Gunmen are fighting government forces in Beirut, the latest flare-up in a conflict that has deeply divided Lebanon and dealt a devastating blow to its economy and infrastructure. There were conflicting reports about Sunday’s violence, but there was no indication that its arrival was linked to events in Syria, its northern neighbor. The violence comes three weeks after the assassination of Lebanon’s former prime minister, a move that was widely believed to have been carried out by Iran-backed Hezbollah. Lebanon’s fractious politicians are in a tussle over who should replace Saad Hariri, who announced his resignation from Saudi Arabia in November, which led to allegations he had been pushed out. Despite Hariri’s resignation, Lebanon continued to show signs of tension, including the detention of several leaders of an Iranian-backed party, the so-called Future Movement, over charges of plotting to murder the prime minister.
Back to life: The day after a mass evacuation was ordered at San Francisco International Airport for emotional support animals, people began arriving with their pets to resume flying with their animals. The move was prompted by a judge’s order to temporarily suspend the settlement in the “emotional support” lawsuit that was filed after Delta Air Lines refused to allow a service dog to board in January. Delta and American Airlines said they were overwhelmed by requests from pet owners to provide reassurances for service and assistance animals following the lawsuit, according to the New York Times.
