INCREASES in interest rates by the Federal Reserve are an effort to fight inflation (Shutterstock).

Continuing its battle to roll back inflation, the Federal Reserve on Wednesday announced it would increase its benchmark interest rate by three-quarters of a point for the fourth consecutive time.

According to the Associated Press, the rate is now at 3.75 to 4 percent. Consumers and others seeking to borrow money will pay more. In a statement released by the Fed, it was suggested that smaller increases in borrowing rates might be forthcoming

The announcement of an increase sent Wall Street into a bad mood, as the Dow Jones Average declined by 500 points.

Netanyahu back on top in Israel?

BENJAMIN NETANYAHU

A national vote in Israel could be resulting in a return to power for controversial former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The Associated Press reports that with about 90 percent of the ballots counted, his party may have won enough seats in that nation’s parliament to cobble together a coalition to create a majority.

In Israel, the public do not choose the prime minister directly. Instead, the party – or coalition – that controls the lawmaking body – does the selecting. Netanyahu, leader of the Likud Party, is considered a hard-liner, especially regarding relations with Palestinians. He’s been the PM, off and on, for 15 years.

Sports: Astros no-hit the Phillies

The Houston Astros tied up the 2022 World Series with two wins each on Wednesday with a 5-0 victory over the host Philadelphia Phillies, and what a victory it was.

One night after being walloped 7-0 by the Phils, the visitors pulled off an historic first: a combined no-hitter involving four pitchers.

Cristian Javier got the Astros off to a good start by throwing six hitless innings. He struck out nine batters and walked two. Three relief pitchers yield only one base runner, and that on a walk.

At bat, the Astros had 10 hits, the key being a double by Alex Bregman in the top of the fifth that drove in two runs. Bregman would himself score on a single by Yuli Gurriel.

Game Five will be Thursday, also in Philadelphia. After that, the series moves back to Houston for Games Six and (if needed) Seven.

ALSO:  On Tuesday, the Los Angeles Kings lost 5-2 to the Dallas Stars … The Anaheim Ducks defeated the Sam Jose Sharks 6-5 …

TONIGHT:  The Los Angeles Lakers (2-5) defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 120-117 and the Los Angeles Clippers (4-4) beat the Houston Rockets 109-101 on Wednesday.

Weather: Back to the Sixties

The West Orange County area will spend most of the next few days in or near the 60s … weather-wise. The National Weather  Service calls for a daytime high of 65 on Thursday under sunny skies and with some gusty wind The overnight low looked to be 48. Friday is forecast to be 69 and sunny during the day and 51 overnight. Saturday’s high will be sunny and 70 with an overnight low of 51.