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NEW YORK — The New York City Council has voted to ban electronic cigarettes in such public venues as bars, restaurants, beaches, parks and office buildings, according to published reports.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid is extending store hours and featuring gift items as the holiday shopping season comes to an end, the retail pharmacy chain said Friday.

The company said it would extend store hours through Monday, as well as keeping some stores open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, including some 24-hour stores.

ROCKVILLE, Md. — Abuse of the cough ingredient dextromethorphan among high school seniors is down, according to this year’s Monitoring the Future survey, which measures drug use and attitudes among the nation’s eighth-, 10th- and 12th-graders. Approximately 5% of seniors reported abuse of dextromethorphan, down from 6.9% in 2006, the first year it was measured by the survey.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Blue Diamond Growers, an almond processing and marketing company, announced the results of a recent national survey by Harris Interactive which provided a closer look at Americans' New Year's resolutions.

Nearly 75% of Americans will focus on healthier eating and improving fitness, according to the survey. The results also revealed that almost a quarter of Americans will ultimately fail to keep those resolutions for more than three months.

GLENDALE, Calif. — For peanut butter cup lovers, the New Year will mark not only a fresh start but also a chance to dig into Butterfinger's newest confection. The new Butterfinger Peanut Butter Cups, which offers a fresh spin on the classic peanut butter and chocolate combo, are now shipping to stores nationwide and will be available beginning in January.

MINNEAPOLIS — As consumers are reaching the final days to squeeze in their holiday shopping, Target has announced some last-minute deals.

Guests using Cartwheel, the retailer's unique savings program, can take advantage of a one-day sale on Dec. 19 when around 40 great gift items — ranging from toys to cookware — will have special offers with discounts ranging from 10% to 60% off. Cartwheel has gained more than 1 million new users this season alone, putting the number of guests signed up for the program at 4 million.

PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y. — Kiss Products, manufacturers and global distributors of nail products, introduced their new logo and packaging, further reinforcing the brand's position as a leader in the industry, the company said. The refreshed brand image portrays a woman who is self-asertive, influential, innovative and trend-savvy.  

NEW YORK — Midwestern supermarket chain Hy-Vee will renovate 50 of its stores to include casual dining and cocktails, according to published reports.

The Kansas City, Mo., Star reported that locally based engineering and construction firm Burns & McDonnell had received a $20 million contract from the West Des Moines, Iowa-based chain to build Market Grille and Market Café restaurants in the stores.