Content about Illinois

WASHINGTON — Three Democratic lawmakers on Wednesday released a report that found inconsistencies in the labeling and classification of energy drinks, extensive marketing to adolescents and young adults through social media and events, and high caffeine levels that exceed what is considered safe in soda by the Food and Drug Administration. The report was compiled using responses from 14 energy drink companies received by Rep. Ed Markey, D-Mass., and Sens. Richard Durbin, D-Ill., and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., from their investigation into the industry.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — A new Walgreens research article released Wednesday projects that by taking an innovative approach to classifying patient populations, health systems can more effectively prevent “triple-fail” events — or outcomes that fail to advance population health, reduce per capita healthcare costs and improve individual patient experience.

CHICAGO — The University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy on Wednesday announced that it is the recipient of a five-year, $2.1 million grant to train graduate and postdoctoral students in natural product drugs and dietary supplements. The grant is funded by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, one of the National Institutes of Health.

LISLE, Ill. — Washington-based accrediting organization URAC has accredited pharmacy benefit manager Catamaran Corp.'s specialty pharmacy brand, Catamaran said.

The PBM said BriovaRx had been awarded URAC's Specialty Pharmacy Accreditation. Catamaran said URAC offered the only third-party, voluntary accreditation program of this scope for the pharmacy benefit management and prescription services industry.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Tuesday announced that walking, running and weight-management goals can be logged and tracked through Steps with Balance Rewards, the retailer's customer loyalty program. Members will receive 20 points per mile, as well as 20 points per day for tracking their weight. Users also can log individual frequent activities that will earn points when recorded. Additionally, members can sync wireless activity trackers such as Fitbit, Withings and BodyMedia to automatically load the number of steps taken — each device linked will earn 250 points.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Community Pharmacists Association last week called for the rejection of a proposal made by Sens. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., and Mark Kirk, R.-Ill., to reschedule Vicodin and other hydrocodone-containing products from Schedule III to Schedule II of the Controlled Substances Act.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens is opening its latest New York flagship store in the Empire State Building, the retail pharmacy chain said Friday.

The store, scheduled to open Saturday at 10 a.m., will include an enhanced pharmacy designed to encourage greater interaction between pharmacists and patients, a health guide to help customers find health-and-wellness products and healthcare services ranging from immunizations to health tests. An "Ask Your Pharmacist" desk, private consultation rooms and Express Rx kiosks are included as well.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Even as Walgreens expands its operation globally through strategic partnerships with both Alliance Boots and now AmerisourceBergen, the pharmacy operator continues to create some retail pop in the U.S. market. For example, Walgreens has set the stage for the opening of three more flagship stores.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — The Environmental Protection Agency has given Sears Holdings a 2013 Energy Star Partner of the Year - Sustained Excellence Award, the company said Monday.

Sears Holdings, which operates Kmart, said its efforts to promote sustainability and energy efficiency would be recognized at a ceremony in Washington on March 26.

The company has been an Energy Star partner since 1998.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Monday introduced several updates to its mobile app, most notably the ability to print from Instagram, as well as upload more than five pictures simultaneously for in-store prints. 

“We know that many people enjoy customizing their photos to reflect the uniqueness of each shot,” stated Jasbir Patel, senior director and general merchandise manager, photo and e-commerce, Walgreens. “Aligning our QuickPrints technology to Instagram helps our customers make those digital images come to life in print form.” 

BOLINGBROOK, Ill. — Ulta Beauty posted a “strong” fourth quarter and is going forward with plans to invest in several areas of the business, including the expansion of its Clinique boutiques.

Net sales for the quarter, including the benefit of the 14th week in the quarter, rose 30.3% to $758.8 million compared with the year-ago period. Same-store sales rose 8% during the quarter.

Net income rose 39.4% to $64.5 million versus $46.3 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011.