NEW YORK (AP) - U.S. stocks ticked higher to hit another record. The S&P 500 rose 0.5% Wednesday and set an all-time high for the third time in four days. The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged down by less than 0.1%, and the Nasdaq composite gained 0.9%.

MANILA, Philippines (AP) – The Philippines and Lithuania signed an agreement to build a security alliance resulting from their mutual alarm over what they perceive as growing aggression threatening their regions by countries such as China.

In a case seen as a challenge to free speech, Paramount has agreed to pay $16 million to settle a lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump over the editing of CBS’ ” 60 Minutes” interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris in October.

PARIS (AP) – Tadej Pogačar will look to add to his place in cycling history with a fourth Tour de France title. The 26-year-old Slovenian rider last year became the first cyclist to secure the Giro d’Italia and Tour double in the same season since the late Marco Pantani in 1998. His main rival will be Jonas Vingegaard.

WASHINGTON (AP) – Republican leaders in the House are sprinting toward a Wednesday vote on President Donald Trump’s tax and spending cuts package, determined to seize momentum from a hard-fought vote in the Senate while essentially daring members to defy their party’s leader and vote against it.

ATHENS, Greece (AP) – A hard-right lawmaker was sworn in Monday as Greece’s migration minister, replacing a fellow right-wing political heavyweight who resigned following accusations of involvement in the distribution of European Union farm subsidies.

Excerpts from recent editorials in the United States and abroad:

LONDON (AP) – Human rights groups lost their legal challenge Monday to the British government’s decision to supply Israel with parts for F-35 fighter jets and other military equipment. They argued that the UK was complicit in atrocities against Palestinians by allowing components for warplanes to be supplied to Israel.