Content about Nebraska

OMAHA, Neb. — Orville Redenbacher's gourmet popcorn brand is introducing a new ready-to-eat popcorn snack in four flavors.

New Pop Crunch is a ready-to-eat popcorn snack made with whole grains that is air popped, meaning it contains less fat than some leading brands of regular potato chip brands, according to the company. Pop Crunch is also gluten-free.

WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Erik Paulsen, R-Minn., and Sen. Mike Johanns, R-Neb., last week introduced the Family Health Care Flexibility Act, repealing restrictions placed on health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts in the President’s healthcare law. A provision in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, already in effect today, prohibits HSA and FSA participants from using their account dollars to purchase over the counter medicines without a prescription.  

OMAHA, Neb. — Sergeant's Pet Care Products has launched a generic version of a commonly used spray for killing fleas and ticks in dogs and cats, the company said Tuesday.

Sergeant's announced the launch of Pronyl, a version of Sanofi's Frontline. Pronyl uses the same active ingredient, Fipronil, but also uses what the company calls Bag-on-Valve technology that allows a continuous and quiet spray from any angle.

ARLINGTON, Va. — A university research project to look at the potential effects on patient health of incorporating medication management strategies into existing care teams has won a grant from the National Association of Chain Drug Stores' philanthropic arm.

The NACDS Foundation said it gave the University of Nebraska Medical Center one of three research grants for the project, which will look at the effects of the strategies when they're incorporated into teams such as medical homes and accountable care organizations.

OMAHA, Neb. — A new version of ConAgra Foods' Pam cooking spray is designed to be calorie-free and leave less residue, the company said.

The food company said that the new Pam leaves up to 99% less residue and is available in three varieties: original, baking and butter.

 BASEL, Switzerland — Progress at re-opening its manufacturing facility in Lincoln, Neb., has been slow-going, Novartis reported Thursday, but the company has contracted third-party manufacturers to resume production of Excedrin, Lamisil and Triaminic. First shipments to retailers were made in October. 

While no one can predict illness rates for the upcoming 2012-2013 cough, cold and flu season — unless maybe you’re reading out of the book of Nostradamus — one thing you can bank on is this: It’s going to be one volatile season.


With the rise in people diagnosed with complex illnesses like cancers, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, hepatitis, Crohn’s disease and rare genetic disorders, the need for specialty pharmacies to deal with the complex drug regimens they require will rise as well.


GREEN BAY, Wis. — General merchandise retailers Shopko and Pamida have completed their merger that will create a $3 billion company that serves largely rural communities in 22 states.

The combined entity will retain the Shopko name. Shopko will be headquartered in Green Bay and Pamida’s corporate headquarters in Omaha, Neb., will be consolidated into the Green Bay office over the next several months.

A mass merchandise retailer based in the Midwest has become the latest chain to join the move toward smartphone apps that allow customers to manage their pharmacy prescriptions. Fresh off the heels of its merger with Omaha, Neb.-based Pamida, Shopko announced the launch of an app for BlackBerry, Android and iPhone users that will allow customers to refill and manage their pharmacy prescriptions.


GREEN BAY, Wis. — Mass merchandise retailers Shopko Stores and Pamida are merging, the two companies said Wednesday.

FREMONT, Neb. — Natura Pet Products has expanded its California Natural grain-free line.

California Natural grain free now includes two varieties of adult dog food: kangaroo and red lentils formula and salmon meal and peas formula. Both products contain novel proteins, in addition to essential vitamins and minerals to ensure canines have a complete and balanced diet, the company said.

The new formulas are available in 5-lb., 15-lb. and 30-lb. bags, and will hit retail next month.