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

German culture officials plan to summon organisers of the Berlin film festival Thursday after the event was rocked this year by controversy over the Israel-Palestinian conflict and Gaza war.

Despair hung over two cities in southeastern Brazil on Wednesday as rescuers and residents searched for 27 people missing after torrential rains unleashed flooding and landslides that killed at least 40.

Former road race world champion Mathieu van der Poel will start his season at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad in Belgium this weekend, his Alpecin–Premier Tech team announced on Wednesday.

Designer Maria Grazia Chiuri marked her return to Fendi at Milan Fashion Week on Wednesday, presenting a sensual and lightweight collection featuring "remodelled" furs and leathers crafted like lace.

Norway's King Harald V will have to stay in hospital in Tenerife for a few days because of leg infection, but the 89-year-old monarch's health is generally good, his personal doctor said Wednesday.

French superstar Kylian Mbappe may have to put his season on hold because of a knee problem, with his main goals fast coming into view -- a first major trophy with Real Madrid, and a second World Cup triumph.

New Zealand recovered after a mini-collapse to post 168-7 against Sri Lanka in T20 World Cup Super Eight clash in Colombo on Wednesday.

The president of France's Palace of Versailles on Wednesday took over as head of the Louvre following a litany of problems at the world's most-visited museum including a $100 million jewellery robbery.

An Iranian delegation headed by its top diplomat set off for Geneva on Wednesday for talks with the US, as the Islamic republic's president struck an upbeat tone about the prospect for a negotiated agreement to avert fresh conflict.

South Africa spinner Keshav Maharaj denied on Wednesday that his side will have an advantage in their T20 World Cup showdown against the West Indies in Ahmedabad after playing four of their five matches there.

Scotland fans have been given a reprieve from strict stadium rules to wear sporrans over their kilts at the World Cup later this year.

Egypt said Wednesday that 18 of its citizens were still missing after a migrant boat capsized, killing four people, off the Greek island of Crete last week.

Stock markets in Asia and Europe reached record highs Wednesday on easing worries about the AI sector and ahead of chip behemoth Nvidia releasing its earnings.

Hong Kong's finance chief tipped another year of economic growth in 2026 as he unveiled his annual budget on Wednesday with plans for investment in innovation zones and AI training.

In the space of just over a month, three massive football names, Manchester City, Atletico Madrid, and now Inter Milan, have fallen to Bodo/Glimt -- a small Norwegian club based inside the Arctic Circle.

Bill Gates has admitted making a "huge mistake" in associating with Jeffrey Epstein, telling staff at his charity foundation that he had affairs with two Russian women but denying involvement in the disgraced financier's crimes.

Despair hung over two cities in southeastern Brazil on Wednesday as rescuers and residents searched for 33 people missing after torrential rains unleashed flooding and landslides that killed at least 36.

China will buy up to 120 aircraft from European aviation giant Airbus, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said following talks with President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Wednesday.

Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi, who is facing trial for alleged rape, was included in his team's matchday squad ahead of their Champions League play-off phase second leg tie against Monaco on Wednesday.

Manchester United chief executive Omar Berrada highlighted the "positive financial impact of our off-pitch transformation" after the club recorded a profit increase following their recent job cuts.

Diageo, the maker of Guinness stout and Smirnoff vodka, cut its sales outlook and slashed shareholder payouts Wednesday, as its new chief executive seeks to revive the struggling drinks group.

After years of negotiations, Switzerland and the European Union will next week sign a package of agreements aimed at simplifying and harmonising their ties, Bern and Brussels said on Wednesday.

Emperor penguins shed all their feathers once a year, a precarious ritual that may have become deadly as climate change pushes them into shrinking patches of Antarctic sea ice, researchers said Wednesday.

Pope Leo XIV will visit four African nations in April, the Vatican said Thursday, including Algeria -- the first time a pope will travel to the North African Muslim nation.

Stock markets in Asia and Europe reached record highs Wednesday on easing worries about the AI sector which many see as overvalued and a threat to several industries.

Defending champions India are looking to bolster their faltering opening combination ahead of a dare-not-lose T20 World Cup clash against Zimbabwe to keep hopes of making the semi-finals alive.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday defended a directive introducing Ramadan-related activities in public schools, rejecting criticism from opponents who said the move undermined Turkey's secular principles.

Hearts manager Derek McInnes says Manchester United legend Alex Ferguson is giving him valuable advice in the club's chase for an historic Scottish Premiership title.

Frenzied fans, dreams of hitting the Premier League jackpot and "the smell of weed in the tunnel": Snoop Dogg's arrival at Swansea heralded the latest chapter in the English Championship's celebrity inspired makeover.

The president of France's famed Palace of Versailles took over as head of the Louvre following a litany of problems at the world's most-visited museum including a $100-million jewellery robbery.

The chief executive of the 2030 Winter Olympics organising committee (Cojop) in the French Alps has stepped down after a serious falling out with the president Edgar Grospiron, it was announced on Wednesday.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing on Wednesday, hoping to bolster ties with his country's largest trade partner and high-tech rival as Europe's biggest economy struggles.

British luxury carmaker Aston Martin Lagonda on Wednesday announced plans to cut up to 20 percent of its workforce after widening annual losses on US tariffs and weak Chinese demand.

The chief executive of the 2030 Winter Olympics organising committee (Cojop) in the French Alps has stepped down after a serious falling out with the president Edgar Grospiron, it was announced on Wednesday.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will seek to address Caribbean leaders' concerns about Cuba at a summit on Wednesday, as Washington ramps up pressure on the communist island fresh after removing Venezuela's president.

The president of France's Palace of Versailles is expected to take over as head of the Louvre following the resignation of Laurence des Cars after a $100-million robbery at the museum last year, an informed source told AFP on Wednesday.

Richly talented but much maligned, England captain Harry Brook finally achieved redemption at Pallekele stadium in Kandy after a torrid few months -- and came of age as a leader.

Iran on Wednesday dismissed US claims about its missile programme as "big lies", after President Donald Trump said Tehran was developing missiles that could strike the United States.

The roar of machine guns and drone of helicopters shook the luxurious resort where Mexico's most-wanted cartel boss hid on Sunday, plunging tourists enjoying the picturesque western Mexican town of Tapalpa into panic.