NEW YORK (AP) – Infant mortality in the U.S. dropped to a new all-time low in 2025, according to preliminary government data. There were slightly fewer than 5.4 infant deaths per 1,000 live births in 2025, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

TOKYO (AP) – The Bank of Japan raised its benchmark interest rate to 1% on Tuesday, citing challenges stemming from a weak Japanese yen and higher prices. The central bank’s increase in the uncollateralized overnight rate, by a quarter of a percentage point from 0.75%, puts it at a three-decade high.

Excerpts from recent editorials in the United States and abroad:

WARSAW, Poland (AP) – A 44-year-old Russian artist who has been critical of Russian President Vladimir Putin was shot and killed at close range near his home in the eastern Polish city of Biala Podlaska, prosecutors said Tuesday.

BANGKOK (AP) – The Iran war has exposed major risks for Southeast Asia that could cost the region billions of dollars, if it doesn’t diversify sources of energy more quickly, according to an International Energy Agency report released Tuesday.

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump’s administration is further dismantling the Department of Education, moving oversight of special education and civil rights to other agencies.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – Republican Gov. Mike DeWine said Tuesday that Ohio should abolish the death penalty, saying it is no longer a deterrent to violent crime, confirming his change of heart on the policy he helped write as a state legislator 45 years ago.

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump is heading to France on Monday to meet with an ideologically diverse group of world leaders who have at least one thing in common: All have either found themselves the target of Trump’s ire, or have been forced to negotiate awkward moments with the U.S. leader.