Walgreens

The nationwide drugstore chain must pay the government at least $300 million and will owe another $50 million if the company is sold, merged, or transferred before 2032, according to the settlement.

The pharmacy chain's CEO says “changes are imminent” for about 25% - or 2,100 - of its underperforming stores. The company currently runs more than 8,600 in the United States.

An AP analysis shows Black and Latino urban neighborhoods have fewer pharmacies per capita than white majority areas. Also, Alaska, Oregon and New Mexico are among states with the fewest pharmacies per capita.

Walgreens Boots Alliance will close about 9% of their VillageMD clinics and trim $600 million in capital spending as part of broader plan to improve financial performance.

The nationwide walkout is slated to continue through Wednesday. It's the latest attempt by pharmacists to pressure chains to address concerns about staffing they say lead to burnout and mistakes.

The drug store chain said it will remove a small number of oral decongestants that contain phenylephrine as the only active ingredient.

Drug and staffing shortages remain, and stores are dealing with a new vaccine and insurance coverage for COVID shots. Some have addressed challenges, but customers can expert slower service and lines.

Some people have had to cancel appointments because their insurance hasn’t updated the billing codes to cover the vaccines. Others signed up for an appointment, only to have it canceled due to supply issues.

Gov. Gavin Newsom's declaration came after the company said it would not distribute abortion pills in some states. However, California is legally bound to continue doing business with Walgreens through the state’s massive Medicaid program.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom said that the state would halt business with Walgreens after the pharmacy giant agreed to stop distributing mifepristone in some red states amid legal pressure.