With its fake horror and off-color jokes, the creators of the sixth installment in the "Scary Movie" franchise say they are offering an antidote to what they see as today's censorious culture.&nbsp;The Wayans family, who created the politically incorrect parody almost three decades ago, bring their offering to US cinemas this Friday, and think it is arriving at just the right time.&nbsp;"I think that it's an important movie right now for the culture, so that we can handle cancel culture in a whole another way," Shawn Wayans told AFP at the Los Angeles red carpet premiere.&nbsp;Wayans is confident that audiences in 2026 will embrace this new episode of the saga, which takes on issues at the heart of the culture wars, like sexuality, gender and race.&nbsp;"Just because cancel culture exists, it doesn't mean that we shouldn't have laughter anymore," he said.&nbsp;"I think it's important for the world to be able to laugh; that's healthy, it's healing, it's medicine."&nbsp;His sister, actress and comedian Kim Wayans, agreed that as a society we need to have fewer sacred cows and be more ready to laugh at things, even if it offends some people.&nbsp;"Tonight we're going to cancel cancel culture -- that's what this movie is going to do," she said.&nbsp;Director Michael Tiddes said the project proved to be a challenge.&nbsp;"You had to find a balance between the movies we were spoofing, the Wayans brothers' authentic comedy that I was injecting into the film, and also our own story and our own characters, making sure that they had a beginning, a middle and an end," he said.&nbsp;In addition to Shawn, Kim, Marlon and Damon Wayans, the cast also features Anna Faris, Regina Hall, Jon Abrahams and Cheri Oteri — bringing back Doofy, the parody of the killer from "Scream" (Ghostface) that served as the catalyst for the very first film.&nbsp;But true to tradition, the new installment was refreshed by satirizing recent horror hits — including "The Substance," "Sinners," "Smile," "Weapons," "Longlegs," "Terrifier" and the series "Wednesday."&nbsp;The franchise is back in the hands of the Wayans clan after several years of absence, becoming a true family affair.&nbsp;Not only did several of the brothers write the script, but some of their children and nephews — such as Gregg Wayans — also joined the team.&nbsp;For the 37-year-old, "Scary Movie" is timeless and has the potential to make different generations laugh, thanks to his uncles' brand of "no-limits" humor.&nbsp;"I think people want to laugh. They're just waiting for filmmakers like my family to stop abiding by all the rules," he told AFP.&nbsp;"We need some more rule-breakers, and us getting this franchise back, I think it's the first step," he said. "It's the Wayans antidote."

There is a new Scary Movie in theatres and it aims to offer an antidote to censorious culture. The film is the sixth movie in the film franchise. 

With its fake horror and off-color jokes, the creators of the sixth installment in the "Scary Movie" franchise say they are offering an antidote to what they see as today's censorious culture. The Wayans family, who created the politically incorrect parody almost three decades ago, bring their offering to US cinemas this Friday, and think it is arriving at just the right time. "I think that it's an important movie right now for the culture, so that we can handle cancel culture in a whole another way," Shawn Wayans told AFP at the Los Angeles red carpet premiere. Wayans is confident that audiences in 2026 will embrace this new episode of the saga, which takes on issues at the heart of the culture wars, like sexuality, gender and race. "Just because cancel culture exists, it doesn't mean that we shouldn't have laughter anymore," he said. "I think it's important for the world to be able to laugh; that's healthy, it's healing, it's medicine." His sister, actress and comedian Kim Wayans, agreed that as a society we need to have fewer sacred cows and be more ready to laugh at things, even if it offends some people. "Tonight we're going to cancel cancel culture -- that's what this movie is going to do," she said. Director Michael Tiddes said the project proved to be a challenge. "You had to find a balance between the movies we were spoofing, the Wayans brothers' authentic comedy that I was injecting into the film, and also our own story and our own characters, making sure that they had a beginning, a middle and an end," he said. In addition to Shawn, Kim, Marlon and Damon Wayans, the cast also features Anna Faris, Regina Hall, Jon Abrahams and Cheri Oteri — bringing back Doofy, the parody of the killer from "Scream" (Ghostface) that served as the catalyst for the very first film. But true to tradition, the new installment was refreshed by satirizing recent horror hits — including "The Substance," "Sinners," "Smile," "Weapons," "Longlegs," "Terrifier" and the series "Wednesday." The franchise is back in the hands of the Wayans clan after several years of absence, becoming a true family affair. Not only did several of the brothers write the script, but some of their children and nephews — such as Gregg Wayans — also joined the team. For the 37-year-old, "Scary Movie" is timeless and has the potential to make different generations laugh, thanks to his uncles' brand of "no-limits" humor. "I think people want to laugh. They're just waiting for filmmakers like my family to stop abiding by all the rules," he told AFP. "We need some more rule-breakers, and us getting this franchise back, I think it's the first step," he said. "It's the Wayans antidote."

There is a new Scary Movie in theatres and it aims to offer an antidote to censorious culture. The film is the sixth movie in the film franchise.&nbsp;

Latest installment of Scary Movie aims to cancel 'cancel culture,' creators say

Award-winning German director Wim Wenders said Wednesday he was withdrawing his 1975 film "Wrong Move" after a campaign by actress Nastassja Kinski against a scene in which she appeared topless when she was 13 years old.&nbsp;In a statement on his foundation's website, Wenders apologised to Kinski and said that the Wim Wenders Foundation, which owns the film, is withdrawing it from all current channels of distribution.&nbsp;"As the only person responsible at the time for 'Wrong Move' who is still here, I recognize that Nastassja Kinski should have been better protected back then," Wenders, 80, said in the statement.&nbsp;"For that, I apologize to you, Nastassja, unreservedly, no ifs and buts," said Wenders, one of the most influential German directors of recent decades, whose accolades include a BAFTA award and a Palme d'Or at Cannes.&nbsp;Last month, Kinski, 65, gave an interview to the Sueddeutsche Zeitung daily in which she said she had for years been trying to get Wenders to change the film, without success.&nbsp;"That was my first film, he was my first director, and he didn't protect me," Kinski told the newspaper.&nbsp;"Even though I didn't know all that much at 13, I picked up on the fact that something wasn't right," she said.&nbsp;The Wim Wenders Foundation said it would seek a "broad dialogue" with German film institutions about what to do with the film in future.&nbsp;"Only after that process has taken place -- even if it takes considerable time -- and once we have been able to present a mutually agreed solution, which will include Nastassja Kinski, will we make the film available again," it said.&nbsp;Wenders added in the statement: "The many reactions, comments and conversations of recent days have played a significant role in further sharpening my understanding of the events of that time. For that, I am grateful.&nbsp;"Only an open and respectful exchange can lead us to reconsider positions and reassess responsibilities."&nbsp;<h2>- 'Long overdue' decision -</h2>&nbsp;In a statement to AFP, Kinski's lawyer Christian Schertz said that he "welcomed" the decision but said that it had been "long overdue".&nbsp;"I also regret that it has only happened as result of public pressure," he said.&nbsp;"We have to wait to see what (Wenders's) offer of dialogue actually consists of," Schertz said.&nbsp;Nastassja Kinski is the daughter of late German film icon Klaus Kinski and his second wife Brigitte. She achieved Hollywood fame with films such as "Cat People" and "Tess".&nbsp;In 2013 she gave an interview to the Bild am Sonntag newspaper in which she described her late father as a "tyrant" and accused him of trying to abuse her.&nbsp;"Wrong Move" is one of several films which have gained notoriety due to complaints from the actors who starred in them.&nbsp;In 2023, actors Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting filed a lawsuit over Franco Zeffirelli's 1968 "Romeo and Juliet", in which they starred at the ages of 15 and 16 respectively.&nbsp;The film featured a brief bedroom scene in which Whiting's buttocks and Hussey's bare breasts were visible, but a California judge rejected their argument that the movie amounted to sexual exploitation and "child pornography".&nbsp;"Last Tango in Paris", directed by Italian director Bernardo Bertolucci in 1972, contains a rape scene filmed without the consent of actress Maria Schneider, who was then 19.&nbsp;She later said she was crying real tears during filming and her co-star Marlon Brando did not console her afterwards.

Wim Wenders' 1975 film Wrong Move featured actress Nastassja Kinski in a topless scene. The actress was back then only 13 years old. Wenders apologised to Kinski and said that the Wim Wenders Foundation, which owns the film, is withdrawing it from all current channels of distribution.

Award-winning German director Wim Wenders said Wednesday he was withdrawing his 1975 film "Wrong Move" after a campaign by actress Nastassja Kinski against a scene in which she appeared topless when she was 13 years old. In a statement on his foundation's website, Wenders apologised to Kinski and said that the Wim Wenders Foundation, which owns the film, is withdrawing it from all current channels of distribution. "As the only person responsible at the time for 'Wrong Move' who is still here, I recognize that Nastassja Kinski should have been better protected back then," Wenders, 80, said in the statement. "For that, I apologize to you, Nastassja, unreservedly, no ifs and buts," said Wenders, one of the most influential German directors of recent decades, whose accolades include a BAFTA award and a Palme d'Or at Cannes. Last month, Kinski, 65, gave an interview to the Sueddeutsche Zeitung daily in which she said she had for years been trying to get Wenders to change the film, without success. "That was my first film, he was my first director, and he didn't protect me," Kinski told the newspaper. "Even though I didn't know all that much at 13, I picked up on the fact that something wasn't right," she said. The Wim Wenders Foundation said it would seek a "broad dialogue" with German film institutions about what to do with the film in future. "Only after that process has taken place -- even if it takes considerable time -- and once we have been able to present a mutually agreed solution, which will include Nastassja Kinski, will we make the film available again," it said. Wenders added in the statement: "The many reactions, comments and conversations of recent days have played a significant role in further sharpening my understanding of the events of that time. For that, I am grateful. "Only an open and respectful exchange can lead us to reconsider positions and reassess responsibilities." - 'Long overdue' decision - In a statement to AFP, Kinski's lawyer Christian Schertz said that he "welcomed" the decision but said that it had been "long overdue". "I also regret that it has only happened as result of public pressure," he said. "We have to wait to see what (Wenders's) offer of dialogue actually consists of," Schertz said. Nastassja Kinski is the daughter of late German film icon Klaus Kinski and his second wife Brigitte. She achieved Hollywood fame with films such as "Cat People" and "Tess". In 2013 she gave an interview to the Bild am Sonntag newspaper in which she described her late father as a "tyrant" and accused him of trying to abuse her. "Wrong Move" is one of several films which have gained notoriety due to complaints from the actors who starred in them. In 2023, actors Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting filed a lawsuit over Franco Zeffirelli's 1968 "Romeo and Juliet", in which they starred at the ages of 15 and 16 respectively. The film featured a brief bedroom scene in which Whiting's buttocks and Hussey's bare breasts were visible, but a California judge rejected their argument that the movie amounted to sexual exploitation and "child pornography". "Last Tango in Paris", directed by Italian director Bernardo Bertolucci in 1972, contains a rape scene filmed without the consent of actress Maria Schneider, who was then 19. She later said she was crying real tears during filming and her co-star Marlon Brando did not console her afterwards.

Wim Wenders' 1975 film Wrong Move featured actress Nastassja Kinski in a topless scene. The actress was back then only 13 years old. Wenders apologised to Kinski and said that the Wim Wenders Foundation, which owns the film, is withdrawing it from all current channels of distribution.

German director Wim Wenders pulls 1975 film Wrong Move over child nude scene

Marilyn Monroe's hometown of Hollywood kicks off Monday with a series of special events marking the 100th anniversary of the movie icon's birth.&nbsp;At the historic Chinese Theatre, where Monroe's handprints are immortalized alongside "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" (1953) co-star Jane Russell, fans plan to sing "Happy Birthday" -- echoing her famed sultry serenade to president John F. Kennedy. One hundred roses and a cake will be placed at the site, a symbol of Hollywood's golden age and a popular tourist hotspot.&nbsp;Tributes to Tinseltown's legendary daughter began on Sunday, with the Academy Museum opening "Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon," an exhibit celebrating her film career and life cut short.&nbsp;After shooting to superstardom in the 1950s, the actress and model died of an overdose at her Brentwood home in August 1962, aged 36.&nbsp;The Academy Museum will host special screenings of her prolific filmography throughout the month, including "The Asphalt Jungle" (1950), "Niagara" (1953), "The Seven Year Itch" (1955), "Some Like It Hot" (1959), and "The Misfits" (1961).&nbsp;The exhibit, which runs until February 2027, includes hundreds of original pieces, some rarely on display -- such as Monroe's famed pink dress worn during her iconic performance of "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" in "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes." Later in the week, on June 4, Julien's Auctions will put nearly 200 pieces of Monroe memorabilia under the hammer as part of its special "100 Years of Marilyn" sale.&nbsp;The items include unpublished photographs, a script with notes from her final production, the unfinished short film "Something's Got to Give," and personal items such as handwritten recipes and her Elizabeth Arden lipstick.<h2>Image maker&nbsp;</h2>Born in Los Angeles on June 1, 1926, Monroe had an unstable childhood spent between orphanages and foster homes. She married for the first time at age 16.&nbsp;She had her first brush with show business in 1944, while working in a factory, when a photographer arrived to capture photos of women working on production lines during World War II.&nbsp;Launching into the world of modelling soon after, she divorced her husband and made a history-defining decision: dyeing her brown hair platinum blonde.&nbsp;She landed her first contract with Fox, and by the age of 30 had established herself as a global star.&nbsp;Behind the scenes, Monroe founded her own production company, attended the prestigious Actors Studio in New York, and even defied the studios.&nbsp;In the 1950s, while under contract with 20th Century Fox, she refused to act in the adaptation of the musical "The Girl in Pink Tights," deeming the script mediocre and her salary -- three times less than that of co-star Frank Sinatra -- unfair.&nbsp;More than half a century before the #MeToo movement shook the global entertainment industry, Monroe denounced the Hollywood "wolves" preying on female talent. &nbsp;

From film screenings to photo exhibitions, Hollywood is planning grand celebrations to commemorate the 100th birth anniversary of movie icon Marilyn Monroe. 

Marilyn Monroe's hometown of Hollywood kicks off Monday with a series of special events marking the 100th anniversary of the movie icon's birth. At the historic Chinese Theatre, where Monroe's handprints are immortalized alongside "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" (1953) co-star Jane Russell, fans plan to sing "Happy Birthday" -- echoing her famed sultry serenade to president John F. Kennedy. One hundred roses and a cake will be placed at the site, a symbol of Hollywood's golden age and a popular tourist hotspot. Tributes to Tinseltown's legendary daughter began on Sunday, with the Academy Museum opening "Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon," an exhibit celebrating her film career and life cut short. After shooting to superstardom in the 1950s, the actress and model died of an overdose at her Brentwood home in August 1962, aged 36. The Academy Museum will host special screenings of her prolific filmography throughout the month, including "The Asphalt Jungle" (1950), "Niagara" (1953), "The Seven Year Itch" (1955), "Some Like It Hot" (1959), and "The Misfits" (1961). The exhibit, which runs until February 2027, includes hundreds of original pieces, some rarely on display -- such as Monroe's famed pink dress worn during her iconic performance of "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" in "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes." Later in the week, on June 4, Julien's Auctions will put nearly 200 pieces of Monroe memorabilia under the hammer as part of its special "100 Years of Marilyn" sale. The items include unpublished photographs, a script with notes from her final production, the unfinished short film "Something's Got to Give," and personal items such as handwritten recipes and her Elizabeth Arden lipstick. Image maker Born in Los Angeles on June 1, 1926, Monroe had an unstable childhood spent between orphanages and foster homes. She married for the first time at age 16. She had her first brush with show business in 1944, while working in a factory, when a photographer arrived to capture photos of women working on production lines during World War II. Launching into the world of modelling soon after, she divorced her husband and made a history-defining decision: dyeing her brown hair platinum blonde. She landed her first contract with Fox, and by the age of 30 had established herself as a global star. Behind the scenes, Monroe founded her own production company, attended the prestigious Actors Studio in New York, and even defied the studios. In the 1950s, while under contract with 20th Century Fox, she refused to act in the adaptation of the musical "The Girl in Pink Tights," deeming the script mediocre and her salary -- three times less than that of co-star Frank Sinatra -- unfair. More than half a century before the #MeToo movement shook the global entertainment industry, Monroe denounced the Hollywood "wolves" preying on female talent.

From film screenings to photo exhibitions, Hollywood is planning grand celebrations to commemorate the 100th birth anniversary of movie icon Marilyn Monroe.&nbsp;

100 years of Marilyn Monroe: Here's how Hollywood is celebrating the iconic star

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday his country's forces had pushed deeper into Lebanon, even as military delegations from both countries held landmark security talks in Washington.Israel kept up its heavy bombardment of south Lebanon, with President Joseph Aoun emphasising in a call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio "the need to exert all efforts to reach a ceasefire".A truce to halt the fighting between Israel and Tehran-backed Hezbollah officially took effect on April 17, but has never been observed, with Iran insisting that Lebanon be included in any agreement with the United States to end the wider war that engulfed the region in February.Both Israel and Hezbollah accuse each other of violating the April ceasefire and justify their attacks by the other's alleged breaches.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/white-house-breaks-precedent-by-keeping-79yo-trump-s-latest-health-report-secret-what-are-they-hiding-1780115226238">White House breaks precedent by keeping 79YO Trump's latest health report secret. Are they hiding something?</a>Netanyahu announced Friday that Israeli forces had advanced beyond a river that runs around 30 kilometres (20 miles) north of the Lebanon-Israel frontier."Our forces have crossed the Litani, they have moved up to the commanding terrain," he said in a video released by his office, adding Israel was "hitting Hezbollah head on".Israel and Lebanon began direct talks in April, with a fourth round expected next week in Washington following Friday's meeting at the Pentagon, running parallel to efforts by the US to strike a deal with Iran to end the regional war and blockade of the strategic Strait of Hormuz.Elbridge Colby, the Pentagon's second-in-command, called the discussions "productive" in a post on X and said the military talks would inform the State Department-led diplomatic process.<h2>No end to fighting</h2>Fighting raged despite the talks, with Israeli strikes in the southern city of Tyre killing 11 people, according to Lebanon's health ministry, which called the bombardment a "flagrant violation of humanitarian law".Hezbollah said it had launched attacks targeting soldiers, barracks and a military camp in northern Israel on Friday and Israel's military in the early hours of Saturday morning confirmed it had intercepted several projectiles from Lebanon, with one hitting near the Israeli town of Kiryat Shmona.Hezbollah also said its forces attacked Israeli troops trying to advance near the medieval Beaufort fortress, also known as Qalaat al-Chakif, a site Israel's forces had used as a base during their two-decade occupation of southern Lebanon ending in 2000.US State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said Rubio had "commended President Aoun's courage and vision in pursuing direct negotiations with Israel" despite Hezbollah's opposition, adding the group was "entirely responsible for the ongoing fighting".Lebanon was drawn into the regional war when Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel in early March in retaliation for the death of Iran's supreme leader in US-Israeli strikes.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-more-than-capable-of-restarting-war-with-iran-hegseth-amid-reports-of-depleted-missile-stockpiles-shangri-la-dialogue-security-summit-singapore-1780106328135">US 'more than capable' of restarting war with Iran, says Hegseth amid reports of depleted missile stockpiles</a>Hezbollah strongly opposes talks with US representatives and has refused to disarm.Lebanon's military delegation to Friday's talks included six officers, headed by the army's director of operations, Georges Rizkallah.On the Israeli side, Brigadier General Amichai Levin, head of the strategic division of the army's planning directorate, visited Washington for the talks, an Israeli military spokesman said.A Lebanese military source earlier told AFP the country's delegation would "emphasise the need for a ceasefire, and will present the army's plan for a state weapons monopoly and the extension of state authority across the country".<h2>Wave of displacement</h2>On Friday, Lebanon's state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported Israeli airstrikes on more than 20 locations in the south, before and after its military issued evacuation warnings for eight towns, sparking a huge wave of displacementHundreds of people have fled to the usually touristy old city of Tyre, which has not been included in recent Israeli army evacuation orders issued for swathes of the rest of the city and surrounding areas.This week, Israel's military also declared all areas south of the Zahrani River -- an area that includes Tyre -- as "combat zones" and told residents to evacuate.With shelters full, displaced residents were sleeping in cars or tents, an AFP correspondent said."The situation is very difficult. Tyre is a peaceful, touristic city. We never imagined going through this," said Karam Amin, 43, whose family of seven have been sleeping in his clothing shop."I sorted out a shower ... and we put mattresses on the floor," he said.Lebanon's health ministry said on Friday Israeli attacks have killed at least 3,355 people since March 2 -- an increase of 31 compared to Thursday when Israeli carried out the first airstrike near Beirut in weeks.Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.&nbsp;

Israel says its troops have crossed a key river deep inside Lebanon, even as Israeli and Lebanese military officials hold rare direct talks in Washington. So why is fighting intensifying despite ceasefire efforts, and what does this new advance mean for the wider Middle East conflict? 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday his country's forces had pushed deeper into Lebanon, even as military delegations from both countries held landmark security talks in Washington. Israel kept up its heavy bombardment of south Lebanon, with President Joseph Aoun emphasising in a call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio "the need to exert all efforts to reach a ceasefire". A truce to halt the fighting between Israel and Tehran-backed Hezbollah officially took effect on April 17, but has never been observed, with Iran insisting that Lebanon be included in any agreement with the United States to end the wider war that engulfed the region in February. Both Israel and Hezbollah accuse each other of violating the April ceasefire and justify their attacks by the other's alleged breaches. Also read | White House breaks precedent by keeping 79YO Trump's latest health report secret. Are they hiding something? Netanyahu announced Friday that Israeli forces had advanced beyond a river that runs around 30 kilometres (20 miles) north of the Lebanon-Israel frontier. "Our forces have crossed the Litani, they have moved up to the commanding terrain," he said in a video released by his office, adding Israel was "hitting Hezbollah head on". Israel and Lebanon began direct talks in April, with a fourth round expected next week in Washington following Friday's meeting at the Pentagon, running parallel to efforts by the US to strike a deal with Iran to end the regional war and blockade of the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Elbridge Colby, the Pentagon's second-in-command, called the discussions "productive" in a post on X and said the military talks would inform the State Department-led diplomatic process. No end to fighting Fighting raged despite the talks, with Israeli strikes in the southern city of Tyre killing 11 people, according to Lebanon's health ministry, which called the bombardment a "flagrant violation of humanitarian law". Hezbollah said it had launched attacks targeting soldiers, barracks and a military camp in northern Israel on Friday and Israel's military in the early hours of Saturday morning confirmed it had intercepted several projectiles from Lebanon, with one hitting near the Israeli town of Kiryat Shmona. Hezbollah also said its forces attacked Israeli troops trying to advance near the medieval Beaufort fortress, also known as Qalaat al-Chakif, a site Israel's forces had used as a base during their two-decade occupation of southern Lebanon ending in 2000. US State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said Rubio had "commended President Aoun's courage and vision in pursuing direct negotiations with Israel" despite Hezbollah's opposition, adding the group was "entirely responsible for the ongoing fighting". Lebanon was drawn into the regional war when Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel in early March in retaliation for the death of Iran's supreme leader in US-Israeli strikes. Also read | US 'more than capable' of restarting war with Iran, says Hegseth amid reports of depleted missile stockpiles Hezbollah strongly opposes talks with US representatives and has refused to disarm. Lebanon's military delegation to Friday's talks included six officers, headed by the army's director of operations, Georges Rizkallah. On the Israeli side, Brigadier General Amichai Levin, head of the strategic division of the army's planning directorate, visited Washington for the talks, an Israeli military spokesman said. A Lebanese military source earlier told AFP the country's delegation would "emphasise the need for a ceasefire, and will present the army's plan for a state weapons monopoly and the extension of state authority across the country". Wave of displacement On Friday, Lebanon's state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported Israeli airstrikes on more than 20 locations in the south, before and after its military issued evacuation warnings for eight towns, sparking a huge wave of displacement Hundreds of people have fled to the usually touristy old city of Tyre, which has not been included in recent Israeli army evacuation orders issued for swathes of the rest of the city and surrounding areas. This week, Israel's military also declared all areas south of the Zahrani River -- an area that includes Tyre -- as "combat zones" and told residents to evacuate. With shelters full, displaced residents were sleeping in cars or tents, an AFP correspondent said. "The situation is very difficult. Tyre is a peaceful, touristic city. We never imagined going through this," said Karam Amin, 43, whose family of seven have been sleeping in his clothing shop. "I sorted out a shower ... and we put mattresses on the floor," he said. Lebanon's health ministry said on Friday Israeli attacks have killed at least 3,355 people since March 2 -- an increase of 31 compared to Thursday when Israeli carried out the first airstrike near Beirut in weeks. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Israel says its troops have crossed a key river deep inside Lebanon, even as Israeli and Lebanese military officials hold rare direct talks in Washington. So why is fighting intensifying despite ceasefire efforts, and what does this new advance mean for the wider Middle East conflict?&nbsp;

Ceasefire in name only? Israel advances deeper into Lebanon as talks continue

Iran's football team still lacks US visas and is not competing in World Cup on "equal terms" because of its difficulty in training ahead of the tournament, its ambassador to Mexico said Thursday. Ambassador Abolfazl Pasandideh visited the northwestern Mexican border city of Tijuana, where Iranians have relocated their training camp. They were originally planned to be based in Tucson in the US state of Arizona.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/brazil-neymar-suffers-injury-just-ahead-of-fifa-world-cup-2026-set-to-miss-opener-morocco-june-13-1779983887808">Marquee Brazilian Neymar suffers injury just ahead of World Cup, set to miss opener</a>The ambassador told a news conference that "the country to the north" -- meaning the US -- had not followed through on its responsibility of hosting the Iranian team."We don't know whether or not they're going to give the players their visas," he added.Iran will play their three World Cup group games in two west coast US cities: Los Angeles and Seattle. The head of the Iranian Football Federation has said they were hoping players would be granted multiple entry visas."We aren't participating in the World Cup on equal terms," Pasandideh said."We haven't been able to train our team like they should," he said, because of the war in the Middle East that began February 28.On Wednesday, Iranian diplomats visited the stadium where the team is training, a source from Club Tijuana that plays there told AFP. The diplomats also met with local security officials, the source said.Iran are due to play in Los Angeles on June 15 against New Zealand and on June 21 against Belgium, then in Seattle against Egypt on June 26.

Ambassador Abolfazl Pasandideh visited the northwestern Mexican border city of Tijuana, where Iranians have relocated their training camp. They were originally planned to be based in Tucson in the US state of Arizona.

Iran's football team still lacks US visas and is not competing in World Cup on "equal terms" because of its difficulty in training ahead of the tournament, its ambassador to Mexico said Thursday. Ambassador Abolfazl Pasandideh visited the northwestern Mexican border city of Tijuana, where Iranians have relocated their training camp. They were originally planned to be based in Tucson in the US state of Arizona. Also Read - Marquee Brazilian Neymar suffers injury just ahead of World Cup, set to miss opener The ambassador told a news conference that "the country to the north" -- meaning the US -- had not followed through on its responsibility of hosting the Iranian team. "We don't know whether or not they're going to give the players their visas," he added. Iran will play their three World Cup group games in two west coast US cities: Los Angeles and Seattle. The head of the Iranian Football Federation has said they were hoping players would be granted multiple entry visas. "We aren't participating in the World Cup on equal terms," Pasandideh said. "We haven't been able to train our team like they should," he said, because of the war in the Middle East that began February 28. On Wednesday, Iranian diplomats visited the stadium where the team is training, a source from Club Tijuana that plays there told AFP. The diplomats also met with local security officials, the source said. Iran are due to play in Los Angeles on June 15 against New Zealand and on June 21 against Belgium, then in Seattle against Egypt on June 26.

Ambassador Abolfazl Pasandideh visited the northwestern Mexican border city of Tijuana, where Iranians have relocated their training camp. They were originally planned to be based in Tucson in the US state of Arizona.

FIFA World Cup 2026 | Iran players still waiting for US visa, says ambassador

Novak Djokovic extended his latest bid for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title with a hard-fought victory over Valentin Royer in the French Open second round on Wednesday, but women's second seed Elena Rybakina crashed out of the tournament. Djokovic had to come from a set down in his opening match against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard and was pushed hard again by another Frenchman in Royer, before finally sealing a 6-3, 6-2, 6-7 (7/9), 6-3 win after three and three-quarter hours on Court Philippe Chatrier.He will next take on Joao Fonseca after the Brazilian teenager fought back from two sets down to beat Croatia's Dino Prizmic 3-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1, 6-2.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-2026-coco-gauff-reveals-having-mini-car-accident-before-round-1-match-vs-taylor-townsend-1779874866008">French Open 2026 | Coco Gauff reveals having 'mini car accident' before Round 1</a>"I hope I won't play any more French players for the rest of the tournament," said the third seed, who has been tied on 24 Grand Slam titles with Margaret Court since winning the 2023 US Open, with a wry smile.Djokovic, who beat world number one Jannik Sinner in the Australian Open last four earlier this year, cannot meet the red-hot title favourite until the final at Roland Garros.Djokovic powered through the first two sets, although world number 74 Royer, born just 5km from Roland Garros, showed much more resistance in the third before extending the match in a brilliant tie-break.The Serb, who twice failed to consolidate breaks of serve in the third set, made no such mistake in the fourth as he belatedly booked his place in the next round on his fifth match point.Alexander Zverev, who has reached at least the quarter-finals in five consecutive French Opens, swatted aside Tomas Machac 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 in the night match.The German second seed will continue his latest tilt at a maiden Slam title against Frenchman Quentin Halys.Czech Jakub Mensik, the only player other than Djokovic to beat Sinner this year, needed eight match points before eventually downing Mariano Navone 6-3, 2-6, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (13/11) to book a meeting with eighth seed Alex de Minaur.Mensik collapsed on the court after the match with exhaustion and cramp as the Paris heatwave continued to take its toll."It's insane to play in this weather, especially in front of the sun, to be there for more than four and a half hours, it's just insane," said Mensik.Rising Spanish star Rafael Jodar reached the third round of a Grand Slam for the first time, seeing off James Duckworth 6-1, 6-7 (5/7), 6-4, 7-5.Two-time losing finalist Casper Ruud was back to full fitness after struggling with the hot weather in the first round, taking just three sets to get past Hamad Medjedovic.<h2>Rybakina stunned by Starodubtseva</h2>Australian Open champion Rybakina blew a one-set lead to exit in dramatic fashion, slumping to a 3-6, 6-1, 7-6 (10/4) loss to Ukraine's Yuliia Starodubtseva.It is Rybakina's earliest departure from any tour-level tournament since the 2025 Miami Open and first defeat in the opening two rounds of a major since the 2024 Australian Open."I couldn't find the balance. I couldn't find the right shot, and it was clearly just too many mistakes," said the Kazakh world number two.Starodubtseva will face China's Wang Xiyu for a place in the last 16.She has already matched her previous best run at a Grand Slam event, when she lost to Jasmine Paolini in the French Open third round as a lucky loser 12 months ago."Honestly, hard to describe, I'm super happy," said world number 55 Starodubtseva after beating a top-10 opponent for the first time in her career.<h2>Swiatek, Svitolina through</h2>Four-time champion Iga Swiatek, looking to regain the title she last won in 2024, saw off battling Czech youngster Sara Bejlek 6-2, 6-3 on Court Philippe Chatrier.The third-seeded Pole will next face compatriot Magda Linette, who beat former winner Jelena Ostapenko in three sets, as she bids to preserve her record of having always reached the second week at Roland Garros.Swiatek is playing at a first Grand Slam tournament since linking up with Rafael Nadal's former coach Francisco Roig.Elina Svitolina, who defeated Swiatek en route to the Rome title, beat world number 126 Kaitlin Quevedo 6-0, 6-4.The Ukrainian seventh seed ended an eight-year wait for her fifth WTA 1000 trophy at the Italian Open to underline her credentials as a contender in Paris.Jasmine Paolini, the 2024 runner-up, bowed out with a three-set loss to Argentina's Solana Sierra.Eighth seed Mirra Andreeva fought back from a set down to defeat qualifier Marina Bassols Ribera, while 10th seed and 2023 finalist Karolina Muchova got past Kamilla Rakhimova with little fuss.

Djokovic had to come from a set down in his opening match against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard and was pushed hard again by another Frenchman in Royer, before finally sealing a 6-3, 6-2, 6-7 (7/9), 6-3 win.

Novak Djokovic extended his latest bid for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title with a hard-fought victory over Valentin Royer in the French Open second round on Wednesday, but women's second seed Elena Rybakina crashed out of the tournament. Djokovic had to come from a set down in his opening match against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard and was pushed hard again by another Frenchman in Royer, before finally sealing a 6-3, 6-2, 6-7 (7/9), 6-3 win after three and three-quarter hours on Court Philippe Chatrier. He will next take on Joao Fonseca after the Brazilian teenager fought back from two sets down to beat Croatia's Dino Prizmic 3-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1, 6-2. Also Read - French Open 2026 | Coco Gauff reveals having 'mini car accident' before Round 1 "I hope I won't play any more French players for the rest of the tournament," said the third seed, who has been tied on 24 Grand Slam titles with Margaret Court since winning the 2023 US Open, with a wry smile. Djokovic, who beat world number one Jannik Sinner in the Australian Open last four earlier this year, cannot meet the red-hot title favourite until the final at Roland Garros. Djokovic powered through the first two sets, although world number 74 Royer, born just 5km from Roland Garros, showed much more resistance in the third before extending the match in a brilliant tie-break. The Serb, who twice failed to consolidate breaks of serve in the third set, made no such mistake in the fourth as he belatedly booked his place in the next round on his fifth match point. Alexander Zverev, who has reached at least the quarter-finals in five consecutive French Opens, swatted aside Tomas Machac 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 in the night match. The German second seed will continue his latest tilt at a maiden Slam title against Frenchman Quentin Halys. Czech Jakub Mensik, the only player other than Djokovic to beat Sinner this year, needed eight match points before eventually downing Mariano Navone 6-3, 2-6, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (13/11) to book a meeting with eighth seed Alex de Minaur. Mensik collapsed on the court after the match with exhaustion and cramp as the Paris heatwave continued to take its toll. "It's insane to play in this weather, especially in front of the sun, to be there for more than four and a half hours, it's just insane," said Mensik. Rising Spanish star Rafael Jodar reached the third round of a Grand Slam for the first time, seeing off James Duckworth 6-1, 6-7 (5/7), 6-4, 7-5. Two-time losing finalist Casper Ruud was back to full fitness after struggling with the hot weather in the first round, taking just three sets to get past Hamad Medjedovic. Rybakina stunned by Starodubtseva Australian Open champion Rybakina blew a one-set lead to exit in dramatic fashion, slumping to a 3-6, 6-1, 7-6 (10/4) loss to Ukraine's Yuliia Starodubtseva. It is Rybakina's earliest departure from any tour-level tournament since the 2025 Miami Open and first defeat in the opening two rounds of a major since the 2024 Australian Open. "I couldn't find the balance. I couldn't find the right shot, and it was clearly just too many mistakes," said the Kazakh world number two. Starodubtseva will face China's Wang Xiyu for a place in the last 16. She has already matched her previous best run at a Grand Slam event, when she lost to Jasmine Paolini in the French Open third round as a lucky loser 12 months ago. "Honestly, hard to describe, I'm super happy," said world number 55 Starodubtseva after beating a top-10 opponent for the first time in her career. Swiatek, Svitolina through Four-time champion Iga Swiatek, looking to regain the title she last won in 2024, saw off battling Czech youngster Sara Bejlek 6-2, 6-3 on Court Philippe Chatrier. The third-seeded Pole will next face compatriot Magda Linette, who beat former winner Jelena Ostapenko in three sets, as she bids to preserve her record of having always reached the second week at Roland Garros. Swiatek is playing at a first Grand Slam tournament since linking up with Rafael Nadal's former coach Francisco Roig. Elina Svitolina, who defeated Swiatek en route to the Rome title, beat world number 126 Kaitlin Quevedo 6-0, 6-4. The Ukrainian seventh seed ended an eight-year wait for her fifth WTA 1000 trophy at the Italian Open to underline her credentials as a contender in Paris. Jasmine Paolini, the 2024 runner-up, bowed out with a three-set loss to Argentina's Solana Sierra. Eighth seed Mirra Andreeva fought back from a set down to defeat qualifier Marina Bassols Ribera, while 10th seed and 2023 finalist Karolina Muchova got past Kamilla Rakhimova with little fuss.

Djokovic had to come from a set down in his opening match against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard and was pushed hard again by another Frenchman in Royer, before finally sealing a 6-3, 6-2, 6-7 (7/9), 6-3 win.

French Open 2026 | Djokovic fights for second round win but Rybakina crashes out

Jannik Sinner powered into the second round of the French Open on Tuesday as his fellow world number one Aryna Sabalenka also made a winning start at Roland Garros. Sinner needed just over two hours to beat French wildcard Clement Tabur 6-1, 6-3, 6-4 to extend his winning streak to 30 matches. After taking all three clay-court Masters 1000 events in the run-up to Roland Garros, the 24-year-old Italian appears to have cracked the code to victory on the red dirt.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-2026-how-soaring-temperature-is-making-ball-move-faster-at-roland-garros-1779770110100">French Open | How high temperature is making ball move faster at Roland Garros</a>Without double-reigning champion and world number two Carlos Alcaraz in the draw, top seed Sinner is considered the runaway favourite to lift the Coupe des Mousquetaires for the first time come the men's final on June 7 and complete his career Grand Slam."Pressure is always going to be there," Sinner told reporters."It's normal. So I try to take it in a very natural way. I know what kind of player I am. Then, you know, if you don't feel the pressure, it means you don't care."I do care a lot about what I'm trying to achieve on a tennis court."He showed why he is the man to beat in the French capital with a punishing display against the world number 171, hititng 40 winners to just 21 unforced errors.Sinner will meet Argentinian Juan Manuel Cerundolo in the second round.Belarusian Sabalenka hurried through a 6-4, 6-2 win against Spanish world number 50 Jessica Bouzas Maneiro first on centre court as temperatures continued to soar through the first week of the tournament.The only real blip for Sabalenka as she returned to winning ways on clay after a surprise early exit from the Italian Open was her failure to serve out the match on Court Philippe Chatrier.But the four-time major winner broke in the next game to book her spot in the second round against France's Elsa Jacquemot."I'd say that for me always not easy, the first rounds," Sabalenka said. "And then, as I get further in the tournament, as I get more comfortable, my level becomes better."Following a wet and cold Italian Open earlier in May and similar conditions during the practice week at Roland Garros, the big-hitting 28-year-old said the scorching conditions played somewhat in her favour."I'd say that it was a bit warm," she joked."Especially compared to the first days when I first got here, it was like 14C, like, freezing."Now it's boiling hot and balls are flying, everything is much faster. But physically I feel strong, so I feel like it can benefit me."<h2>Gauff ‘glad’</h2>Women's defending champion Coco Gauff made short work of fellow American Taylor Townsend, kicking off her tournament with a clinical 6-4, 6-0 performance.The fourth seed joked the heat was "nothing" as she grew up in Florida, but added: "Honestly I felt more bad for the fans. Dang you're watching in the heat and I hoped no one passed out. So I'm glad I finished quickly."Felix Auger-Aliassime claimed a fifth-set tie-break to move into the round of 64 as the Canadian narrowly avoided coming undone against Germany's Daniel Altmaier.Russian sixth seed Daniil Medvedev was not so fortunate, however, going down in five sets to Australian wildcard Adam Walton.It was the seventh time in 10 French Open appearances that the former world number one has fallen in the first round."I know that I am in good shape and I can play well in Roland Garros. I can," Medvedev said.American fifth seed Jessica Pegula also departed as she went down 1-6, 6-3, 6-3 to Australia's Kimberly Birrell.Alexander Bublik completed the list of big-name exitees for the day as the ninth-seeded Kazakh succumbed in four sets to German Jan-Lennard Struff.Japanese four-time former major winner Naomi Osaka got off to a winning start, beating Laura Siegemund of Germany 6-3, 7-6 (7/3).Last year's breakout star at Roland Garros, Lois Boisson, was unable to recreate her stunning run to the last four as she went down 6-2, 6-2 to 22nd-seeded Russian Anna Kalinskaya.Rising US star Iva Jovic, 18, further confirmed her potential as she strolled past Alexandra Eala 6-4, 6-2 to book a clash with compatriot and former world number eight Emma Navarro, who defeated Indonesian Janice Tjen in straight sets.Canadian teen Victoria Mboko was also victorious, needing just over an hour to beat Czech Nikola Bartunkova for the loss of only three games.French 17-year-old Moise Kouame won his first match at his home major; an impressive 7-6 (7/4), 6-2, 6-1 victory over 2014 US Open winner Marin Cilic of Croatia.

Without double-reigning champion and world number two Carlos Alcaraz in the draw, top seed Sinner is considered the runaway favourite to lift the Coupe des Mousquetaires.

Jannik Sinner powered into the second round of the French Open on Tuesday as his fellow world number one Aryna Sabalenka also made a winning start at Roland Garros. Sinner needed just over two hours to beat French wildcard Clement Tabur 6-1, 6-3, 6-4 to extend his winning streak to 30 matches. After taking all three clay-court Masters 1000 events in the run-up to Roland Garros, the 24-year-old Italian appears to have cracked the code to victory on the red dirt. Also Read - French Open | How high temperature is making ball move faster at Roland Garros Without double-reigning champion and world number two Carlos Alcaraz in the draw, top seed Sinner is considered the runaway favourite to lift the Coupe des Mousquetaires for the first time come the men's final on June 7 and complete his career Grand Slam. "Pressure is always going to be there," Sinner told reporters. "It's normal. So I try to take it in a very natural way. I know what kind of player I am. Then, you know, if you don't feel the pressure, it means you don't care. "I do care a lot about what I'm trying to achieve on a tennis court." He showed why he is the man to beat in the French capital with a punishing display against the world number 171, hititng 40 winners to just 21 unforced errors. Sinner will meet Argentinian Juan Manuel Cerundolo in the second round. Belarusian Sabalenka hurried through a 6-4, 6-2 win against Spanish world number 50 Jessica Bouzas Maneiro first on centre court as temperatures continued to soar through the first week of the tournament. The only real blip for Sabalenka as she returned to winning ways on clay after a surprise early exit from the Italian Open was her failure to serve out the match on Court Philippe Chatrier. But the four-time major winner broke in the next game to book her spot in the second round against France's Elsa Jacquemot. "I'd say that for me always not easy, the first rounds," Sabalenka said. "And then, as I get further in the tournament, as I get more comfortable, my level becomes better." Following a wet and cold Italian Open earlier in May and similar conditions during the practice week at Roland Garros, the big-hitting 28-year-old said the scorching conditions played somewhat in her favour. "I'd say that it was a bit warm," she joked. "Especially compared to the first days when I first got here, it was like 14C, like, freezing. "Now it's boiling hot and balls are flying, everything is much faster. But physically I feel strong, so I feel like it can benefit me." Gauff ‘glad’ Women's defending champion Coco Gauff made short work of fellow American Taylor Townsend, kicking off her tournament with a clinical 6-4, 6-0 performance. The fourth seed joked the heat was "nothing" as she grew up in Florida, but added: "Honestly I felt more bad for the fans. Dang you're watching in the heat and I hoped no one passed out. So I'm glad I finished quickly." Felix Auger-Aliassime claimed a fifth-set tie-break to move into the round of 64 as the Canadian narrowly avoided coming undone against Germany's Daniel Altmaier. Russian sixth seed Daniil Medvedev was not so fortunate, however, going down in five sets to Australian wildcard Adam Walton. It was the seventh time in 10 French Open appearances that the former world number one has fallen in the first round. "I know that I am in good shape and I can play well in Roland Garros. I can," Medvedev said. American fifth seed Jessica Pegula also departed as she went down 1-6, 6-3, 6-3 to Australia's Kimberly Birrell. Alexander Bublik completed the list of big-name exitees for the day as the ninth-seeded Kazakh succumbed in four sets to German Jan-Lennard Struff. Japanese four-time former major winner Naomi Osaka got off to a winning start, beating Laura Siegemund of Germany 6-3, 7-6 (7/3). Last year's breakout star at Roland Garros, Lois Boisson, was unable to recreate her stunning run to the last four as she went down 6-2, 6-2 to 22nd-seeded Russian Anna Kalinskaya. Rising US star Iva Jovic, 18, further confirmed her potential as she strolled past Alexandra Eala 6-4, 6-2 to book a clash with compatriot and former world number eight Emma Navarro, who defeated Indonesian Janice Tjen in straight sets. Canadian teen Victoria Mboko was also victorious, needing just over an hour to beat Czech Nikola Bartunkova for the loss of only three games. French 17-year-old Moise Kouame won his first match at his home major; an impressive 7-6 (7/4), 6-2, 6-1 victory over 2014 US Open winner Marin Cilic of Croatia.

Without double-reigning champion and world number two Carlos Alcaraz in the draw, top seed Sinner is considered the runaway favourite to lift the Coupe des Mousquetaires.

French Open 2026 | Title favourite Sinner makes light work of round 1 challenge

This had to be made. Last year's brazen&nbsp;robbery of the Louvre -- when thieves made off with jewellery worth some $100 million -- is set to become a movie and a documentary series, a publisher said on Tuesday.&nbsp;French director Romain Gavras, whose work includes 2025 Hollywood film Sacrifice starring Anya Taylor-Joy and music videos, including most recently a hypnotic schoolboy choreography for GENER8ION -- will draw inspiration from the investigative book ‘Main basse sur le Louvre’ (literally "A grab at the Louvre") to create a big screen adaptation of the heist.&nbsp;&nbsp;Film rights to the book about the October 19, 2025 heist had been sold to the production company Iconoclast while rights for a documentary series were acquired by a British producer, the Flammarion publishing house said. The book, written by three journalists from French dailies Le Parisien and Le Monde, and weekly glossy magazine Paris Match, is to hit bookstores on Wednesday.&nbsp;According to trade magazine Le Film Francais, the movie project is in development, though neither the title nor the cast has been announced.<h2>About the Louvre heist</h2>&nbsp;The Louvre heist sent shockwaves around the world and sparked a security crisis within the world-famous museum that ultimately led to the replacement of its director, Laurence des Cars.&nbsp;After seven months of investigation, and despite the arrests of the main suspects, the jewels have still not been found.&nbsp;The authors said their apparent disappearance "has become a dense mystery, a puzzle that has plunged investigators into deep confusion".&nbsp;The heist illustrates how "the theft of artworks has become a business like any other for many criminals", they say. "The criminal underworld has found a new cash cow.".

The film will be basen on a book Main basse sur le Louvre, which has been written by three journalists from French dailies Le Parisien and Le Monde, and weekly glossy magazine Paris Match, is to hit bookstores this week. 

This had to be made. Last year's brazen robbery of the Louvre -- when thieves made off with jewellery worth some $100 million -- is set to become a movie and a documentary series, a publisher said on Tuesday. French director Romain Gavras, whose work includes 2025 Hollywood film Sacrifice starring Anya Taylor-Joy and music videos, including most recently a hypnotic schoolboy choreography for GENER8ION -- will draw inspiration from the investigative book ‘Main basse sur le Louvre’ (literally "A grab at the Louvre") to create a big screen adaptation of the heist. Film rights to the book about the October 19, 2025 heist had been sold to the production company Iconoclast while rights for a documentary series were acquired by a British producer, the Flammarion publishing house said. The book, written by three journalists from French dailies Le Parisien and Le Monde, and weekly glossy magazine Paris Match, is to hit bookstores on Wednesday. According to trade magazine Le Film Francais, the movie project is in development, though neither the title nor the cast has been announced. About the Louvre heist The Louvre heist sent shockwaves around the world and sparked a security crisis within the world-famous museum that ultimately led to the replacement of its director, Laurence des Cars. After seven months of investigation, and despite the arrests of the main suspects, the jewels have still not been found. The authors said their apparent disappearance "has become a dense mystery, a puzzle that has plunged investigators into deep confusion". The heist illustrates how "the theft of artworks has become a business like any other for many criminals", they say. "The criminal underworld has found a new cash cow.".

The film will be basen on a book Main basse sur le Louvre, which has been written by three journalists from French dailies Le Parisien and Le Monde, and weekly glossy magazine Paris Match, is to hit bookstores this week.&nbsp;

Daring 2025 Louvre jewellery theft that left museum directors scrambling set for big-screen adaptation

The New York Knicks advanced to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999 with a 130-93 victory at Cleveland on Monday, stretching their team-record playoff win streak to 11 games. Karl-Anthony Towns had 19 points and 14 rebounds, O.G. Anunoby added 17 points and reserve Landry Shamet had 16 points with 4-of-4 three-point shooting to lead the Knicks' blowout triumph. New York swept the Cavaliers 4-0 in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference final and will play for the crown starting June 3.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-world-cup-2026-iran-s-world-cup-team-to-stay-in-mexico-following-us-refusal-1779730027650">FIFA World Cup 2026: Iran’s World Cup team to stay in Mexico following US refusal</a>New York, who won their only NBA titles in 1970 and 1973, will face either defending champions Oklahoma City or San Antonio.They are tied 2-2 in the Western Conference final.Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges each added 15 points for New York, who improved to 12-2 in the playoffs.The Knicks closed the first quarter with an 8-0 run and began the second with a 12-0 surge to grab a 50-26 lead.Shamet made two three-pointers in the pivotal stretch while Brunson and Miles McBride each made a three-pointer as the Knicks seized command.Another Shamet three-pointer gave the Knicks their largest first-half lead at 61-32 in the second quarter before the Cavs trimmed it to 68-49 at half-time.New York overwhelmed the Cavs with fast-break scoring and solid defensive work, pulling away for good in the third quarter.Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 31 points.

New York, who won their only NBA titles in 1970 and 1973, will face either defending champions Oklahoma City or San Antonio.

The New York Knicks advanced to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999 with a 130-93 victory at Cleveland on Monday, stretching their team-record playoff win streak to 11 games. Karl-Anthony Towns had 19 points and 14 rebounds, O.G. Anunoby added 17 points and reserve Landry Shamet had 16 points with 4-of-4 three-point shooting to lead the Knicks' blowout triumph. New York swept the Cavaliers 4-0 in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference final and will play for the crown starting June 3. Also Read - FIFA World Cup 2026: Iran’s World Cup team to stay in Mexico following US refusal New York, who won their only NBA titles in 1970 and 1973, will face either defending champions Oklahoma City or San Antonio. They are tied 2-2 in the Western Conference final. Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges each added 15 points for New York, who improved to 12-2 in the playoffs. The Knicks closed the first quarter with an 8-0 run and began the second with a 12-0 surge to grab a 50-26 lead. Shamet made two three-pointers in the pivotal stretch while Brunson and Miles McBride each made a three-pointer as the Knicks seized command. Another Shamet three-pointer gave the Knicks their largest first-half lead at 61-32 in the second quarter before the Cavs trimmed it to 68-49 at half-time. New York overwhelmed the Cavs with fast-break scoring and solid defensive work, pulling away for good in the third quarter. Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 31 points.

New York, who won their only NBA titles in 1970 and 1973, will face either defending champions Oklahoma City or San Antonio.

New York Knicks reach maiden NBA Finals since 1999

Disney's Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu saw the much-adored Baby Yoda and his adoptive guardian sweep the North American box office with an estimated $102 million take through Monday, industry estimates showed.&nbsp;The film is a jump to the big screen for the hit streaming series, and the first Star Wars film to be released in theaters since 2019's The Rise of Skywalker.&nbsp;It appeared on some 4,300 screens in its opening weekend, Exhibitor Relations estimated.&nbsp;The takings are "not on the level of the primary Star Wars films," said industry analyst David Gross. "But these are big numbers and this is how spinoffs perform."&nbsp;"The movie is a piece of the story, and it's earning a piece of the business," he added.Jumping to second place, Focus Features' original horror film Obsession drew $28.5 million in sales on its second weekend, bringing its total earnings to an estimated $59 million.&nbsp;Trade magazine Variety credits some of its popularity to an exceptional performance by star Inde Navarrette that "demands awards attention."&nbsp;Lionsgate brought home the box office's weekend bronze medal as Michael and took home $25.7 million this weekend for a total of $319.9 million. The biopic based on pop icon Michael Jackson was still thrilling fans but dropped out of the top spot in its fifth weekend on the silver screen.&nbsp;The fashionable fan favorite, The Devil Wear's Prada 2,dropped to fourth place but still earned another $16.5 million this weekend for a total of $200 million.''&nbsp;MGM's The Sheep Detectives, a farmyard whodunnit, took in $12.5 million over the weekend for a total of $47 million -- marking a fifth-place finish.<h2>Rounding out the top 10:</h2>"Passenger" ($10.5 million)"Mortal Kombat II" ($7.9 million)"I Love Boosters" ($4.6 million)"The Super Mario Galaxy Movie" ($4.2 million)"Project Hail Mary" ($3.5 million)

Baby Yoda and his adoptive guardian dominated the North American box offie over the weekend. Disney's Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu earned over an estimated $102 million within three days of its release. 

Disney's Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu saw the much-adored Baby Yoda and his adoptive guardian sweep the North American box office with an estimated $102 million take through Monday, industry estimates showed. The film is a jump to the big screen for the hit streaming series, and the first Star Wars film to be released in theaters since 2019's The Rise of Skywalker. It appeared on some 4,300 screens in its opening weekend, Exhibitor Relations estimated. The takings are "not on the level of the primary Star Wars films," said industry analyst David Gross. "But these are big numbers and this is how spinoffs perform." "The movie is a piece of the story, and it's earning a piece of the business," he added. Jumping to second place, Focus Features' original horror film Obsession drew $28.5 million in sales on its second weekend, bringing its total earnings to an estimated $59 million. Trade magazine Variety credits some of its popularity to an exceptional performance by star Inde Navarrette that "demands awards attention." Lionsgate brought home the box office's weekend bronze medal as Michael and took home $25.7 million this weekend for a total of $319.9 million. The biopic based on pop icon Michael Jackson was still thrilling fans but dropped out of the top spot in its fifth weekend on the silver screen. The fashionable fan favorite, The Devil Wear's Prada 2,dropped to fourth place but still earned another $16.5 million this weekend for a total of $200 million.'' MGM's The Sheep Detectives, a farmyard whodunnit, took in $12.5 million over the weekend for a total of $47 million -- marking a fifth-place finish. Rounding out the top 10: "Passenger" ($10.5 million) "Mortal Kombat II" ($7.9 million) "I Love Boosters" ($4.6 million) "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie" ($4.2 million) "Project Hail Mary" ($3.5 million)

Baby Yoda and his adoptive guardian dominated the North American box offie over the weekend. Disney's Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu earned over an estimated $102 million within three days of its release.&nbsp;

Mandalorian and Grogu blast to first place in weekend box office

Italian teenager Kimi Antonelli continued his spectacular early-season romp on Sunday when he claimed his fourth straight win for Mercedes to extend his lead in the drivers world championship to 43 points in a thrilling Canadian Grand Prix. His win made him the first driver in F1 history to secure his first four wins in succession thanks, in part, to the retirement of team-mate George Russell with a power failure after the pair had battled through the first half of the race. The 19-year-old Italian came home 10.768 seconds clear of Ferrari’s seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-world-cup-2026-iran-shift-training-camp-from-us-to-mexico-ahead-of-kickoff-1779613999747">FIFA World Cup 2026: Iran shift training camp from US to Mexico ahead of kickoff</a>The Briton secured his tenth Canadian podium and the 204th of his career after resisting four-time champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull, who claimed his first podium of the season."It was a really fun battle with George," said Antonelli."We were pretty much on the limit. It was not easy today. It was a shame for George to have the failure because it would have been a very cool battle, but I'll take it."Hamilton, who took his maiden victory in Montreal in 2007 and shares the record of seven wins there with Michael Schumacher, was delighted and hugged Antonelli who succeeded him at Mercedes."Finally, we found our sweet spot and had a good weekend. It's amazing to be back up here and I got to have a battle with Max, which was great. I am so happy, I love this track," said Hamilton."I had some cool battles," said Verstappen. "It is better to race up front. And it is really cool to have our first podium and to battle with Lewis. All really positive."Charles Leclerc came home fourth for Ferrari ahead of Isack Hadjar in the second Red Bull, Franco Colapinto of Alpine and Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson. Pierre Gasly was eighth for Alpine ahead of Williams’ Carlos Sainz and Oliver Bearman of Haas.<h2>McLaren misery</h2>It was a dismal day for champions McLaren who made an error in tyre selection pre-race and then saw Oscar Piastri finish 11th while world champion Lando Norris retired with a gearbox failure.The race began in cold, damp and drizzly conditions with a temperature of 12 degrees and the teams divided on tyre choice.Both McLarens and five others gambled on intermediates while Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull and five others chose softs and four picked mediums.At the start, Arvid Lindblad failed to find a gear, leading to an aborted start and two extra formation laps before the lights went out -- and Norris from third flew past a cautious-starting Russell on pole to snatch the lead.Norris led and then pitted to ditch his 'inters' as did Piastri and the rest while Antonelli inherited the lead, chased by a recovered Russell and Hamilton.Russell forced his way past Antonelli at the back chicane on lap six, where the young Italian skated across a run-off to rejoin. It set up a thrilling battle at the head of the field.At the front, Antonelli regained the lead on lap 12, briefly, but it was clear the young Italian had the pace to hound, if not pass, the Briton as they delivered a riveting spectacle of wheel-to-wheel racing.Antonelli tried to pass Russell on lap 19, but was rebuffed. They scrapped again on lap 21 before Antonelli retook the lead on lap 22 at the chicane.Two laps later, he locked up and Russell regained the lead before they banged wheels again, the precocious Italian stealing in front at the hairpin, but he went off. He handed the place back.As they scrapped, Piastri was handed a 10-second penalty for colliding with Alex Albon’s Williams, another blow on a wretched weekend for McLaren before, on lap 30, Russell pulled up and retired with a power-unit failure.It was Russell’s first 'did not finish’ in 38 races since the 2024 British Grand Prix."Everything went off, the engine and the electronics. The lot,” said Russell. "I’m lost for words."A Virtual Safety Car (VSC) was deployed with Antonelli back in the lead before pitting, like the rest, for mediums. On resumption, he led from Verstappen by 4.5 seconds with Hamilton third ahead of Hadjar and Leclerc.With Russell gone, it was back to 'normal' racing – and Hamilton’s pursuit of a podium – spiced up by Leclerc taking fourth and more McLaren misery on lap 40 when Norris retired with a gearbox issue.

His win made him the first driver in F1 history to secure his first four wins in succession thanks, in part, to the retirement of team-mate George Russell with a power failure after the pair had battled through the first half of the race.

Italian teenager Kimi Antonelli continued his spectacular early-season romp on Sunday when he claimed his fourth straight win for Mercedes to extend his lead in the drivers world championship to 43 points in a thrilling Canadian Grand Prix. His win made him the first driver in F1 history to secure his first four wins in succession thanks, in part, to the retirement of team-mate George Russell with a power failure after the pair had battled through the first half of the race. The 19-year-old Italian came home 10.768 seconds clear of Ferrari’s seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton. Also Read - FIFA World Cup 2026: Iran shift training camp from US to Mexico ahead of kickoff The Briton secured his tenth Canadian podium and the 204th of his career after resisting four-time champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull, who claimed his first podium of the season. "It was a really fun battle with George," said Antonelli. "We were pretty much on the limit. It was not easy today. It was a shame for George to have the failure because it would have been a very cool battle, but I'll take it." Hamilton, who took his maiden victory in Montreal in 2007 and shares the record of seven wins there with Michael Schumacher, was delighted and hugged Antonelli who succeeded him at Mercedes. "Finally, we found our sweet spot and had a good weekend. It's amazing to be back up here and I got to have a battle with Max, which was great. I am so happy, I love this track," said Hamilton. "I had some cool battles," said Verstappen. "It is better to race up front. And it is really cool to have our first podium and to battle with Lewis. All really positive." Charles Leclerc came home fourth for Ferrari ahead of Isack Hadjar in the second Red Bull, Franco Colapinto of Alpine and Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson. Pierre Gasly was eighth for Alpine ahead of Williams’ Carlos Sainz and Oliver Bearman of Haas. McLaren misery It was a dismal day for champions McLaren who made an error in tyre selection pre-race and then saw Oscar Piastri finish 11th while world champion Lando Norris retired with a gearbox failure. The race began in cold, damp and drizzly conditions with a temperature of 12 degrees and the teams divided on tyre choice. Both McLarens and five others gambled on intermediates while Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull and five others chose softs and four picked mediums. At the start, Arvid Lindblad failed to find a gear, leading to an aborted start and two extra formation laps before the lights went out -- and Norris from third flew past a cautious-starting Russell on pole to snatch the lead. Norris led and then pitted to ditch his 'inters' as did Piastri and the rest while Antonelli inherited the lead, chased by a recovered Russell and Hamilton. Russell forced his way past Antonelli at the back chicane on lap six, where the young Italian skated across a run-off to rejoin. It set up a thrilling battle at the head of the field. At the front, Antonelli regained the lead on lap 12, briefly, but it was clear the young Italian had the pace to hound, if not pass, the Briton as they delivered a riveting spectacle of wheel-to-wheel racing. Antonelli tried to pass Russell on lap 19, but was rebuffed. They scrapped again on lap 21 before Antonelli retook the lead on lap 22 at the chicane. Two laps later, he locked up and Russell regained the lead before they banged wheels again, the precocious Italian stealing in front at the hairpin, but he went off. He handed the place back. As they scrapped, Piastri was handed a 10-second penalty for colliding with Alex Albon’s Williams, another blow on a wretched weekend for McLaren before, on lap 30, Russell pulled up and retired with a power-unit failure. It was Russell’s first 'did not finish’ in 38 races since the 2024 British Grand Prix. "Everything went off, the engine and the electronics. The lot,” said Russell. "I’m lost for words." A Virtual Safety Car (VSC) was deployed with Antonelli back in the lead before pitting, like the rest, for mediums. On resumption, he led from Verstappen by 4.5 seconds with Hamilton third ahead of Hadjar and Leclerc. With Russell gone, it was back to 'normal' racing – and Hamilton’s pursuit of a podium – spiced up by Leclerc taking fourth and more McLaren misery on lap 40 when Norris retired with a gearbox issue.

His win made him the first driver in F1 history to secure his first four wins in succession thanks, in part, to the retirement of team-mate George Russell with a power failure after the pair had battled through the first half of the race.

F1 2026: Mercedes' Antonelli wins Canadian GP for fourth consecutive race victory

NASCAR star Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup series champion regarded as one of the sport's greatest ever drivers, died Thursday aged 41, his family confirmed in a joint statement. Busch, who was in his 22nd season in NASCAR's top division, had been hospitalized earlier Thursday with an undisclosed but "severe illness"."On behalf of the Busch family, everyone at Richard Childress Racing and all of NASCAR, we are devastated to announce the sudden and tragic passing of Kyle Busch," a joint statement said."Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken ... Kyle was a rare talent, one who comes along once in a generation. He was fierce, he was passionate, he was immensely skilled and he cared deeply about the sport and fans.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/manuel-neuer-earns-surprise-call-up-to-germany-26-man-fifa-world-cup-squad-1779368174561">Manuel Neuer earns surprise call up to Germany’s 26-man FIFA World Cup squad</a>"During this incredibly difficult time, we ask everyone to respect the family's privacy and continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers."Busch won NASCAR Cup Series titles in 2015 and 2019 and amassed 63 victories in his career -- a figure that leaves him in ninth on the circuit's all-time list.He was also dominant in NASCAR's other two national series, with 102 wins in the O'Reilly Auto Part Series and 69 victories in the Craftsman Truck Series.NASCAR is one of the most popular motorsports in the United States, primarily featuring high-speed oval track racing where drivers pilot purpose-built stock cars at speeds often in excess of 200mph (321 km/h) at venues such as Daytona International Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway.The sport's roots date back to the Prohibition era, when producers of illegal moonshine souped up their cars in order to evade law enforcement.Busch began his career in NASCAR Cup racing with Hendrick Motorsports before joining Joe Gibbs Racing in 2008, where he spent the bulk of his career before switching to Richard Childress Racing in 2023.Known for his fearless, aggressive racing style, Busch earned the nickname "Rowdy" -- a reference to a character in the 1990 Tom Cruise movie "Days of Thunder".Busch's fellow NASCAR drivers led the tributes to the late star."There aren't really words for today," Hyak Motorsports driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr. wrote on X."I've raced against Kyle for a long time, and anyone who's lined up next to him knows exactly what made him special, he gave you everything he had, every single lap, and he made all of us better for it."Rest easy, Rowdy. The sport won't be the same without you."Stenhouse was involved in one of the most infamous incidents of Busch's career during the 2024 All-Star Race, punching Busch to the ground after accusing him of causing a high-speed crash during the event.Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin added: "Absolutely cannot comprehend this news. We just need to think of his family during this time."

Busch won NASCAR Cup Series titles in 2015 and 2019 and amassed 63 victories in his career -- a figure that leaves him in ninth on the circuit's all-time list.

NASCAR star Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup series champion regarded as one of the sport's greatest ever drivers, died Thursday aged 41, his family confirmed in a joint statement. Busch, who was in his 22nd season in NASCAR's top division, had been hospitalized earlier Thursday with an undisclosed but "severe illness". "On behalf of the Busch family, everyone at Richard Childress Racing and all of NASCAR, we are devastated to announce the sudden and tragic passing of Kyle Busch," a joint statement said. "Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken ... Kyle was a rare talent, one who comes along once in a generation. He was fierce, he was passionate, he was immensely skilled and he cared deeply about the sport and fans. Also Read - Manuel Neuer earns surprise call up to Germany’s 26-man FIFA World Cup squad "During this incredibly difficult time, we ask everyone to respect the family's privacy and continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers." Busch won NASCAR Cup Series titles in 2015 and 2019 and amassed 63 victories in his career -- a figure that leaves him in ninth on the circuit's all-time list. He was also dominant in NASCAR's other two national series, with 102 wins in the O'Reilly Auto Part Series and 69 victories in the Craftsman Truck Series. NASCAR is one of the most popular motorsports in the United States, primarily featuring high-speed oval track racing where drivers pilot purpose-built stock cars at speeds often in excess of 200mph (321 km/h) at venues such as Daytona International Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway. The sport's roots date back to the Prohibition era, when producers of illegal moonshine souped up their cars in order to evade law enforcement. Busch began his career in NASCAR Cup racing with Hendrick Motorsports before joining Joe Gibbs Racing in 2008, where he spent the bulk of his career before switching to Richard Childress Racing in 2023. Known for his fearless, aggressive racing style, Busch earned the nickname "Rowdy" -- a reference to a character in the 1990 Tom Cruise movie "Days of Thunder". Busch's fellow NASCAR drivers led the tributes to the late star. "There aren't really words for today," Hyak Motorsports driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr. wrote on X. "I've raced against Kyle for a long time, and anyone who's lined up next to him knows exactly what made him special, he gave you everything he had, every single lap, and he made all of us better for it. "Rest easy, Rowdy. The sport won't be the same without you." Stenhouse was involved in one of the most infamous incidents of Busch's career during the 2024 All-Star Race, punching Busch to the ground after accusing him of causing a high-speed crash during the event. Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin added: "Absolutely cannot comprehend this news. We just need to think of his family during this time."

Busch won NASCAR Cup Series titles in 2015 and 2019 and amassed 63 victories in his career -- a figure that leaves him in ninth on the circuit's all-time list.

NASCAR legend Kyle Busch  dies at 41 after severe illness

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