Week in wildlife: a fishing anhinga, a northern nutcracker and cuddling seals

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• China conducts combat readiness patrols around disputed shoal in South China Sea

  Beijing has intensified naval and aerial operations near Scarborough Shoal, framing the maneuvers as a direct response to alleged provocations by Manila. The move tightens Chinese operational control over the contested maritime territory following recent diplomatic friction between the two nations at a regional defense summit. These expanded security measures reflect an ongoing rejection of an international ruling that invalidated China's expansive territorial boundaries in the strategic waterway.

  1 min read
• Palestinian citizens make their vote count in Israel

  Fueled by discontent over violent crime and political incitement from the ruling right-wing government, Arab factions secured a historic 19 seats in the Knesset. This surge gives minority lawmakers unprecedented leverage to potentially determine the next governing coalition. However, deep-seated reluctance among mainstream opposition figures creates a steep barrier to finalizing any formal partnership.

  11 min read
• Here are the Senate races to watch ahead of Election Day

  Competitive environments across traditionally conservative battlegrounds have forced Republicans to defend unexpected territory ahead of Election Day. Democrats are targeting a net gain of four seats to secure the majority, while the GOP seeks offsets in blue-leaning territory. The final balance of power will likely hinge on whether Republican voter turnout holds up in tight red-state races.

  9 min read