News In Brief

UH, YEAH, WE SERVE THAT MEAL

"Breakfast" may seem like a self-explanatory term. Try telling that to Tennessee lawmakers, who've been called on to come up with a definition that will end a dispute over which restaurants may be listed on "food ahead" signs - a choice form of advertising on Interstate highways. The signs are supposed to give first dibs to eateries serving three meals a day. So, how did two pizzerias qualify? Apparently, angry rivals claim, by offering coffee and doughnuts to their cleaning crews. Under a bill before the legislature, the day's first meal would have to include traditional fare like cereal, bacon, or toast. And no burgers, hot dogs, or prepackaged items.

THAT'S ONE SHOW I NEVER MISS

An on-the-run Fort Lauderdale, Fla., murder suspect who heard he'd be featured on "America's Most Wanted" was arrested at a house in Las Vegas - while watching the Fox Network program. Richard Garber wasn't in that episode but was to be profiled soon, said a program spokesman. Guess that won't be necessary now.

Car thieves disdain SUVs, preferring Japanese imports

Sport utility vehicles aren't only unpopular with environmentalists; thieves don't fancy them much, either. The annual survey of CCC Information Services, which tracks trends in motor-vehicle theft claims for the insurance industry, reports a 15 percent drop in stolen SUVs last year compared to 1998 figures. The same wasn't true of pickup trucks, the Chicago-based group says. Their theft rate climbed nationally, and in Texas nine of the 10 most-stolen vehicles were pickups. For the third straight year, however, the top choices of car thieves were Japanese imports. The most popular targets:

1. 1989 Toyota Camry

2. 1990 Toyota Camry

3. 1991 Toyota Camry

4. 1988 Toyota Camry

5. 1997 Ford F-150 4x2 pickup

6. 1994 Honda Accord EX

7. 1995 Honda Accord EX

8. 1996 Honda Accord LX

9. 1990 Honda Accord EX

10. 1994 Honda Accord LX

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