THE U.S. is challenging China’s claims over the Paracel Islands (Shutterstock).

The disputed Paracel Islands in the South China Sea have become the focus of an international dispute over just who those islands belong to. 

According to the Associated Press, the U.S. has twice sailed the USS Milius – a guided missile destroyer – in the vicinity of the islands, bringing sharp protests from China.

The Chinese have occupied the islands but they are also claimed by Taiwan and Vietnam.  The Chinese government warned of “serious consequences” in the wake of the American actions which Washington termed “freedom of navigation” operations.

Syrian situation heats up

One day after American air strikes hit Iranian-backed militias fighting in Iran in retaliation for a drone attack that killed a U.S contractor and wounded six other Americans, more drone and rocket attacks were launched.

According to The New York Times, President Joe Biden – in the Canadian capital of Ottawa – said, “The United States does not, does not, I emphasize, seek conflict with Iran. But be prepared for us to act forcefully to protect our people.”

Also in the news … American labor unions scored a victory on Friday when the Michigan says legislature voted to repeal that state’s “right to work” law, which had outlawed the “closed shop” under which all persons represented by a union had to belong to that union.

Sports: Lakers beat the Thunder

Anthony Davis scored 47 points as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 116-111 on Friday night to bring their record up to .500 and improve their playoff hopes.

With the win, the Lakers are 37-37 and have the tie-beaker over the Thunder in case of a deadlock in the standings.

Davis hit on 15-of-21 shots and 7-of-11 free throws. He also grabbed 15 rebounds. Dennis Schroder added 21 for the Lakers.

Weather: Sunny days … mostly

The West Orange County area is done with the rain … for a while. The forecast calls for sunny and mostly sunny days until Wednesday brings showers. Saturday should have a daytime high of 66 with an overnight low of 43. Sunday will be slightly warmer with 67 (44) and the start of three days of “mostly sunny” skies. Monday should be (relatively) toasty with a high of 71 and a low of 48. Tuesday will see a cooling trend with a high of 66 and a low of 51.