What to know this morning: In 5 minutes or less

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Facing U.S. Pressure, China Defends South China Sea Actions
Facing U.S. Pressure, China Defends South China Sea Actions


1. China claims 90 percent of the South China Sea, which is believed to be rich in oil and gas, overlapping with several other countries. According to U.S. officials, this runs the risk of provoking tension that could eventually lead to conflict in the area. Read more here.

2. ISIS now controls half of Syria's territory after its advance to the ancient city of Palmyra, which they captured on Wednesday. Read more here.


3. Security camera footage has been reviewed exclusively by The Associated Press from the restaurant in Waco, Texas, where two rival biker gangs got caught in a shootout. The AP gives a detailed description of the course of events. Read more here.

4. More than 6,000 gallons of oil have been removed from the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California, but there was possibly over 105,000 gallons of oil spilled that will need to be cleaned up, with up to 21,000 of that reaching the sea. Read more here.


5. The second Marine who died in the helicopter crash in Hawaii has been identified. Read more here.

6. A couple big changes are coming to the NFL this fall -- Extra point kicks are being moved back, with the ball to be snapped from the 15 yard line. The new rules will also allow defenses to score on conversion turnovers. Read more here.

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