Family Dollar has rejected a takeover bid from dollar-store competitor Dollar General, saying it would be too hard for the deal to pass antitrust regulators. Family Dollar's board said it supports its existing deal to be acquired by Dollar Tree.

Family Dollar Stores Chairman and CEO Howard Levine said in a statement Thursday that its board and advisers reviewed Dollar General's offer and determined it wasn't reasonably likely to be completed on the terms proposed.

Dollar General Chairman and CEO Rick Dreiling said in a statement that the company was disappointed in Family Dollar's decision, and that it had done an extensive antitrust analysis that confirmed its proposal could be completed. Dollar General said it was willing to share its analysis with Family Dollar and that it was still confident it could resolve any regulatory concerns about competition.

NEW YORK — To win the hearts of frequent business travelers, United Airlines is going through their stomachs.The carrier has been looking for ways to woo back some of its top fliers who defected to other carriers following a rocky merger with Continental Airlines. So, it's upgrading first class food options.The changes mean that instead of potato chips, chocolate chip cookies and bananas, passengers on flights of at least 800 miles will get meals such as chicken and mozzarella on a tomato focaccia roll and turkey and Swiss cheese on a cranberry baguette. Currently, meals are only served on flights of 900 miles or more.

LOS BANOS, Calif. — California's record drought hasn't been sweet to honeybees, and it's creating a sticky situation for beekeepers and honey buyers.The state is traditionally one of the country's largest honey producers, with abundant crops and wildflowers that provide the nectar that bees turn into honey.But the lack of rain has ravaged native plants and forced farmers to scale back crop production, leaving fewer places for honeybees to forage.The historic drought, now in its third year, is reducing supplies of California honey and raising prices for consumers.

WASHINGTON — Fewer people applied for U.S. unemployment benefits last week.The Labor Department said Thursday that weekly claims for jobless aid fell 14,000 last week to a seasonally adjusted 298,000. The prior week's figures were revised up slightly to 311,000.The less-volatile four-week average rose 4,750 to 300,750. It remains close to levels that predate the Great Recession of 2007-2009.

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — They've turned to politicians, bureaucrats, businessmen and union reps to try to save their jobs at three Atlantic City casinos scheduled to close soon. Now, hundreds of soon-to-be unemployed dealers, cocktail servers and hotel workers are turning to what many say could be their last, best chance.Clergy members and the main casino workers union organized a rally and prayer service Wednesday for the nearly 8,000 workers who will be jobless when Revel, the Showboat and Trump Plaza close.