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NEW YORK — One of the world's leading Italian pasta brands is the subject of an international boycott after remarks that critics have characterized as disparaging gay people, and the mother of a leader in a U.S.-based gay-rights group is petitioning a supermarket chain to stop carrying it.

CINCINNATI — The Kroger Co. has promoted Steve McKinney to president of the Fry's Food Stores division. Fry's operates 119 food stores in Arizona.

McKinney, 57, has been VP of operations at the company's Ralphs division since 2007. He succeeds Jon Flora, who passed away unexpectedly two weeks ago.

H-E-B pledged to not reduce employee work hours in an effort to avoid having to cover their healthcare last week. In contrast, other employers have been cutting their employee hours to avoid the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act provision that would require healthcare coverage, according to a report published in the San Antonio Express-News. 

CAMP HILL, Pa. — The largest mobile health initiative for pregnant mothers and their babies has named Rite Aid its first national retail partner, the drug store chain said Thursday.

LAS VEGAS — Volunteers in Medicine of Southern Nevada on Tuesday announced receipt of a donation of flu vaccines compliments of Walgreens. 

“Although the need for compassionate health care is present all year-round, VMSN sees an exceptional need for patient assistance during flu season,” stated VMSN founder Florence Jameson. “Walgreens’ kind gesture is a phenomenal example of our community coming together to create a healthy and flourishing Nevada.” 

ST. LOUIS — The former president of Giant Food of Landover, Md., has joined Schnuck Markets as EVP and chief strategy officer, Schnucks said Thursday.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark’s board of directors has elected former White House adviser Nancy-Ann DeParle to serve on its board, the company stated in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

DeParle will be an independent director and will serve on the board’s audit committee, according to the filing.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark’s MinuteClinic on Thursday officially announced the opening of its first walk-in medical clinic in Hawaii at the Longs Drug store on South King Street in Honolulu near the University of Hawaii, Manoa.

It is the first of seven MinuteClinic locations to open inside select Longs Drug stores on Oahu in the next two weeks. Additional clinics will serve patients in Aiea, Hawaii Kai, Kailua, Kaneohe, Kapolei and Waialae, the company stated.