STOCK MARKETS fell on Friday on fears that rising interest rates could push the economy into a recession (Shutterstock).

Fear of a recession rattled central banks and stock markets around the world on Friday as the battle against inflation threatens to turn into an economic downturn.

According to The New York Times, the bellwether S&P 500 index dropped by 1.7 percent at the close of trading, a drop of 22 percent over 2022.

The Dow Jones Average fell by 1.6 percent and Nasdaq by 1.8 percent.

The declines on Wall Street come in response to interest rate increases – both real and anticipated – by the Federal Reserve as it seeks to hammer down inflationary pressure.

There is some good news in the mix. A slowing economy could mean a decrease in demand for crude oil, which could result in lower prices at the pump for gasoline.

UN: Russians have raped, tortured children

Russian troops invading Ukraine have raped and tortured children,  conducted mass executions and committed other war crimes, according to a report by United Nations investigators.

United Press International reports that witnesses told investigators they were taken to Russia, held in prisons and tortured before being released.

Some children were taken from their parents and forcibly adopted into Russian families.

Sports: Angels 3rd; Pujols hits 700th, 701th

Shohei Ohtani was uncharacteristically wild Friday night, walking six batters in five innings, but otherwise the two-way Los Angeles Angels’ star was good enough to lead his team to a 4-2 win over the Minnesota Twins at Target Field and back into third place in the American League West.

Ohtani (14-8) gave up three hits and two earned runs. He struck out seven batters and helped his cause by driving in a run with a single.

Taylor Ward had an outstanding night, slamming his 20th and 21st home runs of the season. Livan Soto was 2-for-3 with a run scored.

The Orange County team (66-85) will face the Twins (73-78) again on Saturday with Reid Detmers (6-5) making the start for the Halos.

Meanwhile the Los Angeles Dodgers, already champs of the National League West, saw their offense pretty much take the night off in a 10-0 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals. But they were able to witness Albert Pujols make history by hitting his 700th and 701st home runs of his career, a feat only reached by Babe Ruth and the steroid-fueled Barry Bonds.

Clayton Kershaw (9-3) will make the start for the Blue Crew on Saturday.

Weather: Clear and sunny

The forecast for the West Orange County is of the sort that brought millions of people to California in the first place: clear and sunny.

On Saturday, according to the National Weather Service, the daytime high is expected to be 88 with an overnight low of 68. Sunday will be similar at 89 (69) with some winds gusting to 20 miles an hour.

Monday’s weather will be slightly warmer at 90 (70), with Tuesday the same.