Japan's latest super-deluxe train left the station Saturday with a select group of passengers who paid thousands of dollars for a leisurely trip harking back to an era of Art Deco opulence and a slower pace of life.

Former US president Barack Obama hailed Jay Z as a kindred spirit as the hip-hop mogul became the first rapper to enter the Songwriters Hall of Fame on Thursday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin offered a glimpse at his family life Thursday, confirming for the first time that he has grandchildren and saying he wants to keep them out of the spotlight so they can grow up "normally."

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday began his annual televised phone-in show with the usual choreographed fanfare, but viewers also got to see a handful of uncensored -- and awkward -- questions flitting across the screen.

A popular Lebanese rock band has been banned from performing in Jordan for the second year in a row, amid allegations that the musicians violate the kingdom's traditions.

"Beatriz at Dinner" -- a film that takes a hard look at class, racism and environmental destructions -- is seemingly perfectly suited for the Trump era, even though it was filmed before the Republican billionaire took office.

Fans turned out Wednesday evening for the resumption of U.S. singer Ariana Grande world tour in Paris, more than two weeks after it was interrupted by the Manchester suicide bomb attack.

First-time parents George and Amal Clooney welcomed their twin babies, Ella and Alexander, on Tuesday morning in London, the actor's publicist said.

For decades Bill Cosby was "America's Dad," loved by millions for his role as an affable doctor and benevolent father on long-running hit TV sitcom "The Cosby Show."

Israel's outspoken culture minister is threatening to withhold funding from two productions showing at a top festival because they contain nudity, provoking mockery and claims of censorship.