Labor strike erupts into violent clashes

BEIRUT - Lebanon's long-simmering political crisis erupted into gunfire and explosions yesterday when a labor strike devolved into clashes between rival Hezbollah and government supporters. Demonstrators supported by militant Hezbollah protested the US-backed government's economic policies and paralyzed much of Beirut with roadblocks of burning tires. There were a few injuries reported. (AP)

EVEREST BASE CAMP - The Olympic torch was at the top of Mount Everest today, the crowning moment of a Beijing Games torch relay that had been dogged by anti-Chinese protests on its world tour. Three months to the day before the Games open, members of a 31-strong team reached the top of the 29,030-foot peak carrying the Olympic flame in a lantern before lighting the torch. (Reuters)

TOKYO - A strong earthquake struck off the coast of Japan early today, the national Meteorological Agency said, waking up people 100 miles away in Tokyo. Two people suffered minor injuries from falling furniture, public television broadcaster NHK reported. An 18-year-old man was hit when his stereo speakers fell onto his bed, and a 25-year-old man was hit by objects rattled off shelves. (AP)

PUERTO MONTT - Specialists believe Chile's Chaiten volcano could continue belching out vast clouds of ash for months, but distraught residents evacuated from nearby towns say they yearn to return as soon as possible. Ash that has reached as far as Argentina continued to spew for a sixth day yesterday, disrupting flights with no sign of let-up. (Reuters)