- Published reports say that a US District Court has ruled that the federal government was within its legal rights in denying almost 20,000 state employees in Vermont from importing low-cost prescription medications from Canada.
However, the judge also lauded the import plan. ''The issue before the court is the legality rather than the merit of Vermont's proposal,” wrote U.S. District Judge William Sessions.
- The states of New York and Oregon have reached a reciprocity agreement that will allow direct shipments of wine between them. The deal follows a similar agreement reached between New York and California.
Essentially, the agreements provide for wineries in each state to obtain the direct shipping license needed to make the shipments.
It is considered to be an especially big deal for the more than 300 commercial wineries in Oregon that are too small to get distributors in New York, but are convinced that they can find a market for what often are considered world-class wines.
- CVS announced last week that it will offer flu vaccinations in more than 3,500 stores beginning on Saturday, October 1 and lasting through late November. The schedule of vaccinations is available at the company’s website.
At the same time, Longs Drugs scheduled flu shot clinics in 470 stores in six western states, with preferential treatment offered to people in high risk groups – including people aged 65 years and older, with and without chronic health conditions…residents of long-term care facilities…people aged 2-64 years with chronic health conditions…children aged 6-23 months…and pregnant women.
- PepsiCo reportedly has asked for an “information memorandum” on the possible sale of Cadbury Schweppes’ European beverages business, which could sell for close to $2 billion (US).
The Financial Times reports that Cadbury Schweppes put the business up for auction early this month, set a mid-October deadline for bids, and is sending out “information memorandums” to companies requesting them.
