WASHINGTON -- "If interchange fees for merchants were lowered, consumers could benefit from lower prices for goods and services," said a GAO report, "but proving such an effect is difficult, and consumers may face higher costs for using their cards." The GAO said any regulation of interchange fees would suppose "challenges for implementation, such as determining at which rate to set, providing more information to consumers or addressing the interests of both large and small issuers and merchants in bargaining efforts."

ANKENY, Iowa -- Executives with Casey's see more opportunities for growth via acquisitions in the markets in which the chain operates than at this same time last year. And it is acting on those opportunities with two deals this week. Casey's said yesterday that the company has entered into agreements to purchase nine c-stores in Missouri.

WICHITA, Kansas -- QuikTrip has scheduled a "scrape-and-build" project in Wichita, Kansas, the latest move to renovate and modernize its Wichita stores—and beyond. QuikTrip's Mike Thornbrugh said the existing 3,200-sq.-ft. store will remain open while a new 4,600-sq.-ft. store is constructed just to the north.