AP Sports Digest
Here are the AP’s top sports stories that have moved or are planned to move today. All times U.S. Eastern. For up-to-the minute information on AP’s coverage, visit AP Newsroom’s Coverage Plan. Sports content can be found at http://newsroom.ap.org/page/APSports.
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UPCOMING
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BBO--THIS WEEK IN BASEBALL
DESCRIPTION: Munetaka Murakami has been just the shot in the arm the White Sox needed. He has 13 home runs, and Chicago is close to .500. By Baseball Writer Noah Trister. 600 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 05/04/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text
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HKN--DRAFT LOTTERY-HISTORY
DESCRIPTION: An analysis of the NHL Draft lottery ahead of Tuesday’s event, with the Oilers, Islanders and Blackhawks among the luckiest teams in the lottery through the years. By Noah Trister. Text, file photos.
UPCOMING: By 05/04/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text
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CAR--NASCAR-ELLIOTT WINS AGAIN
DESCRIPTION: Chase Elliott never before had won two Cup races this early in a NASCAR season. His win at Texas, his second this year, came at Texas. By Stephen Hawkins. 670 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 05/04/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text
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SOC--WCUP-SEATTLE-5 THINGS TO KNOW
DESCRIPTION: Seattle to host 2026 FIFA World Cup for 1st time: 5 things to know about the Emerald City. By Andrew Destin. 400 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 05/04/2026 8:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text
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US-PATRIOTS-DIGGS-STRANGULATION
DESCRIPTION: Jury selection is expected to begin in the assault trial of former New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs in connection with a heated dispute he had with his private chef.
UPCOMING: By 05/04/2026 8:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text, Video
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BKL--ACES-A’JA’S LEGACY
DESCRIPTION: A’ja Wilson is looking to lead the Las Vegas Aces to their fourth title in five years. With a new super-max contract in hand, the four-time league MVP feels ready for the challenge. With file photos.
UPCOMING: By 05/04/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT, Text
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CAR--F1-CADILLAC-US DEBUT
DESCRIPTION: MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Ignore the results for now with Cadillac. It’s not about where Formula 1’s newest team finishes -- and at the Miami Grand Prix the results weren’t great -- the focus is instead on the progression. By Jenna Fryer. 500 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 05/04/2026 3:40 p.m. EDT, Text
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BKW--UCONN-AURIEMMA
DESCRIPTION: UConn coach Geno Auriemma has an offseason availability with the media six weeks after his confrontation with South Carolina coach Dawn Staley at the Final Four. Text, file photos. Developing from 1 p.m. EDT availability.
UPCOMING: By 05/04/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT, Text
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BBO--ORIOLES-YANKEES
DESCRIPTION: Cam Schlittler starts for the New York Yankees, who have won 13 of 15 as they try to complete a four-game sweep of the Baltimore Orioles, who start Shane Baz 300 words, photos. Game scheduled to start at 7:05 p.m. EDT
UPCOMING: By 05/04/2026 10:30 p.m. EDT, Text
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HKN--NHL PLAYOFFS COVERAGE
HKN--FLYERS-HURRICANES
DESCRIPTION: The Carolina Hurricanes look for a 2-0 lead in the second-round playoff series against the Philadelphia Flyers on Monday night. By Aaron Beard. 500 words, photos. Game scheduled to start at 7 p.m. EDT.
UPCOMING: By 05/04/2026 10:00 p.m. EDT
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HKN--DUCKS-GOLDEN KNIGHTS
DESCRIPTION: The Anaheim Ducks visit the Vegas Golden Knights in the first game of their second-round playoff series. Game scheduled to start at 9:30 p.m.
UPCOMING: By 05/05/2026 12:30 a.m. EDT
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BKN-NBA PLAYOFF COVERAGE
BKN--76ERS-KNICKS
DESCRIPTION: NEW YORK — The New York Knicks host the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. Game scheduled to start at 8 p.m. EDT.
UPCOMING: By 05/04/2026 10:30 p.m. EDT
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BKN--TIMBERWOLVES-SPURS
DESCRIPTION: SAN ANTONIO — The San Antonio Spurs and Minnesota Timberwolves open their second-round series. 400 words, photos. Game scheduled to start at 9:30 p.m. EDT.
UPCOMING: By 05/04/2026 11:50 p.m. EDT
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NEW AND DEVELOPING
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HKN--WILD-AVALANCHE
Cale Makar returns from injury, scores twice as Avalanche outlast Wild 9-6 in wacky Game 1
SUMMARY: Cale Makar scored twice in the third period after returning from an earlier injury and the Colorado Avalanche overcame blowing a three-goal lead to beat the Minnesota Wild 9-6 on Sunday night in a wacky Game 1 of their second-round playoff series. Makar, who left in the first period with an undisclosed ailment, scored his second goal of the game with 2:54 remaining to make it 8-6. Nathan MacKinnon added an empty-net goal with 2:08 remaining to seal it. This was the 10th playoff game ever with at least 15 combined goals and just the second since 1994. There were 14 different players who notched a goal in a game that turned into a track meet.
WORDS: 706 - MOVED: 05/04/2026 1:15 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:25b487413ccbebe3f72a7af091a650c7&mediaType=text
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BKN--RAPTORS-CAVALIERS
Allen ties playoff career high with 22 points as Cavaliers beat Raptors 114-102 to advance
SUMMARY: Jarrett Allen tied his playoff career high with 22 points and grabbed 19 rebounds as the Cleveland Cavaliers advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals with a 114-102 victory over the Toronto Raptors. Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 22 points and James Harden added 18. The home team won all seven games. Cleveland, the No. 4 seed, will visit top-seeded Detroit on Tuesday night in Game 1 of the second round. The Central Division rivals split their four regular season meetings. Scottie Barnes had 24 points and nine rebounds and RJ Barrett scored 23 for the Raptors, who were in the playoffs for the first time since 2022.
WORDS: 605 - MOVED: 05/04/2026 12:13 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:246cabd3cdddd9f424e29fad598009c1&mediaType=text
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HKN--CANADIENS-LIGHTNING
Canadiens outlast Lightning 2-1 in Game 7 to win thrilling 1st-round series
SUMMARY: Alex Newhook broke a tie with 8:53 left and the Montreal Canadiens outlasted the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1 on Game 7 on Sunday night to end the thrilling first-round series. The Canadiens will face the Buffalo Sabres in the second round after finishing off their first series victory since losing the Stanley Cup Final to Tampa Bay in 2021. Game 1 is Wednesday night in Buffalo. Rookie goaltender Jakub Dobes made 28 saves and Nick Suzuki got his first goal of the series for Montreal. Each game of the series was decided by one goal and four went to overtime. The score was tied or within one goal for all but six minutes in the seven games.
WORDS: 611 - MOVED: 05/03/2026 10:00 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1ae03e056d806d5d7aa8572f985948ed&mediaType=text
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BKN--MAGIC-PISTONS
Cunningham and Harris help Pistons finish comeback for first playoff series win in 18 years
SUMMARY: Cade Cunningham had 32 points and 12 assists, Tobias Harris added 30 points and the Detroit Pistons beat the Orlando Magic 116-94 in Game 7 on Sunday to win a playoff series for the first time in 18 years. Cunningham averaged 32.4 points for Detroit, which last won a postseason series by beating Orlando in the second round in 2008. The Pistons advance to play the winner of Sunday evening’s Game 7 between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors. The Pistons became the 15th team in NBA history to overcome a 3-1 deficit and the second in the last two nights, after the Philadelphia 76ers came back to eliminate Boston.
WORDS: 619 - MOVED: 05/03/2026 9:51 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:446aabc1b621307e848afd5f6bab6def&mediaType=text
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CAR--NASCAR-TEXAS
Chase Elliott wins at Texas to join Tyler Reddick as multiple Cup Series winners this season
SUMMARY: Chase Elliott stayed ahead of Denny Hamlin for the closing four laps after a final restart to win at Texas. It was his second victory of the season and the 23rd of his career. Elliott led five times for a race-high 87 laps and joined five-time winner Tyler Reddick as the only NASCAR Cup drivers this season with multiple wins. After taking the bottom and clearing Hamlin on the backstretch on the first lap after the restart, Elliott managed the No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet over the last few laps to get to the checkered flag. Alex Bowman was third and Reddick was fourth.
WORDS: 809 - MOVED: 05/03/2026 8:41 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7ec4519d5fb11be2e2144450b3ffc925&mediaType=text
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BBO--DODGERS-OHTANI
Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani goes hitless in 4th straight game for the 1st time since 2022
SUMMARY: Shohei Ohtani has gone hitless in four straight games. That hasn’t happened in four years. Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Sunday after a 4-1 win over the St. Louis Cardinals that he believes in his star to “come out of it at some point.” Ohtani’s 0-for-3 day pushed him to 0 for 14 over his last four games, his longest hitless streak since going 0 for 12 over five games with the Los Angeles Angels from May 24-28, 2022. Ohtani’s struggles have mirrored those of the team around him. The Dodgers have not homered in six straight games.
WORDS: 352 - MOVED: 05/03/2026 6:43 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1341d1794e3db1759fb4bdef409da788&mediaType=text
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BKN--TIMBERWOLVES-EDWARDS
Wolves say Edwards is questionable for Game 1 despite knee injury
SUMMARY: Anthony Edwards might be back for Game 1 of the Minnesota Timberwolves’ playoff series against the San Antonio Spurs, barely a week after appearing to suffer a serious knee injury. Edwards will be listed as questionable for Monday night’s series opener, the Timberwolves said. The All-Star guard, who averaged 36.7 points in three games against San Antonio this season, has been “cleared for on-court basketball activities,” the Timberwolves said Sunday.
WORDS: 109 - MOVED: 05/03/2026 6:29 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a02d41143aed5074f81406a349940869&mediaType=text
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SOC--BRAZIL-INDIGENOUS TEAM
From Brazil’s rainforest to Rio de Janeiro, an all-Indigenous soccer team debuts with victory
WORDS: 1116 - MOVED: 05/03/2026 6:28 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:514f80b40cd9cd0585b71c9cd684db43&mediaType=text
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SOC--ITALIAN ROUNDUP
Thuram’s goal and Lautaro’s assist lead Inter to the Serie A title and a long-awaited San Siro party
SUMMARY: Inter Milan has sealed the Italian league soccer title with a 2-0 victory over visiting Parma. Inter moved an unassailable 12 points clear of 2025 champion Napoli with three rounds remaining. It’s Inter’s 21st Serie A title to trail only the record 36 held by Juventus. Marcus Thuram scored just before the break and 37-year-old Henrikh Mkhitaryan struck in the 80th. Inter hadn’t sealed the title before its home fans at the San Siro since the 1989 title. When Sunday’s game was over, there were fireworks, dancing and plenty of celebrations. Inter is still in the running for two trophies this season and will face Lazio in the Italian Cup final in 10 days.
WORDS: 687 - MOVED: 05/03/2026 6:05 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6f9e463089ff16a20ceb6209ee66863a&mediaType=text
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GLF--CADILLAC CHAMPIONSHIP
With Trump watching in Doral, Cameron Young finishes off wire-to-wire win at Cadillac Championship
SUMMARY: The only person who gave Cameron Young any trouble on Sunday was Cameron Young. He called a one-stroke penalty on himself while playing the par 4 second hole, after he caused his ball to move in the fairway. And then he made par anyway. It was that sort of week: Young was unflappable and unbeatable. He went wire-to-wire alone on the lead at the Cadillac Championship, a final round of 4-under 68 getting him to 19 under for the week and six shots clear of world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler. President Donald Trump was watching. Scheffler finished second at 13 under.
WORDS: 792 - MOVED: 05/03/2026 5:30 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ceb728bf67ab15f503fbccc93119308c&mediaType=text
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BKN--EMBIID-76ERS-KNICKS TICKETS
Joel Embiid wants Philadelphia fans at Philly games. The Knicks know that New Yorkers are coming
SUMMARY: Joel Embiid wants Philadelphia fans at the Philadelphia games. Good luck with that. One way or another, the Knicks know the New Yorkers are coming. Embiid is pleading with 76ers fans not to sell their tickets to Knicks fans. When the teams met in the playoffs two years ago, Knicks fans swarmed Philadelphia when they won the series in six games. The 76ers’ website says it will only sell tickets to local fans. But the Knicks’ Josh Hart says fans will sell if they can get a good price, and he knows Knicks boosters will gladly make the short trip and pay.
WORDS: 514 - MOVED: 05/03/2026 4:17 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ab45df2f208f5fcb186a1c67b2d17051&mediaType=text
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TEN--MADRID OPEN
Sinner crushes Zverev to win Madrid Open and claim record 5th straight Masters 1000 title
SUMMARY: Top-ranked Jannik Sinner has cruised past Alexander Zverev in the final of the Madrid Open to win the tournament for the first time and become the first man to triumph in five consecutive Masters 1000 events. Sinner beat the third-ranked Zverev 6-1, 6-2 for his 23rd straight victory. He had already won in Monte Carlo, Miami and Indian Wells this year, and in Paris last year. Zverev lost to Sinner in the semifinals of each of those tournaments. Zverev won in Madrid in 2018 and 2021, and was runner-up to Carlos Alcaraz in 2022.
WORDS: 377 - MOVED: 05/03/2026 4:17 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:92a5bbc7cba500201c78592e5286ae54&mediaType=text
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SOC--ENGLISH ROUNDUP
Man United beats Liverpool 3-2 and will be back in the Champions League after 2-year absence
SUMMARY: Manchester United guaranteed a return to the Champions League next season with a 3-2 win against Liverpool. Kobbie Mainoo settled a thrilling Premier League clash at Old Trafford with his first-time strike from the edge of the area. Defending champion Liverpool had fought back from two goals down to level the game. But Mainoo’s goal meant United would be playing in European club soccer’s top competition after a two-year absence. Tottenham climbed out of the relegation zone with a 2-1 win at Aston Villa. It’s back-to-back league wins for Spurs for the first time since the opening two games of the season.
WORDS: 881 - MOVED: 05/03/2026 4:05 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:36b8cf3b8351046da6d13d9edc2a62ce&mediaType=text
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GLF--LPGA TOUR
Nelly Korda crushes another LPGA field and wins by 4 shots in Mexico
SUMMARY: Nelly Korda is a winner again on the LPGA Tour as she pulls away from everyone on the LPGA. Korda delivered an early knockout in the Riviera Maya Open at Mayakoba with an eagle-birdie-birdie stretch. She led by as many as seven shots. Korda She went 60 straight holes without a bogey until losing a tee shot into the tropical bushes and finishing with bogey. She won by four shots over Arpichaya Thailand. Korda joins Annika Sorenstam in 2001 as the only players with nothing worse than a runner-up finish through six events.
WORDS: 637 - MOVED: 05/03/2026 3:45 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d1942569bd4c152d914c65e3b5623318&mediaType=text
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RAC--TRIPLE CROWN-LOOK AHEAD
Cherie DeVaux must decide if Golden Tempo will run Preakness for a shot at the Triple Crown
SUMMARY: Cherie DeVaux hasn’t decided yet whether her Kentucky Derby winner will compete for the Triple Crown at the Preakness. DeVaux gave a wait-and-see answer on Sunday morning when asked whether Golden Tempo would run at the May 16 middle jewel in Maryland. DeVaux, who a day prior became the first woman to train a Kentucky Derby winner, said she’ll consider the Preakness as long as Golden Tempo is in “tip-top shape.” The usual post-Derby dilemma for trainers and owners is whether their horses are up for the two-week turnaround at the Preakness.
WORDS: 675 - MOVED: 05/03/2026 3:28 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:bcf4d24afd99a96a00b56a41bcee5e31&mediaType=text
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CAR--F1-MIAMI GRAND PRIX
Kimi Antonelli wins the Miami Grand Prix for his third straight F1 victory
SUMMARY: Kimi Antonelli has won the Miami Grand Prix for his third consecutive Formula 1 victory as the 19-year-old Mercedes drivers continued to show he’s a legitimate championship contender. Antonelli started from the pole Sunday but had a slick start on a damp surface of the Miami International Autodrome. Threats of heavy rain led F1 to move up the start of the race by three hours, and there was an early morning heavy thunderstorm with lightning strikes directly over the Hard Rock Stadium, but it had cleared by the time the event began.
WORDS: 766 - MOVED: 05/03/2026 3:11 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6b82cf3af8a4b7bc35289a2de84fde63&mediaType=text
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HKN--WILD-AVALANCHE-INJURIES
Wild will be without Joel Eriksson Ek and Jonas Brodin for first two games of series vs. Avs
SUMMARY: The Minnesota Wild will be without forward Joel Eriksson Ek and defenseman Jonas Brodin for the first two games of their second-round playoff series against Colorado because of lower-body injuries. Neither player made the trip to Denver. Wild coach John Hynes said the team is still “making a couple decisions on the lineup” ahead of Game 1 on Sunday night. Colorado will be without defenseman Josh Manson, who missed the series clincher against the Los Angeles Kings last Sunday with an upper-body injury. Avalanche coach Jared Bednar said Nick Blankenburg will slide into Manson’s place.
WORDS: 321 - MOVED: 05/03/2026 2:34 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:66356d70b58a0f91da69918ec0a3e09e&mediaType=text
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SOC--MAN UNITED-FERGUSON
Man United great Alex Ferguson taken to hospital after feeling unwell at Old Trafford
SUMMARY: Manchester United great Alex Ferguson has been taken to the hospital after feeling unwell ahead of his former team’s Premier League game against Liverpool. The iconic former United manager was at Old Trafford for Sunday’s match but left before kickoff. A person with knowledge of the situation said the 84-year-old Ferguson was taken to the hospital as a precaution and was “OK.” The person spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly. Ferguson frequently attends home matches and on social media was pictured at the stadium earlier in the day. In 2018 Ferguson suffered a brain hemorrhage and underwent emergency surgery before making a recovery.
WORDS: 247 - MOVED: 05/03/2026 2:13 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:37afb0db408d3803a8b46580cd462622&mediaType=text
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BKN--76ERS-KNICKS PREVIEW
A 76ers-Knicks rematch returns Monday, with Embiid pleading to fans: ‘Don’t sell your tickets’
SUMMARY: Finally finished with Boston, a trip to New York came quickly for the Philadelphia 76ers. So did the memories. The Eastern Conference semifinals are a rematch of a tight series between Atlantic Division rivals from nearby Northeast cities, a Knicks victory in six games in 2024. Jalen Brunson and Tyrese Maxey delivered unbelievable performances. Both teams made unimaginable rallies. Knicks fans were deafening inside Madison Square Garden — and in Philadelphia. (And no, Joel Embiid hasn’t forgotten). When it was over, the Knicks had outscored the 76ers 650-649. They start up again Monday night, believing this series can be even better.
WORDS: 877 - MOVED: 05/03/2026 2:09 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:89911e74e6f3d986f0c0935c0c8f14a3&mediaType=text
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BBO--BRAVES-ACUÑA
Braves place Ronald Acuña Jr. on the 10-day injured list with a strained hamstring
SUMMARY: The Atlanta Braves have placed star right fielder Ronald Acuña Jr. on the 10-day injured list because of a strained left hamstring. Acuña left Saturday night’s game in the second inning. He was attempting to run out a ground ball before he pulled up about halfway down the base path and grabbed at his hamstring. The five-time All-Star and 2023 National League MVP is batting .252 with two home runs, nine RBIs, 17 runs and a team-high seven steals. He had played in all 34 games after a torn ACL limited him to a combined 144 games over the past two seasons.
WORDS: 233 - MOVED: 05/03/2026 1:53 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ed293022f281a4f8312eb3f3e8331e9d&mediaType=text
