Monaco Journal - News from Monaco, Monte-Carlo and the world

"The Crown" has often been accused of taking liberties with historical truth, becoming increasingly controversial as it delves into more recent events of the British monarchy.

Fans of "The Crown" are holding their breath for the final season of the hit Netflix drama about the life of Queen Elizabeth II, with the last episodes covering some of the most tumultuous times of the monarchy.

LeBron James shook off an early injury scare to score 32 points and key the Los Angeles Lakers' 122-119 comeback win over the Phoenix Suns on Friday in his first taste of the NBA's new in-season tournament.

MotoGP championship leader Francesco Bagnaia set a new lap record to grab pole for the Malaysian grand prix ahead of title rival Jorge Martin in a dramatic qualifying session Saturday.

Jaylen Brown scored 28 points and Jayson Tatum added 23 as the Boston Celtics cruised to a 121-107 victory over Brooklyn on Friday, snapping a two-game NBA skid as they got their first taste of the new in-season tournament.

Israel faced growing calls Saturday to protect civilians in Gaza as its battle with Hamas encircled the territory's main hospital, where an aid agency described the situation as "catastrophic".

Inter Miami saluted Argentine star Lionel Messi's eighth Ballon d'Or on Friday, but their friendly match to mark the achievement ended in a 2-1 loss to MLS rivals New York City FC.

China's annual "Singles Day" sales bonanza wraps up at midnight on Saturday, but consumers this year appear largely unswayed by its flashy deals and discounts as the world's second-largest economy slows.

From computer-generated "extras" to AI "zombies," new restrictions against the use of artificial intelligence in Hollywood were set out by the actors' union Friday.

Arab leaders and Iran's president are in the Saudi capital Saturday for summits expected to underscore demands that Israel's war in Gaza end before the violence draws in other countries.

A surprise offensive by Myanmar ethnic armed groups has blocked two strategically vital roads to the country's biggest trading partner China, choking cross-border commerce and denying the cash-strapped junta taxes and foreign exchange.

Almost 2,000 police officers will be on duty Saturday when more than 100,000 pro-Palestinian supporters are expected to march through London, with extra powers in place to protect landmarks honouring Britain's war dead.

Since September, Venezuela has deployed thousands of security force members to wrest control of seven prisons from the hands of powerful gangs -- finding caches of guns, drugs, swimming pools and restaurants -- even a zoo.

Between tears, Luis Manuel Diaz, father of Liverpool striker Luis Diaz, recounted Friday how he was made to walk "too much" with little sleep in the nearly two weeks he was held hostage in a mountainous area of Colombia by members of the ELN guerrilla group.

Denmark's Emily Kristine Pederson shot a five-under 65 to seize a two-stroke lead at the LPGA Tour's The Annika tournament on Friday.

Swede Alex Noren held a two stroke lead after shooting a second round 66 at the US PGA Tour's Bermuda Championship on Friday.

Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova won the decisive doubles rubber against the United States to seal Friday's tie and claim the last place in the Billie Jean King Cup semi-finals.

The UN warned Friday of soaring human rights violations in Sudan's Darfur region and said they were "verging on pure evil," amid escalating fighting seven months into the war between the army and paramilitaries.

Israel on Friday revised down the death toll of last month's Hamas attacks to about 1,200 as it continued its assault on Gaza, with Palestinians saying deadly strikes hit hospitals and a school in Gaza City.

Icelandic authorities declared a state of emergency on Friday after a series of powerful earthquakes rocked the country's southwestern Reykjanes peninsula, signalling the increased likelihood of a volcanic eruption in the region.

Like most others his age, Uriel Balas was just excited to celebrate his 26th birthday with friends, having saved up for his ticket to Israel's much-anticipated Supernova music festival.

Italy coach Luciano Spalletti on Friday called up Jorginho and Federico Chiesa as the European champions face two key Euro 2024 qualifiers.

South Africa captain Temba Bavuma was hoping on Friday that his "stubborn" nature will help dull the pain of a hamstring injury as he plots a path to the World Cup final.

Spain's Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has taken a big risk allying with Catalan separatists, opening up a breach in Spanish society and even within his own political family.

It will be a woman's world at the upcoming Grammys, with SZA scooping the most chances for gold ahead of the star-studded music gala with nine, as pop's superstars including Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish dominated across the categories.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport will deliver its verdict on the doping case involving Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva in January 2024, it said on Friday.

South Africa's Rassie van der Dussen said the team will take their "must-win mindset" into the World Cup semi-final against five-time winners Australia.

The arrest in Brazil this week of two people accused of planning "terrorist attacks" has put a spotlight on alleged South American operations by Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, which Israel says orchestrated the plot.

Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott on Friday said the "future is bright" for his team after enjoying their most successful World Cup.

The Beatles' latest release "Now And Then" on Friday became the legendary band's first UK number one single in 54 years, with Paul McCartney calling it "a very emotional moment."

Here is a list of nominees in the major categories for the 66th annual Grammy Awards, which will be handed out on February 4, 2024 in Los Angeles.

It will be a woman's world at this season's Grammys, with SZA scooping the most chances for gold on music's biggest night with nine, as pop's superstars including Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish dominated across the categories.