AI agent given the chance to manage a cafe in Stockholm, but it’s still fine tuning the bread order

AP investigates why many adopted kids end up in residential treatment centers

An Associated Press investigation finds a business known for tough-love boarding schools for rebellious teenagers has set its sights on a different demographic: adopted kids. Adoptees account for an estimated 25-40% of those in residential treatment. (AP Video: Mary Conlon; Serginho Roosblad; Austin Johnson; Sally Ho. Animations: Marshall Ritzel)

Utility bills are exceeding mortgages in West Virginia despite Trump’s promised cuts

President Trump promised to cut electricity bills, but prices have risen instead. Many in West Virginia now face utility costs surpassing rents and mortgages. And the state’s reliance on coal-fired plants contributes to the problem. (AP Video: Jessie Wardarski, Carolyn Kaster)

As ICE expands, a review of crimes committed by agents shows how their powers can be abused

At least two dozen U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement employees and contractors have been charged with crimes since 2020 and their wrongdoing includes patterns of physical and sexual abuse, corruption and other abuses of authority, a review by The Associated Press found.

Safety weighs on US Steel workers after deadly explosion

After the August blast at U.S. Steel’s Clairton Coke Works, some current and former steelworkers say management’s investment decisions have left workplace safety and pollution issues to linger at a plant where operators have little margin for error. (AP Video: Jessie Wardarski)

Secretive Border Patrol program is detaining US citizens for ‘suspicious’ travel

The U.S. Border Patrol is monitoring millions of American drivers nationwide in a secretive program to identify and detain people whose travel patterns it deems suspicious. (AP video: Marshall Ritzel)

Trump accused boat crews of being narco-terrorists. The truth, AP found, is more nuanced

More than 60 people have been killed since September when the U.S. military began attacking boats that the Trump administration alleges were smuggling drugs. The Associated Press interviewed dozens of residents in the Paria Peninsula, in Venezuela’s breathtaking northeastern coast from which some of the targeted boats departed. (AP Video: Juan Arraez; Illustration by Peter Hamlin)

US sought to lure Nicolás Maduro’s pilot into betraying the Venezuelan leader

A veteran U.S. law enforcement agent secretly tried to recruit Nicolas Maduro’s personal pilot to join a plot to capture the Venezuelan leader and deliver him into U.S. custody to face drug trafficking charges.

ICE’s use of full-body restraints during deportations raises concerns over inhumane treatment

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers have been using a full-body restraint device called the WRAP during deportations. That continued despite concerns about safety from a watchdog division of its parent agency, the US Dept. of Homeland Security. (AP Video/Allen G. Breed)

In Mexico, women didn’t traditionally inherit island farms. Now some are determined to protect them

In Mexico, traditionally women didn’t inherit chinampas, island farms first built by the Aztecs thousands of years ago. Today, more women are buying them and doing sustainable farming to preserve this unique ecosystem. (AP Video by Monica Wise. Produced by Lucía Torres and Teresa de Miguel)

Wave of anti-science bills pushed by Kennedy allies hits statehouses, endangering health protections

An AP investigation found more than 420 anti-science bills attacking longstanding public health protections – vaccines, milk safety and fluoride – have been introduced in statehouses across the U.S. this year. Anti-vaccine bills were the most common. (AP Video: Laura Bargfeld/Mary Conlon/Cody Jackson)

Myanmar’s refugees suffer as US aid cuts take hold

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has repeatedly said “no one has died” because of his government’s decision to gut its foreign aid program. But in Myanmar, families tell The Associated Press their loved ones have died as a direct result of the aid cuts.

How US tech enabled China’s surveillance state

The AP obtained tens of thousands of pages of classified and internal documents that show how U.S. companies designed and marketed systems that became the foundation for China’s digital cage. (AP Video/Serginho Roosblad, Marshall Ritzel)

His country trained him to fight, then he turned against it

The U.S. military trained him in explosives and battlefield tactics. But after two tours in Iraq, Chris Arthur was calling for taking up arms against police and government officials in his own country. (AP video: Allen Breed, Serginho Roosblad, Rick Bowmer/ production: Serginho Roosblad, Marshall Ritzel)

‘Sea war’ brews off Gambia as desperate local fishermen attack foreign vessels, and each other

A “sea war” is brewing off the West African nation of Gambia as desperate local fishermen attack foreign commercial fishing vessels, and each other. The fight is driven by market forces and foreign seafood appetites that are far beyond their control. (AP Video/Grace Ekpu)

With new album on the way, Shania Twain hosts ACM Awards | AP interview

With an album on the way, Shania Twain is hosting the Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas on May 17. AP music editor Maria Sherman spoke with the 60-year-old country star about the host gig, women in country music, and her upcoming new music — which she says is “a story all reflecting on my youth.”

Kneecap ‘thrive in the chaos’ with album ‘Fenian’ shaped by court case | AP interview

The Irish hip-hop group Kneecap recorded their second album “Fenian” while dealing with a legal battle. Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, known as Mo Chara, faced terror-related charges for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag during a London concert. The case was dismissed, and the experience inspired tracks on the album. Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap, and DJ Próvaí sat down with AP entertainment journalist Sian Watson to discuss the album’s creation, their energetic live shows, and plans to tour the U.S.

Mel C: ‘Before I was part of the Spice Girls, I discovered rave culture’ | AP interview

Get your heart pumpin’. She’ll make you “Sweat.” Such is the promise sung by the artist known as Melanie C, or Mel C and Sporty Spice of the game-changing ‘90s girl group Spice Girls, in the lead single from her ninth album of the same name. Eight or so years ago, Melanie C began deejaying, reinvigorating her love of rave and dance music — early loves that predate her girl group days. She sat down with AP music editor Maria Sherman to discuss the “Sweat” recording process, dance floor therapy and learning to embrace her Sporty Spice legacy.

Prince’s first wife Mayte on keeping his legacy alive a decade after his death | AP interview

Ten years after Prince’s death, his first wife Mayte Jannell Garcia has relaunched the Live 4 Love charity that she and the pop star first established after the 1996 death of their infant child. The performer and teacher sat down with AP entertainment editor Ryan Pearson in Hollywood before her Glam Slam fundraising event to discuss keeping his legacy alive, spirituality, the songs he wrote for and about her, and plans for two films: a documentary about Prince’s philanthropy and a feature adaptation of her 2017 memoir. She also looks back at Prince’s rivalry with Michael Jackson and shares her thoughts on the Ezra Edelman docuseries project about the pop star that was shelved by Netflix after complaints from Prince’s estate.

This must be the place: David Byrne backstage at Coachella | AP interview

David Byrne sits down with Associated Press entertainment journalist Liam McEwan backstage at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival to discuss the surge of younger fans discovering his work, his creative process, and the unpredictability of hits like “Burning Down the House.” The 73-year-old former Talking Heads frontman reflects on a recently-abandoned music project, failing at watercolor painting — and feeling “incredibly lucky” to keep doing what he loves.

Ranbir Kapoor Leads Ambitious Epic ‘Ramayana’ I AP Interview

Ranbir Kapoor says that while he doesn’t love the promotion side of his job, he’s happy to do it for “Ramayana.” The Indian star leads an ambitious new two-part film epic aiming to share the sacred Hindu stories with audiences around the world.

Riz Ahmed on ‘Bait’ and learning to silence his inner critic | AP interview

Riz Ahmed says he went on a journey of self-acceptance while creating and starring in “Bait.” The Oscar-winning actor sat down with Associated Press entertainment journalist Leslie Ambriz to chat about the new Prime Video series. It follows a struggling British-Pakistani actor named Shah Latif who becomes the center of James Bond casting rumors after he’s photographed leaving an audition. As life begins to imitate art, he faces an existential crisis around identity, culture and self-confidence.

Ryan Gosling leads ‘Project Hail Mary’ | AP interview

Ryan Gosling didn’t set off on his latest space odyssey in just a boring astronaut suit. The 45-year-old star of “Project Hail Mary” credits his kids — and inspiration from Val Kilmer — for his stylish astro-nerd look in the sci-fi film. He sat down at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory to speak with AP entertainment journalist Leslie Ambriz alongside co-star Sandra Hüller, directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, writer Drew Goddard and book author Andy Weir. In the movie, opening Friday in U.S. theatres, Gosling portrays a science teacher sent on a mission to save Earth from a dying sun.

Academy Awards 2026: ‘Sinners’ 11-month journey to the Oscars

Eleven months after its release, Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners” heads into the Oscars on March 15 with a record-breaking 16 nominations. The vampire epic is competing for best picture, best director and best screenplay, in many craft categories and in multiple acting categories including a nod for double-duty star Michael B. Jordan. Here’s a look back at the film’s journey to the 98th Academy Awards.

Jafar Panahi plans return to Iran after Oscars | AP interview

Jafar Panahi still plans to return home after the Oscars on March 15. The Iranian filmmaker heads to the Academy Awards with two nominations for “It Was Just An Accident,” in the international film and screenplay categories. He sat down with Associated Press entertainment journalist Leslie Ambriz in early February, before the Iran war began, to talk about the intersection of art and politics, his belief in the Iranian people, and how his film starring Vahid Mobasseri was informed by his time in prison.

TWICE reflect on a decade as a group: ‘There’s so much more we can do’ | AP interview

Speaking backstage at the Kia Forum during a stop on their ‘THIS IS FOR’ World Tour, TWICE sit down with Associated Press entertainment journalist Liam McEwan to reflect on a decade together — and the journey still unfolding. Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana, Jihyo, Mina, Dahyun, Chaeyoung, and Tzuyu open up about their anniversary release, “TEN: The Story Goes On,” featuring solo tracks from every member for the first time. The group also speaks about their evolving definitions of success, how comebacks come together through group chats and meetings, balancing solo ambitions and subunits, and pushing forward creatively without repeating themselves. They also discuss contributing “Takedown” to the Netflix hit “KPop Demon Hunters.”

Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett on ‘The Mountain’ and building the Gorillaz | AP interview

The new Gorillaz album “The Mountain” is the most personal to date for band co-creators Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett. The two sit down with Associated Press entertainment journalist Liam McEwan to discuss their creative process, the virtual band’s return and the role of collaboration in shaping the project. As the album launches alongside an eight-minute music video/short film, “The Mountain, The Moon Cave and The Sad God,” Albarn and Hewlett discuss the mythology of the Gorillaz animated universe — including characters 2-D, Murdoc, Russel, and Noodle — and how that lore has evolved over time.

‘The Simpsons’ at 800 episodes: The creators look back — and ahead | AP interview

At 800 episodes and 37 seasons, “The Simpsons” remains a cultural juggernaut that refuses to age. In this exclusive set of interviews, the architects of Springfield reflect on the journey to becoming one of the most influential and enduring television series of all time. Creator Matt Groening and longtime showrunners Al Jean, and Matt Selman speak with Associated Press entertainment journalist Liam McEwan about the secrets behind the animated show’s nearly four-decade run — from evolving characters and legendary guest stars to the “accidental” predictions that have become internet legend. Bart Simpson voice actor Nancy Cartwright takes viewers inside a recording session, revealing how playing a 10-year-old boy for nearly 40 years has become inseparable from her own identity. Animator David Silverman revisits his original sketches that transformed rough ideas into iconic moments, while principal composer Kara Talve offers a rare look inside a live scoring session.

SAG-AFTRA president Sean Astin | AP interview

Sean Astin says he is happy to be at the head of the actors union at a vital moment. The 54-year-old actor from “The Lord of the Rings” films is the new president of the the actors union SAG-AFTRA and will be leading the group as it begins contract talks with studios that last time led to a long strike. In an interview, Astin tells AP entertainment journalist Andrew Dalton that the union’s negotiators can’t give up any of the ground they earned during the 2023 strike, including higher wages and artificial intelligence protections.

The perks and perils of being a ‘Bridgerton’ | AP interview

As “Bridgerton” enters its fairytale era in season four with a masquerade ball meet-cute, AP entertainment journalist Hilary Fox sat down with the cast of the steamy Netflix hit to discuss their own Cinderella moments, being spotted by fans and sex scenes. With the focus on Luke Thompson’s Benedict and the mysterious Sophie, played by newcomer Yerin Ha, returning stars include Hannah Dodd, Luke Newton and Claudia Jessie as the Ton’s Bridgerton siblings Francesca, Colin and Eloise.

Kaouther Ben Hania and Saja Kilani on ’The Voice of Hind Rajab’ | AP interview

When Tunisian writer and director Kaouther Ben Hania first heard Hind Rajab’s voice, she knew that she had to tell her story. The child’s call to the Palestinian Red Crescent went viral in 2024 and became a symbol of innocent lives lost in Gaza. Ben Hania and actor Saja Kilani spoke with AP entertainment journalist Leslie Ambriz about the difficult task of blending reality with narrative as they sought to bring Hind’s story to the cinema.

A year after the Palisades Fire, Cary Elwes is looking back — and moving forward | AP interview

One year after the Palisades Fire destroyed his family’s longtime home in Malibu, Calif., Cary Elwes is looking back — at a four-decade film and TV career that includes “The Princess Bride,” “Liar Liar,” “Days of Thunder,” “Glory” and “Robin Hood: Men In Tights” — as well as forward, with the new movie “Dead Man’s Wire” hitting theaters this weekend. The 63-year-old actor sat down with AP entertainment editor Ryan Pearson to reflect on the “Malibu Strong” mentality as his community rebuilds, not overthinking his characters, and his relationships with the Hollywood legends he’s befriended along the way, from Mel Brooks to Tom Cruise. This interview was conducted before Rob Reiner’s death.

Tobias Forge on songwriting, alter egos and the evolution of GHOST | AP interview

Tobias Forge, the creative force behind the Grammy-winning Swedish rock band GHOST, sits down virtually with Associated Press entertainment journalist Liam McEwan to discuss the evolution of his ‘Papa’ frontman alter-egos, his songwriting process and the expansive lore that defines GHOST’s identity. Forge also opens up about trusting his musical instincts, his favorite instruments, and how storytelling, mythology, and music continue to shape the band’s ever-evolving world.

Tony Kanal on No Doubt’s rise, reunions and Sphere residency | AP interview

Tony Kanal is looking back at No Doubt’s journey from Orange County to Las Vegas — and what fans can expect from the band’s upcoming residency at Sphere. Kanal sat down with Associated Press entertainment journalist Liam McEwan to discuss the band’s early gigs, rehearsal process and rapid rise to fame. He also opens up about their musical evolution across landmark albums like “Tragic Kingdom” and “Rock Steady,” as well as the emotions surrounding their 2024 Coachella reunion and what it meant to reunite on such a massive stage. The Sphere residency begins in May.

Kamasi Washington and Ami Taf Ra’s musical and personal partnership | AP interview

Singer-songwriter Ami Taf Ra and composer-saxophonist Kamasi Washington had watched all the television they could when locked down in the early days of the pandemic. So the couple started reading Khalil Gibran’s “The Prophet” out loud to each other — launching a creative journey that resulted in Ami Taf Ra’s debut album, “The Prophet and The Madman.” They sat down with AP entertainment editor Ryan Pearson to talk about their meeting at a New York City jazz club and their musical and personal partnership.

AP Breakthrough Entertainer Danny Ramirez entered Hollywood from a soccer field | AP interview

Danny Ramirez’s acting career began unexpectedly on a soccer field. Now, he’s earned a spot as one of The Associated Press’ Breakthrough Entertainers of 2025. Known for his roles in “Captain America: Brave New World” and “The Last of Us,” Ramirez first began acting while sidelined with a sprained ankle when a production assistant invited him to be an extra in Mira Nair’s film “The Reluctant Fundamentalist.” Seeing actor Riz Ahmed portraying a soccer player on set inspired Ramirez. He’s set to produce, write, direct and star in his directorial debut “Baton.”

Joe Walsh on custom guitars, craftsmanship and letting go | AP interview

Joe Walsh is letting go. The famed guitarist and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer says that while he’s “kind of a hoarder,” it’s time to put some 800 items up for auction to benefit his military veterans charity. Walsh sits down with Associated Press entertainment journalist Liam McEwan to discuss selling his customized guitars and amps, vehicles and decades of memorabilia. The 78-year-old Eagles guitarist shares the stories behind his beloved gear and discusses how music-making has shifted from the analog era to the digital age — and what’s being lost in the process.

Paul Anka on ‘My Way,’ Sinatra, and 70 years of music history | AP interview

Legendary singer-songwriter Paul Anka sits down with Associated Press entertainment journalist Liam McEwan to discuss his new documentary, “Paul Anka: His Way.” Anka reflects on seven decades in show business, the evolving future of music in the age of A.I., and the stories behind some of his most iconic collaborations. He opens up about writing “My Way” for Frank Sinatra, his crucial role in bringing The Beatles to the U.S., and working with Michael Jackson, Drake, Sammy Davis Jr. and Elvis Presley.

Cherien Dabis tells the story of a Palestinian family in ‘All That’s Left of You’ | AP interview

Cherien Dabis’ “All That’s Left of You” follows one Palestinian family over the course of three generations — beginning in 1948 and ending in the present day. The Palestinian American actor, writer and director’s epic, executive produced by Javier Bardem and Mark Ruffalo, is Jordan’s submission to the Academy Awards for Best International Feature Film. It’s set for U.S. theatrical release in January. Dabis sat down with AP entertainment journalist Leslie Ambriz to talk about the difficult production, Sundance acclaim and the deeply personal real-world stories behind the film.

James Cameron and stars share stories of making ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ | AP interview

James Cameron’s “Avatar: Fire and Ash” lands in theaters Dec. 19 — 16 years after the sci-fi franchise’s landmark first entry and seven years after most of its stars completed their performance capture work. As they began a globe-trotting publicity tour, AP entertainment editor Ryan Pearson sat down in Los Angeles with Cameron and actors Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Sam Worthington, Oona Chaplin, Trinity Jo-Li Bliss, Jack Champion and Bailey Bass. They shared stories of their yearslong journey to Pandora, connecting to their characters, switching frame rates in the two sequels and their hopes for “Avatar” 4 and 5.

‘Stranger Things’ stars say goodbye | AP interview

As “Stranger Things” enters its fifth and final season, stars of the hit Netflix series are refliecting on what they’ll miss most — from the friendships forged over nearly a decade to the pressure of starring in a global phenomenon. Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp, Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, Sadie Sink, Caleb McLaughlin, Jamie Campbell Bower, Charlie Heaton, Maya Hawke, Natalia Dyer and Joe Keery — along with show creators Matt and Ross Duffer — sit down with Associated Press entertainment journalist Liam McEwan to discuss the emotional weight of saying goodbye and leaving behind the environment that shaped their adolescence.

A victory lap for Apple TV after Emmy wins and ‘F1′ success | AP interview

After taking home 22 trophies at the Emmy Awards in September and scoring a summer box office hit with Brad Pitt’s “F1″ — streaming Dec. 12 — the leaders at Apple TV are taking a victory lap. The streaming service rebranded by dropping the “plus” at the end of its name and next year will become the U.S. broadcast partner of Formula 1 racing. AP entertainment editor Ryan Pearson sat down with the Apple executives Eddy Cue, Zack Van Amburg and Jamie Erlicht to discuss the studio’s growth and ambitions, a sudden pullback from releasing Jessica Chastain’s “Savant” series, the toys and games IP race, and synergy between the technology giant’s TV and music divisions.

Demi Lovato announces ‘It’s Not That Deep’ tour, celebrates new era | AP interview

“It’s Not That Deep” for Demi Lovato as she enters a new era with her ninth studio album and an upcoming tour. The pop star sat down with Associated Press entertainment journalist Liam McEwan in Los Angeles to reflect on her journey. She says at 33 she’s making peace with her past, embracing the memes that once made her self-conscious, and learning not to take herself too seriously. She opens up about how finding true love inspired her new album, details her upcoming tour, and reveals how she remains emotionally connected to earlier hits like “Skyscraper” when performing them today.

Becky G: ‘We’re not going to stop singing’ | AP interview

Becky G says “now is the best time to be an artist” as she finds herself able to cross between music genres, including Mexican regional music. She’s part of a new cadre of women who are carving out their own space in the often male-dominated world, often singing lyrics that differ from their male counterparts tailored around love, heartbreak and the experience of being a woman. She sat down with AP entertainment journalist Itzel Luna to talk about her Mexican-American identity, using creativity as resistance to anti-immigrant sentiment, and feeling “divinely guided from above.”

Sudan Archives finds freedom in new album ‘The BPM’ | AP interview

Sudan Archives wants fans to get up a dance with her third studio album “The BPM.” The violinist, singer and songwriter born Brittney Denise Parks sat down with AP entertainment journalist Leslie Ambriz to talk about expanding her artistry, collaborating with family and her spiritual connection to J Dilla.