IMF to release $333 million to crisis-hit Sri Lanka

COLOMBO (Reuters) – The International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved the third review of Sri Lanka’s $2.9 billion bailout on Saturday but warned that the economy remains vulnerable. In a statement, the global lender said it would release about $333 million, bringing total funding to around $1.3 billion, to the crisis-hit South Asian nation. It said…

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Trump names Dave Weldon as his pick to direct the CDC

By Julie Steenhuysen CHICAGO (Reuters) – U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Friday announced Dave Weldon, a former congressman and a medical doctor, as his choice for director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a sweeping agency with a $17.3 billion budget used as a public health model around the world. The CDC tracks…

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US Supreme Court to decide Federal Communications Commission fund’s legality

By John Kruzel WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Supreme Court agreed on Friday to decide the legality of a congressionally authorized fund operated by the Federal Communications Commission to expand access to telecommunications services in a challenge accusing Congress of unlawfully delegating its authority to an independent federal agency. The justices took up an appeal by…

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White House officials meet with telecoms execs on suspected China hack

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Senior White House officials met on Friday with telecommunications executives to discuss China’s “significant cyber espionage campaign targeting the sector,” the White House said. Earlier this month, U.S. authorities said China-linked hackers had intercepted surveillance data intended for American law enforcement agencies after breaking into an unspecified number of telecom companies. Senator…

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Factbox-Trump’s cabinet: who’s been picked, who’s in the running?

By Gram Slattery (Reuters) -President-elect Donald Trump has made a flurry of picks for his cabinet and other high-ranking administration positions following his election victory. Here are the announced choices and top contenders for some of the key posts overseeing defense, intelligence, health, diplomacy, trade, the justice department, immigration and economic policymaking. SCOTT BESSENT, treasury…

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Trump picks TV doctor Janette Nesheiwat as surgeon general

By Daniel Trotta (Reuters) -U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Friday chose family medicine doctor and Fox News contributor Janette Nesheiwat to be surgeon general, again showing preference for a television personality as the face of his incoming administration. “Dr. Nesheiwat is a fierce advocate and strong communicator for preventive medicine and public health,” Trump said…

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