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News In Brief

MID-DAY UPDATE: Ben Bernanke, health care law, Energy Star

Katharine Crnko Feb 3, 2011

In a rare press conference, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke will answer questions from reporters today at the National Press Club in Washington. Fed chairmen historically do not take the hot seat, but this press conference is part of the Fed’s new strategy to communicate better with the public about its role.

The journal, Health Affairs, released a report today that found a wrinkle in the new health care law. According to the new rules, your income will determine if you qualify for Medicaid or for subsidies to buy insurance through state exchanges. But what happens when your income fluctuates? In other health care news, British drugmaker GlaxoSmithKline reported more than $1 billion in losses last quarter. The company’s losses follow recalls, potential compensation payouts, and cutbacks in research and development.

And the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency are on the hunt for superstars. The agencies are teaming up to help companies with efficiency ratings on appliances stand out in a new tier.

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