Good evening. Here's the latest at the end of Wednesday.
The Fed announced an unusually large rate cutThe Federal Reserve cut interest rates by half a percentage point today, lowering them to about 4.9 percent. That's down from a more-than-two-decade high of about 5.33 percent. The decision shows that central bankers think they are winning the war against inflation and are now turning their attention to keeping the job market from weakening further. "Our patient approach over the past year has paid dividends," Jerome Powell, the Fed chair, said. Central bankers expect to cut interest rates more in the months to come, but they are not on a preset path, Powell said. They could speed up if the economy is weak and slow down if it's strong. Here are key takeaways from the Fed's decision.
More devices exploded in LebanonAt least 20 people were killed and hundreds were wounded when walkie-talkies owned by Hezbollah members exploded across Lebanon today, the second attack involving booby-trapped devices in two days, according to Lebanese and Hezbollah officials. Lebanon was already reeling from an operation yesterday that blew up thousands of pagers. Those blasts killed at least 12 people and wounded more than 2,700 others. Residents of Beirut's southern suburbs said the explosions today did not appear to be as widespread as Tuesday's blasts. But the walkie-talkies were nearly three times heavier than the pagers and set off more large fires, suggesting that they might have contained more explosives, a Times analysis found. Hezbollah has vowed to retaliate, but its members appeared to be in shock, my colleague Ben Hubbard reported. Israel has not confirmed or denied involvement in the attacks, but Lebanese, U.S. and other officials say that Israel is responsible for the pager blasts.
Harris courts Latino votersVice President Kamala Harris issued one of her sharper lines of criticism today against Donald Trump's immigration plans, including large-scale deportations. "Imagine what that would look like and what that would be," she said at an event hosted by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute. "How's that going to happen? Massive raids? Massive detention camps? What are we talking about?" Harris framed herself as a candidate who would focus on lowering prescription drug prices and addressing housing shortages, reflecting her broader strategy to build support among Latinos. Her campaign has recently devoted $3 million to new advertisements on Spanish-language radio.
Bulletproofing classroomsBallistic armored backpacks, clipboards and even pencil cases: As America tries to make its classrooms less vulnerable to active shooters, companies are marketing protective products to parents and schools. Some people see the items as unsettling but prudent, others find them infuriating — and many question their effectiveness. They're also expensive. A bulletproof pencil case sells for $185. More top news
The 'Golden Bachelorette' and real love onscreenJoan Vassos, a 61-year-old school administrator and grandmother, didn't find love on "The Golden Bachelor." She'll give romance another try as the star of ABC's new spinoff, which premieres tonight — even if, as she put it, "it's a weird way to meet somebody." As reality shows shift focus from the young, a strange experience has emerged for a specific set of viewers: the strangeness of watching their parent date, flirt, kiss and even fall in love on television. Some TV producers have gleefully latched on to the concept or even ratcheted up the shock value with shows like the infamous "MILF Manor."
Foldable phones are almost good enoughFolding phones have been generating a buzz since their debut in 2019, but software, durability issues and prices over $1,500 have kept them a niche item. Now, a shift is underway. The devices keep getting better, and some are becoming cheaper, our TechFix columnist, Brian Chen, writes. He is convinced that phones with bendable screens will become mainstream in the next few years, and he says his next device will be foldable. Dinner table topics
Cook: This classic stick-to-your-ribs beef stew is ideal for feeding a crowd. Enjoy: Here's a collection of seven new tracks that you need to hear. Watch: The dream world of "Sirocco and the Kingdom of Winds" explores the indelible bond between sisters. Heal: Chronic inflammation can be a silent killer, but your diet can play a role in tamping it down. Listen: The "Modern Love" podcast reads some "X-Files" erotic fan fiction to Gillian Anderson. Hunt: What home can you buy with a $600,000 budget in Kentucky, Texas and Connecticut? Browse: London has small, specialized shops that sell unique wares in spots full of wonder. Play: Today's Spelling Bee, Wordle and Mini Crossword. For more, find all our games here.
Reliving 1980s video gamesUFO 50 isn't just a single video game. It's actually 50 arcade-style games that cover sports, puzzles and role-playing, among other things. The project recreates the scrappy era of early PC gaming, one of the developers said, recalling being a kid and receiving disks filled with strange games and little information beyond a title. A player starting up UFO 50 for the first time will have no idea how to even play the individual games. Figuring out each one's controls and objectives is part of the puzzle. It's a head-spinning psychotropic experience, our reviewer writes. Have an epic evening. Thanks for reading. — Justin Sign up here to get this newsletter in your inbox. Reach our team at evening@nytimes.com. And follow The New York Times on Instagram, Threads, Facebook and TikTok at @nytimes.
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