National News
France to react following Algeria ordering 12 French embassy staff to leave the country - France is weighing its response after Algeria ordered 12 French embassy staff to leave the country within 48 hours, following the arrest of an Algerian consulate official in Paris over the alleged kidnapping of a TikTok influencer. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has warned of immediate retaliation if the expulsions proceed. The diplomatic row comes just a week after Barrot visited Algeria and adds to long-standing tensions between the two countries. Algeria has denied any official involvement in the kidnapping and condemned the arrest of its consular staff without diplomatic notification, calling the situation “unacceptable” and damaging to bilateral relations.
Local News
Long-serving employee dismissed for distributing unsold food to homeless - In other news, a long-serving employee at Marseille-Provence airport has been dismissed for serious misconduct after distributing unsold food to homeless people at the airport. Working for Starbucks, he had collected leftover sandwiches and food each evening after his shift and shared them with the homeless, as well as airport staff. The employee, who had worked at the airport for over 30 years, said he acted transparently, with his superior aware of the donations. Despite the goodwill of his actions, the SSP group, which owns Starbucks, fired him, citing company policy that unsold goods must be discarded. Now suing the company, the employee is struggling with the loss of his job. He remains proud of his actions, saying he was dismissed for “giving food” and doesn’t understand the harsh sanction.
Cocaine use on the rise in the workplace on the Côte d’Azur - According to the French Observatory for Drugs and Addictive Trends (OFDT), cocaine use is on the rise in France, with a record 1.1 million users reported in 2023 that’s nearly double the figure from 2017. Figures show that the sharpest increase is among working adults aged 25–44, particularly in sectors like hospitality, construction, and the arts. On the Côte d’Azur, the Nice prosecutor’s office reported a 27% spike in drug-driving charges in 2024, many testing positive for cocaine. In high-pressure jobs like restaurants, employees often turn to cocaine to keep up with demanding workloads. “They take it to stay active, focused, and productive,” explains Dr. Faredj Cherikh, head of the addiction unit at Nice University Hospital. Some employers in the hospitality sector are even reported to tolerate—or encourage—drug use during shifts to maintain performance. Despite its increased use, many users still underestimate the serious health risks linked to cocaine consumption.
Wastewater treatment place at the centre of a scandal - A wastewater treatment plant near Nice, in Saint-Laurent-du-Var, is at the centre of a scandal after discharging wastewater that is suspected of polluting the sea. Several local beaches, including the Flots Bleus, have been closed to swimming and boating since January. The Nice Côte d'Azur Metropolitan Area accuses the plant operator, Serex, of falsifying water analysis results, while Serex claims it informed authorities about faulty equipment, which was ignored. Recent water tests revealed discrepancies, raising concerns that untreated water was being bypassed. Investigations found that the discharge control point was improperly positioned, hiding untreated water. Serex argues the issue stemmed from outdated equipment, which it says local authorities failed to replace. In 2029, the Saint-Laurent-du-Var plant will be replaced by a new facility in Nice, as part of a €700 million project. Environmentalists are calling for accountability, questioning the local authorities’ role in the situation and the broader environmental damage. Serex's contract ends this Tuesday.
Youth photo contest in Monaco - The Department of Cultural Affairs is calling on young creatives aged 11 to 25 to enter the Architectural Heritage of Monaco Youth Photo Contest. From iconic landmarks to hidden urban gems, participants are invited to capture Monaco’s unique cityscape for a chance to be featured in a public exhibition. Part of the 2025 European Heritage Days, the contest is split into two age categories: 11–15 and 16–25. A jury will select 15 standout images for display at the Jardins Saint-Martin from 3 June to 5 October, with four special prizes awarded by a youth panel. Open to young photographers who live, study, work, or hold Monegasque nationality, the deadline to apply is midnight, 25 April.
Monaco pays tribute to Josephine Baker - Monaco has paid tribute to Josephine Baker on the 50th anniversary of her death, with a ceremony on Saturday April 12th at the Monaco cemetery where she is buried. Family, dignitaries, and fans gathered at her grave, where two portraits of her in military uniform and three flags symbolised her legacy. Her son, Luis Bouillon-Baker, honoured his mother’s contributions to the Resistance and her work for social justice. Prince Albert II and his family also paid respects, acknowledging the bond between Josephine Baker and Princess Grace. Baker, who faced hardship later in life, was supported by the Monegasque royal family, which helped her during a time of financial crisis. Baker's legacy as a civil rights advocate and trailblazer remains strong, with her family and admirers continuing to champion her fight against racism and inequality.
Bigorexia an addiction to excessive physical activity - Finally, Bigorexia, an addiction to excessive physical activity, is emerging as a serious health concern in France as experts warn it can have damaging effects on personal lives and relationships, much like drug addiction. Speaking to French media investment banker Gilbert Hannouche explains how he cycles 600 km a week, spending every morning and evening on his bike, which has led to a significant strain on his family life. While similarly, fitness coach Carole spends seven hours a day exercising, leading to the breakdown of her marriage and loss of friends. Doctors compare sports addiction to drug use, as both trigger the release of the "happiness hormone," making it difficult to break free.
Business
The Trump administration is moving ahead with investigations into pharmaceutical and semiconductor imports, according to Federal Register filings — a step that could lead to tariffs on national security grounds. Meanwhile, China’s President Xi Jinping, on a visit to South East Asia, urged Vietnam to join him in opposing “unilateral bullying” and in defending global free trade and supply chains. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned on Monday that rising geopolitical tensions and trade disputes could destabilise financial markets. Investor fears over a potential global trade war have already caused significant market turbulence in recent weeks.
Meanwhile, France’s opposition parties have threatened a no-confidence vote against Prime Minister François Bayrou’s government, after the finance minister warned that the 2026 budget would require billions in savings. Although the vote on the budget isn’t due until the end of the year, the issue is already putting pressure on Bayrou’s administration, which took office in December following the collapse of Michel Barnier’s government over the 2025 budget.
And – Greece has agreed to purchase 16 French-made Exocet anti-ship missiles. The deal was signed during a visit to Athens by French Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu. The cost of the agreement has not been disclosed.
Sport
Football – In the Premier League Bournemouth beat Fulham 1-0 on Monday evening. This evening in the Champions League quarter finals Aston Villa are at home to PSG and Borussia Dortmund host Barcelona kick off for both matches is at 9pm French time.
Formula One - Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko says he has “great concern” over Max Verstappen’s future with the team, following a dip in form. Verstappen finished sixth in the Bahrain Grand Prix, while McLaren’s Oscar Piastri took their third win in four races. The Dutch driver is now third in the championship, eight points behind leader Lando Norris. Marko told reporters “we need improvements soon so Max has a car capable of fighting for the title”. Verstappen is contracted with Red Bull until 2028, but it reportedly includes a performance clause allowing him to leave if the team fails to provide a competitive car.
Snooker - Jackson Page has become the first player to record two maximum 147 breaks in a single match, earning a £147,000 Triple Crown bonus. The 23-year-old Welshman made his first 147 on Sunday against England’s Allan Taylor during their World Snooker Championship qualifying match. He returned Monday, leading 8-1, and sealed a 10-2 win with another perfect break. It’s the first time Page, world number 35, has made a maximum in his career. The win sends him to the final qualifying round, where he'll face England's Joe O’Connor.
Rugby Union - WRU chair Richard Collier-Keywood has given Scarlets, Ospreys, and Dragons until this evening (15 April) to confirm their commitment to signing a new Professional Rugby Agreement (PRA), following the union’s recent takeover of Cardiff Rugby. Cardiff were placed into temporary administration last week, prompting concerns over the future of the proposed five-year PRA between the WRU and all four Welsh professional regions.
Weather
Thundery showers and a gentle breeze, clearing by the afternoon with some sunny spells. Highs of 18 degrees in Nice, 16 degrees in Monaco and Saint-Tropez. 17 degrees in Antibes. This evening going down to 12 degrees with cloudy skies.
The outlook for tomorrow and Thursday. Heavy rain on Wednesday. Light rain and a moderate breeze with highs of 17 degrees on Thursday.
Sunrise 06.47am
Sunset 08.13pm
Weather elsewhere
London 18° showers. Berlin 21° sunny intervals.
Dublin 13° light rain. Cardiff 14° light rain.
Rome 21° thundery showers. Athens 21° sunny.
And Finally
Turns out the whole “kind poor” vs “mean rich” thing in fiction might be a bit off. A new study suggests that, on average, the rich are slightly kinder than the poor—mostly because they can actually afford to be. The research, which looked at over 2.3 million people, found that wealthier folk are more generous, while poorer people are just trying to get by. The study analysed prosocial behaviour—like helping, sharing, and donating—across 60 countries. And surprise, surprise: the higher the social class, the more likely people were to do nice things for others. But the rich do seem to enjoy being generous when others are watching accoding to the study. Meanwhile, lower-income folks want to help, but their bank balance says otherwise. So, while Dickens had it right in fiction, the reality is that the rich are just a tad more generous—especially when there's a chance it will be seen.
Train Disruption Between Grasse and Cannes.
Train traffic is currently disrupted this Wednesday morning between Grasse and Cannes due to an obstructi...
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France has recalled its ambassador to Algeria and announced the expulsion of 12 Algerian diplomats, mirroring Algeria’s decision to expel 12 French of...
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Rain with some thundery showers and moderate winds. Highs of 17 degrees in Nice and Toulon, 15 degrees in Monaco, 16 degrees in Mougins, 14 degrees in...
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French justice Minister Gerald Darmanin has arrived in Toulon to support prison officers in the city. It follows an incident last night during which a...
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France is weighing its response after Algeria ordered 12 French embassy staff to leave the country within 48 hours, following the arrest of an Algeria...
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