Federal Reserve cuts key interest rate

WASHINGTON — The Federal Reserve cut its key interest rate by a quarter-point Wednesday and projected it would do so twice more this year as concern grows at the central bank about the health of the U.S. labor market.

It's the Fed's first cut since December, lowering its shortterm rate to about 4.1%, down from 4.3%. Fed officials, led by Chair Jerome Powell, previously kept the rate unchanged as they evaluated effects of tariffs, immigration enforcement and other Trump administration policies.

Stephen Miran, President Donald Trump's appointee confirmed Monday in the Senate the same day an appeals court refused to go along with Trump's attempts to fire Fed board member Lisa Cook, was the only Fed official who dissented with the decision, preferring a larger cut.

GAZA: Israel launched its Gaza City offensive Tuesday, as experts commissioned by the U.N. Human Rights Council concluded Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.

VACCINES: Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s new vaccine advisers added confusion Friday to this fall's COVID-19 vaccinations — declining to recommend them for anyone. Instead, they decided people could make individual decisions after talking with a doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

BOAT STRIKES: President Donald Trump said Friday the U.S. military carried out its third fatal strike against an alleged drug smuggling vessel this month. On social media, he said the strike killed three on a vessel affiliated with a terrorist organization.

— Associated Press