Focus

Italy's youth is breathing new life into the country's rural areas. In the past two years, the number of young graduates - often from urban centres - starting up their businesses in the countryside has increased by 35%. Many are driven by a deep appreciation of Italy's rich local produce and have a good understanding of environmentally-friendly practices. These new forms of agriculture are now playing a significant role in youth employment and Italy's economic recovery. A programme prepared by Patrick Lovett, Gaëlle Essoo and Florence Viala.

As a donor conference aimed at raising funds to rebuild Iraq wraps up in Kuwait, we look at the reality for those living in the bombed-out cities. Baghdad is looking for $88 billion, but international aid is often slow to arrive amid concerns over corruption. Some cities have now been liberated from the Islamic State group for years, but remain in ruins with residents receiving next to no assistance from the authorities. Our correspondents Oriane Verdier and Simona Foltyn report from Tikrit. A programme prepared by Patrick Lovett, Gaëlle Essoo and Florence Viala.

Every Saturday night for the past few months, hundreds of Israelis have demonstrated near the home of the attorney general, protesting over how long it's taking to investigate Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The long-running investigation relates to gifts of cigars and champagne, valued at tens of thousands of euros, from two wealthy businessmen. Netanyahu denies any wrongdoing and claims police are biased against him. Our correspondent Irris Makler reports. A programme prepared by Gaëlle Essoo, Florence Viala and Claire Pryde.

In eastern Ukraine, the conflict drags on, despite the signature of a peace deal three years ago. Parts of the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk are still occupied by Russian-backed separatists. Last year, around 190 Ukrainian soldiers and 85 civilians were killed, according to the army. Ukraine recently passed a law officially designating Russia as an aggressor and occupier. But many of those living in the war zone are highly critical of the government in Kiev. Our correspondent reports. A programme prepared by François Wibaux, Laura Burloux and Claire Pryde.

Sie ist schön und hat einen perfekten Körper. Kein Wunder folgen Anja Zeidler auf Instagram 340'000 Menschen. Die 24-jährige Luzernerin ist die erfolgreichste Schweizer Bloggerin im Fitnessbereich. Doch was wie eine perfekte Welt aussieht, war in Wahrheit eine Reise in die Hölle und zurück. Für einen makellosen Körper gab sie alles: Trainieren bis ans Limit, Ernährung nach knallhartem Plan und Anabolika für den schnellen Muskelaufbau. «Ich war im Wahn», gesteht Anja Zeidler. 2015 versuchte sie, aus dem Teufelskreis auszubrechen, doch es brauchte mehrere Anläufe, bis sie ihre Sportsucht überwinden konnte. Heute spricht sie offen über ihre dunkle Doping-Zeit und will ihre Follower zu einem gesunden Lifestyle animieren.

Last September, the Kurdish Regional Government in Iraq went ahead with a controversial independence referendum, despite fierce opposition from Baghdad. But just three weeks after the resounding vote in favour of independence, the Iraqi army was deployed to reclaim disputed areas held by Kurdish peshmerga fighters since 2014, including the oil-rich city of Kirkuk. Our correspondents returned to the multi-ethnic city to find out how its diverse citizens feel about life under the rule of Baghdad. A programme prepared by Ellen Gainsford and Elise Duffau.

France's state-owned rail operator SNCF has been found guilty of discriminating against Moroccan workers and ordered to pay €170 million in compensation to more than 800 men. They were part of a large group of Moroccans hired back in the 1970s when France’s rail network was expanding. But these immigrant employees were exploited: They received lower pay, limited career advancement and smaller pensions. FRANCE 24 takes a look back at their long battle for justice >> On France24.com: Moroccan rail workers win long-running discrimination battle with France’s SNCF

A programme prepared by Ellen Gainsford and Laura Burloux.

In November 2017, the Trump administration announced it would end a programme that has allowed tens of thousands of Haitians to live and work in the US since a devastating earthquake hit their country eight years ago. Haiti is now bracing for a mass return of its citizens. The country is currently in the midst of its own migration crisis, with Haitians systematically expelled from the neighbouring Dominican Republic. Our correspondents report. A programme prepared by Patrick Lovett, Gaelle Essoo and Laura Burloux.

As French President Emmanuel Macron makes his first official visit to Corsica, we report on those demanding greater autonomy for the island. FRANCE 24’s Catherine Clifford and Jonathan Walsh have been to Corsica’s Corte University, where many students are dreaming big now that nationalists are in an unprecedented position of political strength. A programme prepared by Patrick Lovett, Laura Burloux and Claire Pryde.

Today's headlines in the US are dominated by the result of the Super Bowl. But did you know that American football is thriving here in France? Last year, Team France even won gold at the World Games, with players and coaches coming over from across the Atlantic. Claire Paccalin and Armelle Caux report. A programme prepared by Patrick Lovett and Laura Burloux.