Europe’s largest Mormon temple will be dedicated over three days starting Sunday. Russell Nelson, president of the world’s 16 million Mormons, will be in Rome for the dedication ceremonies. No expense has been spared on Italy’s first temple, a magnificence, Mormons say, that is justified by faith. The entire leadership …

A Frenchman continues to lead this year’s Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Nicolas Petit was the first musher Saturday to leave the checkpoint at Eagle Island, about 592 miles (953 kilometers) into the 1,000 mile (1609 kilometer) race across the Alaska wilderness to Nome. Petit, who was last year’s runner-up, …

R. Kelly walked out of a Chicago jail on Saturday after someone who officials said did not want to be publicly identified paid $161,633 that the R&B singer owed in back child support.      Kelly, who was ordered taken into custody on Wednesday by a judge after Kelly said he …

The NCAA was able to claim victory Friday night after a judge ruled against the governing body for college sports in a federal antitrust lawsuit. U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken in Oakland, California, said college football and men’s basketball players competing at the NCAA’s highest level should be permitted to …

Civic and governmental organizations around the world are preparing to recognize and celebrate International Women’s Day on Friday.   International Women’s Day is a more than 100-year-old celebration of women’s social, economic, cultural and political successes worldwide while also calling for gender equality.   It falls on the same day …

Embattled R&B star R. Kelly angrily blamed his ex-wife for “destroying” his name and claimed other people stole from his bank accounts during new portions of an interview that aired Thursday, a day after he was sent to jail for not paying child support. Kelly, who is also facing felony …

The nation’s largest LGBTQ civil rights organization is honoring Christina Aguilera with its Ally for Equality award. The Human Rights Campaign announced Thursday the six-time Grammy-winning singer is a true “LGBTQ icon” who uses her platform to “share a message of hope and inspiration” to those who have been marginalized. …

The Hanging Gardens of Babylon, words that evoke colorful images of lost riches. While debate continues over where the gardens were located, or even if they existed at all, researchers have collated decades of research to produce what they claim is the most stunningly accurate portrayal of what the gardens …

“Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek said he has been diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer but intends to fight the disease and keep on working. In a video posted online Wednesday, the 78-year-old said he was announcing his illness directly to “Jeopardy!” fans in keeping with his long-time policy of being “open …

The groundbreaking novel “One Hundred Years of Solitude” by Gabriel Garcia Marquez is coming to the screen for the first time in a Spanish language series for Netflix, the streaming service said on Wednesday. The multi-generational family tale, published in 1967, is widely considered one of the most influential novels …

A documentary about Chelsea Manning, Werner Herzog’s latest and a film about Parkland students in the aftermath of the Florida high school massacre are among the selections that will premiere at the 18th Tribeca Film Festival.  Organizers for the annual New York festival on Tuesday announced a lineup of 103 …

As a child, Tatsuo Sato was terrified when the Namahage demons roared into his northern Japanese house every year, but in adulthood he mourned as the centuries-old tradition faded away. “The kids disappeared, the young people disappeared. We had to give it up,” Sato, 78, said of the New Year’s …

Hello Kitty might not have a mouth but she’s got a movie deal.   Warner Bros.’ New Line Cinema announced Tuesday that it has acquired film rights to Hello Kitty from the Japanese corporation Sanrio. The 45-year-old iconic feline has never been turned into a movie despite its merchandising ubiquity. …

Three major Montreal radio stations have stopped playing Michael Jackson songs as a result of child-molestation allegations against the late musician that aired Sunday in an HBO documentary. A spokeswoman for the owner of the French-language stations CKOI and Rythme and the English-language The Beat says Jackson’s music was pulled …

Artists James Terrell and Zsudayka Nzinga Terrell have been on a long quest to explore their identity and express it in their art works. The artists are both descendants of Africans who were brought to America and sold as slaves. Their latest exhibit, ‘Born at the Bottom of the Ship,’ …

The Library of Congress will begin presenting an award named for Ken Burns, who elevated the craft of historical documentaries. Officials announced on Tuesday the creation of the Library of Congress Lavine/Ken Burns Prize for Film. The annual award will recognize a filmmaker whose documentary uses original research and compelling …

After five years of imprisonment, prominent Egyptian photojournalist Mahmoud Abu Zaid was released and returned to his family Monday. Zaid, popularly known as “Shawkan,” said he would continue his work as a journalist, despite harsh conditions to his release. Shawkan will remain under “police observation” for the next five years, …

Luke Perry, who gained instant heartthrob status as wealthy rebel Dylan McKay on “Beverly Hills, 90210,” died Monday after suffering a massive stroke, his publicist said. He was 52.   Perry was surrounded by family and friends when he died, publicist Arnold Robinson said. The actor had been hospitalized since …

A floppy-eared pooch wearing a red crustacean costume rides in a wagon decorated like a shrimp boat, followed by another “boat” wagon occupied by a pug in a sailor hat. Behind them, on a leash, strolls a white maltese in a Wonder Woman costume alongside canines in fluffy purple, green …

Striving to improve behavior at soccer matches, FIFA President Gianni Infantino sees women as role models for male players. There is less simulation and time-wasting in the women’s game, according to Infantino, and it’s time for men to clean up their act to improve the image of soccer. “The men’s …

A new dance style, born in Chicago, is recognized around the world. It’s called hiplet and combines hip-hop and ballet. Ksenia Turkova traveled to Chicago to meet the Godfather of hiplet, Homer Hans Bryant. …

Jason Cerda is a professional dancer and recording artist. He’s performed on stage with Jennifer Lopez, Ricky Martin and other big-name musicians and now uses his expertise to teach young performers how to dance. Maxim Moskalkov has the story. …

Spelt risotto was on the menu at a recent lunch in Paris. Spelt is an ancient form of wheat with a nutty flavor. It is rich in fiber and minerals, and counts among dozens of sometimes ancient and obscure foods scientists say benefit people and the planet. A green cuisine …

Musical virtuoso Andre Previn, who mastered almost every type of genre, died Thursday at 89.    His manager gave no cause of death in making her announcement.    The Berlin-born Previn was a child prodigy, but his family fled Hitler’s Germany when he was 9 years old.    They eventually …

It was acting, not love, when Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper sang a duet Sunday at the 91st Academy Awards.   Gaga discussed the emotional performance of “Shallow” from their film “A Star Is Born” during an appearance Wednesday on ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live .” The duet led online posters …