INTEREST RATES have been raised again in an effort to stem inflation (Shutterstock).

A 0.75 percent  increase in the prime interest rate was ordered Wednesday by the Federal Reserve system on Wednesday in another effort to tame inflation.

According to United Press International, Chair Jerome Powell said, “I do not think the U.S. is currently in recession. The reason is that there are too many areas of the economy that are performing too well.”

Rising interest rates – twice in one month – are slowing the housing market and boosted credit card debt.

Courts block abortion bans in two states

Judges in Wyoming and North Dakota acted Wednesday to temporarily block from taking effect laws that banned abortion in those states.

The actions came in response to lawsuits arguing that the legislation would harm health care workers and their patients, according to the Associated Press.

Judges in Kentucky, Louisiana and Utah have also issued temporary stays on abortion bans in those states.

Also in the news … Tony Dow, best-known for his role in the “Leave it to Beaver” TV shows died Wednesday morning, one day after it was incorrectly reported that he had passed away.

Sports: Trying to get Griner back in the USA

The U.S. government is trying to organize a prisoner exchange with Russia for the return of  WNBA player Brittney Griner. She pleaded guilty to carrying hashish oil in her luggage as she was going through security at a Moscow airport. She’s been “detained” for 100 days.

Sports: Angels beat Royals again

The Los Angeles Angels posted their third win in four games  Wednesday with a 4-0 win over the Royals in Kansas City. With the victory, the Halos are 42-56 and remain in fourth place in the American League West.

Phil Gosslin, Brandon Marsh and Kurt Suzuki each had two hits for LAA. 

Janson Junk (1-0) had a successful debut on the mound, working five shutout innings. He yielded four hits, struck out eight batters and walked only one.

Weather: Partly cloudy or mostly sunny?

What’s the difference? In any case, we in the West Orange County area will be having more of both for nearly a week. The forecast calls for a daytime high of 79 for Thursday through Saturday, followed by a daytime high of 80 Sunday through Tuesday. Overnight lows will be in the mid-60s.