By Nathaniel Weixel; The Hill ~ Jul 19, 2018

The Trump administration is exploring ways to safely import certain drugs from foreign countries, part of an effort to lower the price of prescription medicine.

The Food and Drug Administration is forming a working group to examine how the U.S. could import pharmaceuticals from abroad “in the event of a dramatic price increase for a drug produced by one manufacturer and not protected by patents or exclusivities,” the Department of Health and Human Services said in a statement Thursday.

By Paige Minemyer; FierceHealthcare ~ Jul 18, 2018

Many patients still feel uncomfortable voicing concerns or preferences to clinicians, even as experts push for greater engagement with patients around safety, according to a new study.

Researchers led by a team at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center surveyed more than 100 family members in intensive care units and more than 1,000 people online to gather a more complete picture of why patients may hesitate to speak up about their worries.

By Arlene Weintraub; FiercePharma ~ Jul 18, 2018     

When President Donald Trump praised Pfizer on Twitter for delaying price hikes on 40 of its drugs last week—following a public shaming on Twitter and a private conversation he had with CEO Ian Read—he used the collective “we” to voice his support for the company’s decision. “We applaud Pfizer,” he said, adding, “Great news for the American people!”

By Brittany De Lea; Fox Business ~ Jul 17, 2018

President Donald Trump met with Republican members of the House Ways and Means Committee on Tuesday to discuss a possible second phase of tax cuts.

The president said late last month during an interview with FOX Business’ Maria Bartiromo that the administration would “be doing” the new tax package this fall, in October or possibly sooner.

By Cecilia Kang & Edmund Lee; The New York Times ~ Jul 12, 2018

The federal government on Thursday mounted a new effort to unravel AT&T’s deal with Time Warner, a blockbuster merger that has already started to reshape the media industry.

The deal was finalized a month ago, after a federal judge rejected the government’s argument that the $85.4 billion agreement would harm competition and consumers.

By Jeff Baumgartner; Light Reading ~ Jul 11, 2018

Making the leap into augmented/mixed reality, AT&T has made a strategic investment and forged an exclusive retail-focused deal with Magic Leap, the secretive (and well-funded) AR startup.

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) didn’t reveal the amount of the investment, but the agreement makes AT&T the exclusive wireless distributor of Magic Leap consumer products in the US.

By Iain Morris; Light Reading ~ Jul 10, 2018

McDonald’s buys Le Bernadin, a Michelin star restaurant in New York City, and promptly rips up the menu. Chefs are given strict instructions to get with the fast-food program and be more productive. The all-you-can-eat buffet lunch is prioritized over the balsamic-truffle vinaigrette.

By Natasha Bach; Fortune ~ Jul 09, 2018

Your HBO might soon be a little different.

At least if new owner AT&T (t, +0.21%) has its way.

Noting that “it’s going to be a tough year,” said John Stankey, the new CEO of Warner Media and person responsible for overseeing HBO.

From David Rae; Forbes ~ Jul 09, 2018

Will healthcare costs devour your retirement income? New estimates may cause you to adjust your retirement plans.

The dream is that you will eventually turn 65 and all your healthcare worries will be covered by Medicare. I hate to be the bearer of bad news but in the real world, healthcare costs in retirement years can take a ridiculously large chunk out of your retirement income.

By Darla Mercado; CNBC ~ Jul 08, 2018

* Continuing care retirement communities allow retirees to remain in one facility for the rest of their lives, providing independent living, assisted living and nursing home care.

* There were nearly 2,000 CCRCs as of the end of 2017, according to Ziegler, an investment bank.

* Upfront costs can exceed $100,000 and even hit $2 million.