The U.S. economy produced only 54,000 new jobs in May, disappointing many analysts and investors, who took the news as a sign of the weakness of the current economic recovery. The unemployment rate also crept up 0.1 point to 9.1%. The number of unemployed and underemployed still numbers 22.4 million.The small gain came on the…

After soaring more than 30% since last September, prices for stainless and carbon steels, as well as for some key nonferrous metals, fell back a bit in May. The commodity price index for metals maintained by The Economist was off 8.1% for the past month ended May 24. Of course, the metals index is still…

Consumer confidence finished with a split decision in May, while gasoline prices continued to fall from their highs in April. The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index fell more than five points to 60.8 in May. On the other hand, the Consumer Sentiment Index from Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers was up in May,…

Bar and tavern owners in Nevada are seeking to ease restrictions on indoor smoking, arguing that the state’s law intended to protect the health of children and families has crippled their businesses by barring them from serving food if they allow smoking. Nevada’s 2006 Clean Indoor Air Act only allows smoking in casinos, taverns, saloons…

Complying with regulatory issues in California has become so onerous and expensive that at least one chain says it’s fed up and might leave the state. Andrew Puzder, CEO of CKE Restaurants, which counts Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s among its brands, says his company is considering moving its headquarters to Texas, where 300 new Carl’s…

The folks behind how operations utilize air and water are getting together this month to brainstorm. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers will hold its annual conference, titled “Sustainability Has No Borders,” June 25-29 in Montreal. The conference’s technical program will focus on papers and applications-oriented sessions, will address alternative technologies…

McDonald’s is under fire for its Happy Meals, its marketing practices, and now, for its enduring mascot, Ronald McDonald. The Oak Brook, Ill., company fended off challenges to all three at its annual shareholders meeting May 19. The shareholder proposals come in the context of a number of local and state regulatory proposals to regulate…

New FER research helps operators and consultants analyze the scope and capabilities of leading E&S dealers.

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