Clashes erupt in Bolivia as miners set off dynamite and police fire tear gas

LA PAZ, Bolivia (AP) — Clashes erupted Thursday in Bolivia's capital as police used tear gas to disperse a crowd of miners trying to breach the government palace and setting off small dynamite charges, a tactic that has become increasingly common during this second week of nationwide unrest.

It was the latest incident in growing social unrest challenging the administration of President Rodrigo Paz, who was sworn in as president late last year, ushering a new era for the Andean nation after nearly 20 years of one-party rule.

Thousands of miners descended on downtown La Paz to demand labor reforms and fuel, among other things, but as the hours passed, they began chanting slogans calling for the president’s resignation.

Blockades and marches have paralyzed the Bolivian capital in the past days. Earlier in the day, rural schoolteachers marched through the city center to demand higher wages, further tightening the grip on the capital.

The latest wave of protests was initially triggered by farmers seeking the repeal of a law that permitted land mortgaging. Although the president signed a decree annulling the law on Wednesday night and called for an end to the unrest, the demonstrations have continued to spread.

Follow AP’s coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america

Artisanal miners clash with police demanding access to expanded mining areas in La Paz, Bolivia, Thursday, May 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)

Artisanal minersclash with police during a protest demanding access to expanded mining areas in La Paz, Bolivia, Thursday, May 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)

Artisanal miners clash with police during a protest demanding access to expanded mining areas in La Paz, Bolivia, Thursday, May 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)

Artisanal miners clash with police during a protest to expanded mining areas in La Paz, Bolivia, Thursday, May 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)

Artisanal miners clash with police during a protest demanding access to expanded mining areas in La Paz, Bolivia, Thursday, May 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)

Highways are free of traffic due to Aymara farmers blocking the roads during an anti-government protest in El Alto, Bolivia, Wednesday, May 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)

An Indigenous Aymara women shout slogans during an anti-government protest in El Alto, Bolivia, Wednesday, May 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)

Aymara Indigenous people march during an anti-government protest in El Alto, Bolivia, Wednesday, May 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Tarik Skubal yielded three runs over five innings in his home debut for the Dodgers, and Shohei Ohtani scored the go-ahead run in the seventh while Los Angeles rallied for only its second victory in 10 games, 6-5 over the Kansas City Royals on Monday night.

Skubal allowed four hits and struck out six in the back-to-back Cy Young Award winner's second start for his new team since arriving from Detroit in the majors' biggest deadline trade. Jac Caglianone homered and drove in all three runs off the Dodgers' vaunted new left-hander, who left trailing 3-2.

Max Muncy hit a three-run double in the sixth on his bobblehead night for the Dodgers, but Kyle Isbel responded with a tying two-run homer in the seventh for Kansas City.

Ohtani then singled and stole his first base since May 16 before he scored on Freddie Freeman’s single, putting Los Angeles ahead to stay in this back-and-forth homestand opener.

Ohtani also had an early RBI double for the Dodgers, who improved to 8-12 since July 19.

High-priced Dodgers closer Edwin Diaz pitched a perfect ninth for his sixth save, rebounding from back-to-back blown saves in Arizona last weekend.

Noah Cameron pitched into the sixth for Kansas City, yielding six hits and four runs. The Royals have lost nine of 13.

After a warm pregame welcome from the Chavez Ravine crowd, Skubal yielded two soft singles and a run to Kansas City's first three batters, with Bobby Witt Jr. stealing second and scoring on Caglianone's dribbler.

Nick Loftin then doubled in the third before Caglianone smashed his 21st homer to right field, inducing grumbles from the Dodger Stadium stands.

Muncy cleared the bases in the sixth, but Isbel hit his first homer since April 22 off Jack Dreyer (5-1) moments later. The Royals outfielder grew up in the nearby Inland Empire.

Ohtani then catalyzed the winning rally against Alex Lange (1-7).

Two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell (0-1, 12.00 ERA) makes only his second start of the season for the Dodgers. Michael Wacha (5-8, 3.44) pitches for the Royals.

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB

Kansas City Royals third baseman Nick Loftin, left, tags out Los Angeles Dodgers' Andy Pages, right, during the first inning of a baseball game Monday, Aug. 10, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Caroline Brehman)

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani takes off his batting helmet after receiving a strike during the first inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Monday, Aug. 10, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Caroline Brehman)

Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. (7) runs past home plate after scoring on a single hit by Jac Caglianone (not shown) during the first inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Monday, Aug. 10, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Caroline Brehman)

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Monday, Aug. 10, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Caroline Brehman)