Content Subject: Foodservice
Formatted Article Date: April 26, 2011

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ND0428113

Title: British Consumers Walking to Stores More
Description: Shoppers in the United Kingdom are visiting small, local shops within walking distance.
Page Content:

LONDON ? Official data released last week shows that more consumers are walking to their local grocery and other small retailer, the Wall Street Journal reports. The ONS reports that local shopping trips last month boosted retail sales, but larger, out-of-town shopping strips experienced a decrease.

?There definitely has been a movement towards smaller stores,? said James Lowman, CEO of the Association of Convenience Stores. ?People want to buy fresh, they want to buy little and often.?

Fueling the trend is the growing popularity for locally sourced food and goods, which are featured in smaller, local stores and farmers markets. Consumers concerned about pollution from shipping food coupled with an interest in smaller farms that sell fresh foods also contributes to the upswing in sales.

The ONS pointed to some support of shopper desire for a more ?green? shopping experience. Other long-term trends also help local stores, such as an growing population of older consumers and single-person households?both groups that prefer to shop in smaller batches, Lowman said.

With pump prices climbing, driving a car has become more expensive lately. Walking to local shops is one way consumers are doing to save money.

Content Subject: International
Formatted Article Date: April 28, 2011

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ND0429113

Title: The Case of the Missing Gasoline
Description: As pump prices climb, so do the number of thefts. Meanwhile, Indiana?s Attorney General says $4-plus gas prices are not illegal.
Page Content:

ALEXANDRIA, Va. ? Gasoline prices are inching toward record highs, and so are thefts of the fuel, USA Today reports. The regular unleaded gasoline average is $1.02 higher than a year ago and will continue to climb.�

With pump prices in an increasing number of locations hitting the $4 or more mark, drive-offs from fill-ups, as well as thefts of larger quantities of gasoline, has risen, too. Not surprisingly, gasoline thefts hurt convenience stores the most.

?No question that's [theft is] up,? said Jeff Lenard, NACS spokesman. ?Any business that still allows you to pump gas first and then pay can be taken advantage of.?

While more gasoline stations are switching to prepayment pumps, retailers in the Midwest and West still have pump-first, pay-later operations. The Maverik chain is one that has had a bump in drive-offs, said Nancy Couch, the chain?s loss-prevention director. Drive-offs usually equal about 1 percent of sales.

In Indiana, the state Attorney General said that $4.17 per gallon gasoline is not price gouging, WISH-TV reports. Earlier this week, the office indicated it was investigating allegations of price fixing at gasoline stations.

The AG?s office discovered that market factors drove up the cost of gasoline at two gasoline stations. Another station is still under investigation. Recently, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said a consumer watchdog group would be formed to keep an eye on the gas and oil market.

Content Subject: NACS, Petroleum Retailing
Formatted Article Date: April 29, 2011

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Maldonado: I'm worth my place on F1 grid

Pastor Maldonado, Venezuela's first Formula One driver for 27 years, tells CNN he is not a "pay driver" and is worthy of a place with the Williams team.

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FBI's Top Ten News Stories for the Week Ending April 22, 2011

Read about our Top Ten news stories of the week, including the sentencing of a longtime Gambino family associate on murder and assault charges; the indictment of a Latin Kings gang member on murder-related racketeering charges; and the guilty plea of an executive to his role in a $9 million kickback and bribery scheme involving naval funds.

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ND0421115

Title: Running on Empty
Description: AAA reports rising gasoline costs are prompting motorists to stretch the distance driven between fill ups, the result of which is a rising number of stranded motorists.
Page Content:

PHOENIX and PHILADELPHIA ? AAA-Phoenix and AAA-Philadelphia have reported a rising number of calls from stranded motorists who have run out of gas, ABC15.com and MyFoxPhilly.com report.

"Motorists are running out of fuel and they're calling to request we bring them fuel so they can get back on the road," said AAA-Phoenix spokesperson Michelle Donati.

Through the first three-and-a-half months of this year, calls for AAA-Phoenix?s two-gallon re-fill are up nearly seven percent, which the association attributes to motorists trying to squeeze every last drop from their tank.

"It does appear motorists are trying to stretch the miles they get out of every tank and unfortunately that may result in folks running out of fuel while they're on the road," said Donati.

In Philadelphia, the number of people running out of gas and calling for help is up 13 percent, which FoxPhilly.com speculated could mean drivers are stretching their tanks in search of the station with the lowest price. However, it also noted that a AAA membership entitles members to three free gallons of gasoline, and that many motorists ?just can?t afford the $12 it costs for those three gallons and [they want to get] something back for their AAA membership.?

Content Subject: Petroleum Retailing
Formatted Article Date: April 21, 2011

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ND0425116

Title: CDC: Every State Will Have a Smoking Ban
Description: The government agency says that the number of states with smoking bans went from zero in 2000 to 26 in 2010.
Page Content:

ATLANTA ? Could every state have a smoking ban by 2020? According the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it?s likely.

Based on the current pace states are adopting antismoking laws, every U.S. state may have a ban on smoking in restaurants, bars and the workplace by 2020.

?It is by no means a foregone conclusion that we?ll get there by 2020,? said Dr. Tim McAfee, director of the CDC's Office on Smoking and Health.

The projection is based on the rate at which states have been adopting comprehensive smoke-free laws. In just the past 10 years, 25 states and the District of Columbia have enacted these laws, the CDC report said.

The study lists the states that have smoke-free laws, as well as the seven states with no smoking restrictions in place for private worksites, restaurants or bars: Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, West Virginia and Wyoming.

Content Subject: Operations
Formatted Article Date: April 25, 2011

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Maldonado: I'm worth my place on F1 grid

Pastor Maldonado, Venezuela's first Formula One driver for 27 years, tells CNN he is not a "pay driver" and is worthy of a place with the Williams team.

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Former Iowa Mortgage Broker Sentenced for Mortgage Fraud

Mary Lee Reinking of Clinton, a former mortgage broker with Crow Valley Mortgage in Bettendorf, Iowa, was sentenced to five years' probation, including one-year home confinement, in connection with Reinking's previous guilty plea to one count of wire fraud. Reinking also was ordered to pay $97,343 in restitution.

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Witnesses: Syria clamps down on restive city

Bodies lie on the streets of the Syrian city of Daraa, and injured people are in danger of dying because residents are too scared to leave the shelter of their homes with the city under siege by security forces, a resident told CNN.

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Louisiana Man Sentenced to 17 Years on Drug Charges

Chris R. Orillion, Jr., 33, of Denham Springs, Louisiana, to 17.5 years in prison. ORILLION was sentenced for two counts of attempted possession with the intent to distribute 5 grams or more of cocaine base, also known as "crack" cocaine.

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ND0427114

Title: Blame High Oil Prices on Speculators and Bernanke
Description: Bloomberg BusinessWeek blames the Fed for higher fuel prices.
Page Content:

NEW YORK ? Despite common perceptions attributing high gasoline prices to fuel inefficient cars, OPEC, and drivers who drive too fast, the real culprits are speculators and the Federal Reserve, writes Ed Wallace for Bloomberg BusinessWeek.

?This explains why the market for oil and gasoline is currently costing consumers and industry far more than necessary,? wrote Wallace.

Wallace said contrary to speculators? media leaks that worldwide demand for oil has caused prices to rise, MasterCard and some oil analysts have reported domestic gasoline consumption has fallen up to 3.7 percent over the past five weeks. Future traders, he said, should therefore realize a comparable cost reduction, but that is not happening.

While the media report that gasoline prices are related to oil pricing, Wallace refuted that, noting that oil and gasoline are sold to different sets of buyers. ?One needs to buy crude for refining and the other sells gasoline at retail; these are legitimate hedgers.?

He also said that speculators have erred when it comes to assessing oil price movements, citing a Goldman Sachs advisement earlier this month to sell oil holdings: "The record levels of speculative trading in crude have pushed their prices up so much in recent months that in the near term, risk reward no longer favors holding those commodities,? the advisement said.

He also countered popular notions that speculative trading has pushed up oil prices, relating that recent news is that high demand is causing the price spike. He said U.S. oil supply, in fact, is higher now than it was at the start of the year (359 million barrels vs. 333 million barrels).

Wallace also noted other industry scapegoats ? China and refinery utilization, for instance. However, he seemed to dismiss those and all of the above, placing the blame for rising gas prices on an entirely different entity.

?Now let's look at the big picture to see why gasoline prices are so incredibly high,? Wallace wrote. ?The problem starts with Ben Bernanke, no matter how many of his Fed presidents claim they are not to blame for the high price of oil. The fact is that when you flood the market with far too much liquidity at virtually no interest, funny things happen in commodities and equities. It was true in the 1920s, it was true in the last decade, and it's still true today.?

He said that Kansas City Fed President Thomas Hoenig has been sharply critical of the current Fed policy of zero interest and high liquidity, suggesting that they skew the market. And he noted that David Stockman, Ronald Reagan's former budget director, recently wrote an article titled, "Federal Reserve's Path of Destruction," in which there is sharp criticism of current Fed policy: "This destruction is namely the exploitation of middle-class savers; the current severe food and energy squeeze on lower income households ? and the next round of bursting bubbles building up among the risk asset classes."

Wallace said legitimate supply and demand forces have been ruined by allowing ?ridiculous leverage and the unlimited ability to borrow the leverage at historically low interest rates.?

?In reality the public should be infuriated with the rising costs of nondiscretionary items such as food and gasoline, which current Fed policy actively enables,? Wallace wrote.

He closed with a sharp rebuke of Bernanke: ?Ben Bernanke doesn't seem to understand that while he is allowing huge profits for banks and investment firms so they can recover massive losses from the financial meltdown, he is intentionally damaging what could be a much stronger recovery with the misery he's causing the average American consumer.?

For which he said we could always blame China.

NACS Fuels Report
The 2011 NACS Fuels Report provides an in-depth look at today?s motor fuels retailing industry ? and where it is headed. Learn more at nacsonline.com/gasprices.

Content Subject: Petroleum Retailing
Formatted Article Date: April 27, 2011

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14 killed as blast rips through Moroccan cafe

At least 14 people were killed and 20 injured Thursday -- most of them tourists -- when an explosion tore through a cafe in the Moroccan city of Marrakesh, the state-run news agency said.

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Minnesota Man Indicted for Firing AK-47 Assault Rifle at a Residence

Jesse Dale Roy, a member of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa, was indicted in Minnesota for allegedly firing an AK-47 assault rifle at a residence on the Red Lake Indian Reservation.

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Another day, another arrest for Ugandan opposition leader

A top Ugandan opposition leader was arrested again Thursday during a "walk to work" campaign to protest rising food prices and increased cost of living.

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ND0426113

Title: Obama: No 'Silver Bullet' to Bring Down Gas Prices
Description: Obama criticizes politicians who have been advancing plans to immediately lower the price of gasoline.
Page Content:

WASHINGTON ? During his weekly radio address, President Obama said there are no easy answers for lowering gas prices and he criticized politicians who have been advancing plans to immediately lower the price of gas, The Hill reports.

"You see people trying to grab headlines or score a few points," Obama said. "The truth is, there?s no silver bullet that can bring down gas prices right away."

The president advanced his own plan for controlling prices, calling for an end to price gouging (without detailing the specifics of what constitutes the offense) and to the $4 billion in federal subsidies for oil and gas firms, and urging ramping up domestic oil production.

"That?s $4 billion of your money going to these companies when they?re making record profits and you?re paying near record prices at the pump. It has to stop," Obama said. "Instead of subsidizing yesterday?s energy sources, we need to invest in tomorrow?s," he added, expressing opposition to a proposal before Congress that would reduce the government?s clean energy investment by 70 percent.

Obama also noted that a Justice Department task force launched last week would investigate fraud or manipulation in the oil markets, such as illegal trading.

"We?re going to make sure that no one is taking advantage of the American people for their own short-term gain," Obama said.

Obama empathized with the effect high gas prices are playing on people but said there are no quick answers.

Content Subject: Petroleum Retailing
Formatted Article Date: April 26, 2011

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Minnesota Man Indicted for Robbing Two Banks

Michael Lewis Johnson, of Minneapolis, was indicted for robbing two banks in St. Paul, Minnesota earlier this year.

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New Jersey Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing and Distributing Child Pornography

Richard Olivieri, 64, of Belleville, N.J., pleaded guilty today to an Indictment charging him with four counts of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.

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Former President of Credit Union Charged in Federal Court with Bank Fraud

Federal prosecutors today charged a former credit union president with bank fraud in connection with fictitious companies whose bills were paid through the Birmingham-based credit union.

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Three Miami-Area Medical Professionals Each Sentenced to Prison for Roles in $23 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme

Two Miami-area medical assistants and a physician assistant were sentenced to prison today for their roles in a $23 million Medicare fraud scheme involving HIV infusion therapy, announced the Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services.

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ND0426113

Title: Obama: No 'Silver Bullet' to Bring Down Gas Prices
Description: Obama criticizes politicians who have been advancing plans to immediately lower the price of gasoline.
Page Content:

WASHINGTON ? During his weekly radio address, President Obama said there are no easy answers for lowering gas prices and he criticized politicians who have been advancing plans to immediately lower the price of gas, The Hill reports.

"You see people trying to grab headlines or score a few points," Obama said. "The truth is, there?s no silver bullet that can bring down gas prices right away."

The president advanced his own plan for controlling prices, calling for an end to price gouging (without detailing the specifics of what constitutes the offense) and to the $4 billion in federal subsidies for oil and gas firms, and urging ramping up domestic oil production.

"That?s $4 billion of your money going to these companies when they?re making record profits and you?re paying near record prices at the pump. It has to stop," Obama said. "Instead of subsidizing yesterday?s energy sources, we need to invest in tomorrow?s," he added, expressing opposition to a proposal before Congress that would reduce the government?s clean energy investment by 70 percent.

Obama also noted that a Justice Department task force launched last week would investigate fraud or manipulation in the oil markets, such as illegal trading.

"We?re going to make sure that no one is taking advantage of the American people for their own short-term gain," Obama said.

Obama empathized with the effect high gas prices are playing on people but said there are no quick answers.

Content Subject: Petroleum Retailing
Formatted Article Date: April 26, 2011

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Sources: Security forces fire on protesters in Yemen

Eleven anti-government protesters were killed and more than 100 were injured Wednesday in Sanaa, Yemen, after they were attacked by security forces, two medical sources told CNN.

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ND0420111

Title: Cigarette Smuggling Increases
Description: More violent criminal gangs and drug traffickers are turning to illegal smokes as a reliable moneymaker.
Page Content:

WASHINGTON ? Cigarette smuggling is becoming big business for drug traffickers and violent criminal gangs, law enforcement officials and court records show, USA Today reports.

Contributing to the increase has been the boost in state tobacco taxes across the country. The Mackinac Center for public policy found that 27 states have hiked cigarette taxes during 2007 to 2010. The center said that illegal tobacco is an ?unintended consequence of high cigarette taxes.?

?Everybody out there (involved in illegal trafficking operations) is tapping into tobacco,? said Larry Penninger, acting director of the tobacco diversion unit of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Penninger said that some drug and weapon traffickers are actively participating in tobacco smuggling to increase profits. The U.S. government estimates that states and the federal government loses around $5 billion to cigarette smuggling.

Even with federal law enforcement focused mainly on terrorism, tobacco smuggling has begun to garner more attention. In 2010, the ATF had more than 350 open cases related to tobacco smuggling, way more than the handful of 10 years prior.

Last year, the U.S. Department of Justice reported that it has prosecuted 71 new tobacco smuggling cases, an increase of 39 percent from 2009.

Content Subject: Operations
Formatted Article Date: April 20, 2011

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Minnesota Woman Indicted for Making Threats Against Vice President, Federal Agents

Kim Rolene Hutterer, of New Prague, Minnesota, was charged with threatening to kill Vice President Joe Biden and several federal law enforcement officers.

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ND0425111

Title: NACS Daily Takes Home the Gold
Description: Your association?s daily e-newsletter has received top accolades by the Association Media & Publishing.
Page Content:

ALEXANDRIA, Va. ? On behalf of the Association Media & Publishing, congratulations! Your NACS Daily is taking home the gold Excel Award this year in the ?Electronic Newsletter: General Excellence? category.

?This year?s competition featured an extraordinary number of high-quality entries, but yours stood out from the rest as truly representing The Best and Brightest in the association community. We?re proud to honor your work and inspiration,? wrote Amy Lestition and Leslie McGee of the Association Media & Publishing.

NACS will officially receive the award in June on 1 at the 31st Excel Awards Gala in Washington, D.C.��

Content Subject: NACS
Formatted Article Date: April 25, 2011

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ND0426112

Title: NACStech Video Contest Winner Announced
Description: The Pinnacle Corporation prevailed as this year?s first NACS Expo To Go video Contest winner.
Page Content:

ALEXANDRIA, VA ? Congratulations to The Pinnacle Corporation, which emerged victorious in the NACStech Expo To Go Video Contest.

In February, NACS challenged NACStech exhibitors to tell attendees in 30 seconds why they should visit their booth. The winning entry received the most ?likes? at the NACS TV YouTube channel, as well as the top rating by a retailer panel judging on creativity, message clarity and relevance, motivation and inspiration and overall impact.

Pinnacle will receive:

  • Free placement at NACS Online and the NACStech website during the week of NACStech
  • Special posting in the video section of the NACStech mobile app
  • Inclusion in a pre-event email to all NACStech attendees
  • Recognition in the NACS Daily e-Newsletter
  • Announcement on all NACS social media outlets

?From the feedback I received, exhibitors were very excited to take part in the contest and attendees were thrilled to get a preview of what they could see at NACStech. It was a win-win for everyone involved,? commented Stephanie Robert, NACS director of event marketing and communications.

NACStech, taking place in Las Vegas May 16 to 18, is the industry?s top technology solutions event. This year attendees can choose from 16 workshops that focus on critical issues such as data security, cloud computing, mobile payments and servicing the electric car customer. At the expo, attendees will see approximately 100 exhibiting companies demonstrating their latest products, services and equipment. Attendees will also hear from Ze Frank and Bill Nye ?the Science Guy? at the general sessions.

Register now for NACStech ? see you in Vegas!

Content Subject: NACS, NACStech
Formatted Article Date: April 26, 2011

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