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Top Navalny associates detained ahead of protests

Two close associates of Alexei Navalny have been detained ahead of protests planned in support of the imprisoned Russian opposition leader. Navalny’s team has called for nationwide protests on Wednesday following reports that the politician’s health was deteriorating in prison, where he has been on hunger strike since March 31. Russian authorities have stressed that the demonstrations were not authorized and warned against participating in them. A lawyer said on Twitter that people in uniform removed top Navalny ally Lyubov Sobol from a taxi near a Moscow metro station on Wednesday morning and took her to a police precinct. Police also detained Navalny's spokeswoman, who already was under house arrest on charges from January protests. 

Hungary's government spars with mayor over homeless hospital

BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — Hungary's right-wing government and the liberal leadership of the country's capital city are absorbed in a conflict over a hospital for the homeless that may soon be forced to close its doors. The hospital provides medical…

LEADING OFF: Padres' Lamet set for return, Nats without Soto

Dinelson Lamet is set for his season debut with the Padres after working back from elbow discomfort that caused him to miss the end of the 2020 season, including the playoffs. The right-hander was a breakout ace for San Diego last season, finishing fourth in NL Cy Young Award voting. He’s returning to a revamped rotation that includes offseason pickups Yu Darvish, Blake Snell and Joe Musgrove. He’s slated to start an afternoon game against Brewers right-hander Adrian Houser. Elsewhere, the 2019 World Series champion Nationals were dealt yet another setback when outfielder Juan Soto went on the 10-day injured list with a strained left shoulder.

China's Xi to participate in Biden's climate summit

BEIJING (AP) — Chinese President Xi Jinping will take part in President Joe Biden’s climate summit this week, the government announced Wednesday. Xi will participate in the online event by video link from Beijing and “deliver an important speech," the…

Iran, Saudis hold talks in Baghdad, few expect quick results

BAGHDAD (AP) — A first round of direct talks between regional rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran signaled a possible de-escalation following years of animosity that often spilled into neighboring countries and at least one still-raging war. But few expect quick…

Flashpoint of 1992 LA riots becomes a place of celebration

The South Los Angeles flashpoint of deadly riots in 1992 became a place of celebration in the wake of a police officer's conviction for killing George Floyd. Florence and Normandie avenues were ground zero for violence that erupted in 1992 after four Los Angeles officers were acquitted of beating Black motorist Rodney King. More than 60 people died and hundreds of buildings were burned in those riots. But on Tuesday, a racially diverse group gathered to cheer the conviction of former Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin. Some who lived in the area in 1992 called it a sign of change while also calling for continued accountability.

Luzardo follows Manaea's stellar start, A's beat Twins twice

Matt Olson hit a grand slam, Mitch Moreland homered twice to back Sean Manaea’s shutout, then Jesús Luzardo followed with his own Game 2 gem as the Oakland Athletics swept a doubleheader against the depleted Minnesota Twins, 7-0 and 1-0 to run their winning streak to 10 games. The nightcap featured a delay of 24 minutes because of a light bank in left field that lost power. The left-handed Luzardo allowed two hits over 5 1/3 innings, struck out six and walked one.

Seoul court rejects sexual slavery claim against Tokyo

A South Korean court has rejected a claim by sexual slavery victims and their relatives who sought compensation from the Japanese government over their wartime sufferings. Activists accused the Seoul court of ignoring their struggles to restore the women's honor and dignity and said they would appeal. Media reports on the ruling said the court ruled the Japanese government should be exempt from civil jurisdiction under the principles of international law. The ruling came as the Asian U.S. allies struggle to repair their relations that sank in recent years over history, trade, and military issues. Japan insists wartime compensation issues were settled under a 1965 treaty.

Egypt fires top railway official after deadly train crashes

CAIRO (AP) — Egypt’s transportation minister on Tuesday said he sacked the country’s top railway official, following three train accidents in less than a month that left more than 40 people dead and over 350 injured. The firing of Ashraf…

Globes group ousts member over his Black Lives Matter email

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A former president of the organization that hosts the Golden Globes has been dropped from the group’s board after sending an email that called Black Lives Matter a “hate movement.” The Hollywood Foreign Press Association board…

Floyd's hometown exalts in verdict but tempers expectations

The streets of Houston’s Third Ward echoed with screams filled with the word “justice” in the moments after former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin was convicted of murder. The historically black neighborhood is where George Floyd grew up. In the hours before Tuesday’s verdict, some residents worried that justice would prove elusive again in a case involving an unarmed Black man killed by a police officer. Even amid the celebrations, some tempered their expectations for what the jury’s decision might mean for racial justice in America.

Nationals put Juan Soto on IL with strained left shoulder

Washington Nationals right fielder Juan Soto has been placed on the 10-day injured list with a strained left shoulder. It is the latest setback for the 2019 World Series champions during a slow start to this season. Soto is the reigning NL batting champion. He originally was listed in Washington’s starting lineup facing the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday night. But the Nationals tweeted the move less than an hour before the game’s scheduled first pitch. The club also said that outfielder Yadiel Hernandez was being recalled from its alternate training site.

Chad President Deby, ally in fighting extremism, dies at 68

N'DJAMENA, Chad (AP) — President Idriss Deby Itno, who ruled Chad for more than 30 years and became an important ally to Western nations in the fight against Islamic extremism in Africa, has been killed while battling against rebels in…

The Latest: Elation and wariness after verdict in Floyd case

Crowds nationwide are reacting with jubilation but also with deep awareness of the progress left to be made after a jury convicted former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin of murder in the killing of George Floyd. Cheers erupted from Floyd’s family members as the judge read the verdict Tuesday, and a vigil at the site of Floyd’s death last May gave way to celebration. But the elation was tinged with wariness and worry that while justice was done for one Black person on this day, it would not be enough by itself. The Rev. Jesse Jackson, who traveled to Minneapolis for the verdict, said, “We are relieved but not celebrating because the killing continues.”

Tears and relief sweep intersection where George Floyd died

Hundreds of people gathered at the scene of George Floyd's death to hear the verdict in the trial of the former police officer charged in his death. The crowd at 38th Street and Chicago Avenue fell silent as the decision was announced Tuesday afternoon. Then thunderous cheering erupted. Many people wept. Some sobbed. The place now known as George Floyd Square has been seen by millions of people around the world in videos shot by bystanders during Floyd’s arrest. By early evening, the square was a scene of celebration, prayer and relief. More people streamed in, including parents bringing their children.

LEADING OFF: Padres' Lamet set for return, Nats without Soto

Dinelson Lamet is set for his season debut with the Padres after working back from elbow discomfort that caused him to miss the end of the 2020 season, including the playoffs. The right-hander was a breakout ace for San Diego last season, finishing fourth in NL Cy Young Award voting. He’s returning to a revamped rotation that includes offseason pickups Yu Darvish, Blake Snell and Joe Musgrove. He’s slated to start an afternoon game against Brewers right-hander Adrian Houser. Elsewhere, the 2019 World Series champion Nationals were dealt yet another setback when outfielder Juan Soto went on the 10-day injured list with a strained left shoulder.

Crowds react with joy, wariness to verdict in Floyd's death

Crowds nationwide have reacted with jubilation but also with deep awareness of the progress left to be made after a jury convicted former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin of murder in the killing of George Floyd. Cheers erupted from Floyd's family members as the judge read the verdict Tuesday, and a vigil at the site of Floyd's death last May gave way to celebration. But the elation was tinged with wariness and worry that while justice was done for one Black person on this day, it would not be enough by itself.

Following verdict in Floyd case, USC football reflects

USC was supposed to take the field on Tuesday for one of its final practices of the spring football season. The Trojans decided football was secondary. A short time after former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was convicted of murder and manslaughter for causing the death of George Floyd by holding his knee on the Black man’s neck, the Trojans decided that the day would be best served reflecting and participating in the national conversation about racial inequality and police brutality. While some pro leagues braced for potential protests following the verdict, games went on as scheduled.

Through the media covering Chauvin case, a collective pause

A nation following on television and other screens nervously awaited the verdict in case over the killing of George Floyd. Then, after former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty of murder and manslaughter, there was a flood of relief and emotion for both viewers and some of those covering the trial. CBS' Gayle King says she hopes the verdict could restore some needed faith in the justice system. NBC's Eddie Glaude says his “stomach isn’t in knots anymore.” Networks had nearly 90 minutes between hearing there was a verdict and learning what it was — a dangerous stretch of time for speculation. For the most part, though, they got it right.

Urías dominates as Dodgers pull out 1-0 win over Mariners

Julio Urías threw seven dominant innings of one-hit ball, striking out a career-high 11 and leading the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 1-0 win over the Seattle Mariners. The matchup between early-season division leaders was an entertaining pitchers' duel with Urías getting the better of Seattle starter Marco Gonzales. Corey Seager drove in the only run with a two-out single in the third inning. Urías was outstanding, painting edges with a fastball in the mid 90s. Seattle’s lone hit was Mitch Haniger’s slow infield single with two outs in the third inning. Victor González and Kenley Jansen completed the one-hitter. The Dodgers had just two hits.

Maxine Waters' bold words echo civil rights, draw criticism

When Rep. Maxine Waters urged people to be “confrontational” in the pursuit of justice for George Floyd, advocates for racial equity heard a leading Black voice in the nation's long march toward civil rights. But detractors saw Waters' push for a guilty verdict as incendiary, momentarily diverting attention away from the case itself. The attorney for former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin moved for a mistrial in light of her comments. The judge denied the motion but called the comments “abhorrent.” As the action and reaction ricocheted around social media, it was an all-too-familiar call and response, a politically fraught exchange that has played out throughout much of America’s troubled racial history.

ACM Awards hits record low ratings, join the ceremony slump

The Academy of County Music honors drew a record-low audience, joining other awards shows also finding dwindling viewer interest. Ceremony ratings have been sliding in recent years and the trend has worsened during the pandemic. The Grammys and Golden Globes among those crashing in the ratings. Next up to be tested: the Academy Awards, airing at 8 p.m. Eastern Sunday on ABC. According to Nielsen figures, the ACM Awards drew just under 6.3 million viewers last Sunday, compared to the 6.6 million that watched in 2020. Luke Bryan was honored as entertainer of the year in the event hosted by Keith Urban and Mickey Guyton.

Document: Kristin Smart once buried in suspect's backyard

Authorities say a California college student missing for nearly 25 years was once buried in the backyard of the suspect’s father’s home. In a court document filed Monday, a prosecutor says that the body of Kristin Smart, which has never been found, was recently moved from the home of Ruben Flores. A lawyer for Flores, who has pleaded not guilty to accessory after murder, argued that prosecutors were relying on evidence so weak it would “shock the conscience.” Flores' son, Paul Flores, has pleaded not guilty to murder. He was the last person seen with Smart when she vanished from California Polytechnic State University in 1996.

Arkansas racing officials vote not to suspend Bob Baffert

Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert has successfully appealed his 15-day suspension to the Arkansas Racing Commission. The six-time Kentucky Derby winner can now resume preparations to run Medina Spirit in next weekend's Derby. After 13 1/2 hours of testimony over two days, the commission voted unanimously to uphold the stewards' original ruling but with modifications. Those changes involve dropping Baffert's suspension, reducing the fines to $5,000 per horse and restoring the horses' placing and purse money.