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Ukraine, IMF agree on $15.6 billion loan package

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 21:15:30 GMT

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Ukraine and the International Monetary Fund have agreed on a $15.6 billion loan package aimed at shoring up government finances severely strained by Russia’s invasion and at leveraging even more support by reassuring allies that Ukraine is pursuing strong economic policies.Ukraine’s finance ministry said Wednesday that the program will “help to mobilize financing from Ukraine’s international partners, as well as to maintain macrofinancial stability and ensure the path to post-war reconstruction after Ukrainian victory in the war against the aggressor.”The loan program will run for four years, with the first 12 to 18 months focusing on helping Ukraine close its massive budget deficit and alleviating pressure to finance spending through printing money at the central bank, the IMF said in a statement Tuesday.The remainder of the program will focus on supporting Ukraine’s bid for European Union membership and post-war reconstruction. The IMF deal is...

Daily horoscope for March 22, 2023

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 21:15:30 GMT

Moon Alert: There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions today. The Moon is in Aries.Happy Birthday for Wednesday, March 22, 2023:You are imaginative and hardworking. You’re also frank, direct and clear-sighted about what you hope to achieve. This year is full of exciting changes and chances to expand your personal freedom. Be open to new opportunities. Let go of whatever is holding you back. Expect to travel.ARIES(March 21-April 19) ★★★★★Today the Moon is in your sign lined up with lucky Jupiter, which makes you feel happy and generous to others. You feel courageous and confident! It’s good to know that today you will get what you give, especially in terms of kindness, friendship and nurturing support. Tonight: Be straightforward.TAURUS(April 20-May 20) ★★★★Your idealism is aroused today, which will make you have a greater concern for the deeper aspects of life. Some of you will experience metaphysical or spiritual insights or some kind of an epiphany. Y...

Wagner chief tells Russia's Shoigu of coming Ukrainian attack

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 21:15:30 GMT

Yevgeny Prigozhin, Russian mercenary chief, told Sergei Shoigu in a Monday (20 March) letter that the Ukrainian army was planning an offensive to cut off Wagner forces from the main Russian contingent in eastern Ukraine.The letter was published by his press agency. Prigozhin stated that the "large-scale attack" was being planned for late March or early April.He said that he asked for all the necessary measures to ensure the Wagner private military company is not cut off from the main Russian army forces, which would have negative consequences for the special-military operation.This was the first time Prigozhin published correspondence with the defense minister, whom he has often criticised for his conduct during the war.This unusual move had two possible goals: to misunderstand Ukraine commanders and to blame Shoigu, not Prigozhin if the purported Ukrainian maneuver was successful.Prigozhin stated that he had provided details about the Ukrainian plan as well as his own counter-propo...

Presale Codes for Bryson Tiller Back and I’m Better Tour

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 21:15:30 GMT

So give me all of you in exchange for me… Just give me all of you in exchange for me, FOR ME! … *oh ahem* … sorry, didn’t see you there. OK, well if you’re here, you’re just as excited as we are to hear that Bryson Tiller is about to go on tour. The sultry crooner is hitting 25 cities this summer in a tour dubbed “Back and I’m Better.” The tour launches May 4 at the House of Blues San Diego and wraps June 12 in Seattle, WA, including a night at the Wiltern here in Los Angeles on June 8 — see below for all dates. Passwords and presale codes for the Bryson Tiller Back and I’m Better Tour tickets are as follows:Presale codes for Bryson Tiller Back and I’m Better TourPresale tickets for the Bryson Tiller Back and I’m Better Tour are go on sale today and we’ve been told the following presale codes and passwords may work. Details are subject to change, and vary by event date:Citi card presale code or password: 412800 (you will need a C...

Miss Manners: Should I call people to explain my daughter’s wedding?

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 21:15:30 GMT

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My daughter moved to Europe several years ago and met a wonderful man, to whom she is now engaged. Her father and I are delighted.They are likely to marry near their home in Europe so that their friends and his family can easily attend. Of course, we will, too.The rest of our family and friends live in the U.S. I think destination weddings are an imposition, and we’re happy to host a reception near our home. However, several people have already told us they’re eager to attend a wedding in Europe.How do I sort this? I can’t envision sending a wedding invitation with check boxes indicating “preferred destination.” Should I call/email/text guests beforehand to explain the situation? That seems weird.GENTLE READER: A wedding near the bridal couple’s home is not a destination wedding, but Miss Manners takes your point that the travel may be difficult or impossible for some.Related ArticlesAdvice | Miss Manners: I’m t...

The Manhattan Transfer brings 50th anniversary farewell tour to Strathmore in North Bethesda

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 21:15:30 GMT

Hear our full conversation on my podcast “Beyond the Fame.” toggle audio on and off change volume download audio WTOP's Jason Fraley previews The Manhattan Transfer at Strathmore (Part 1) $(function () { $('.wtop-audio-container .fa-play').on('click', function(){ var audio_filename = $('div.wtop-audio-file').data("mp3-url"); ga('send', 'event', 'Audio', 'play', audio_filename); }); }); The Manhattan Transfer is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a final farewell world tour.The 10-time Grammy winners will perform at the Strathmore in North Bethesda, Maryland, on Friday.“We’ll be performing with the great DIVA ...

Metro celebrates completion of its Md. HQ in Prince George’s Co.

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 21:15:30 GMT

A few years ago, the New Carrollton Metro Station was surrounded by nothing but parking lots, adjacent to more parking lots.But on Tuesday afternoon, politicians and Metro employees gathered next to Metro’s newly opened Maryland headquarters, as well as a massive apartment complex that’s a few months away from opening. About 1,200 workers will come to work every day at the new headquarters.More Prince George’s County NewsMore Local News“What is happening here is just a continuation of success,” said Gov. Wes Moore, who acknowledged County Executive Angela Alsobrooks by citing a rap lyric, “in the words of DJ Khaled, all you do is win.”But for Metro General Manager Randy Clarke, the opening of this new office building helps Metro consolidate itself into a better, more affordable building.“Last time I was here, there was half the buildings going on,” he joked, taking note of the progress that other projects have made at the site.“You’re only probably five years away ...

South Korea says North Korea has test-launched multiple cruise missiles toward the North’s eastern waters

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 21:15:30 GMT

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea says North Korea has test-launched multiple cruise missiles toward the North’s eastern waters.Source

Vanderbilt plays UAB in NIT

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 21:15:30 GMT

UAB Blazers (27-9, 14-6 C-USA) at Vanderbilt Commodores (22-14, 11-7 SEC)Nashville, Tennessee; Wednesday, 7 p.m. EDTBOTTOM LINE: The Vanderbilt Commodores and UAB Blazers play in the National Invitation Tournament.The Commodores have gone 11-7 against SEC teams, with an 11-7 record in non-conference play. Vanderbilt is seventh in the SEC scoring 72.3 points while shooting 42.9% from the field.The Blazers’ record in C-USA action is 14-6. UAB ranks third in C-USA shooting 35.8% from 3-point range.TOP PERFORMERS: Liam Robbins is averaging 15 points, 6.8 rebounds and three blocks for the Commodores. Colin Smith is averaging 1.6 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games for Vanderbilt.Eric Gaines is averaging 11.6 points, 4.6 assists and 1.9 steals for the Blazers. Jordan Walker is averaging 22.6 points and 3.4 assists over the past 10 games for UAB.LAST 10 GAMES: Commodores: 8-2, averaging 74.6 points, 29.7 rebounds, 10.9 assists, 5.3 steals and 4.4 blocks per game while shooting 45....

Tennessee Volunteers and Florida Atlantic Owls play in Sweet 16

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 21:15:30 GMT

Florida Atlantic Owls (33-3, 18-2 C-USA) vs. Tennessee Volunteers (25-10, 11-7 SEC)New York; Thursday, 9 p.m. EDTFANDUEL SPORTSBOOK LINE: Tennessee -5.5; over/under is 130.5BOTTOM LINE: The No. 20 Tennessee Volunteers and No. 25 Florida Atlantic Owls square off in the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16.The Volunteers have gone 11-7 against SEC teams, with a 14-3 record in non-conference play. Tennessee is eighth in the SEC scoring 71.2 points while shooting 43.6% from the field.The Owls’ record in C-USA play is 18-2. Florida Atlantic is the C-USA leader with 26.4 defensive rebounds per game led by Johnell Davis averaging 4.3.TOP PERFORMERS: Olivier Nkamhoua is averaging 11 points for the Volunteers. Santiago Vescovi is averaging 13.7 points over the last 10 games for Tennessee.Davis is scoring 13.9 points per game with 5.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists for the Owls. Alijah Martin is averaging 13.9 points and 5.2 rebounds over the last 10 games for Florida Atlantic.LAST 10 GAMES: Volunteers:...