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Politics

Bent on leaving his mark: Trump's proposed 'Triumphal Arch' sparks backlash

Since his return to power, US President Donald Trump has been intent on reshaping the nation's capital Washington, seeking to leave his name and mark on it. After his involvement with the Kennedy Center, the White House ballroom and the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, Trump is now particularly keen on building a 250-foot (79-metre) "Triumphal Arch" – a project he claims is intended to honour the 250th anniversary of the United States.

World

South Korea pushes digital detox for young people addicted to screens

Back in August, France's Constitutional Council overturned a social media ban for children under 15. Some students, though, are now banned from using their smartphones at school. In South Korea, where an estimated 40 percent of young children and teens are addicted to their mobile devices, authorities are trying to find ways to drastically reduce their screen time – a huge challenge in such a hyper-connected society. FRANCE 24's Chloé Borgnon, Aruna Popuri and Justin McCurry report.

Politics

US midterm elections: Food stamp crisis a key campaign issue in Arizona

Arizona, a battleground state in the US midterm elections, is at the centre of a sweeping overhaul of America's social safety net. Since US President Donald Trump's tax and spending law passed last year, about half of the state's food stamp recipients have lost their benefits – the steepest drop in the country. State officials now admit that some of them are probably still eligible, but the errors have caused food insecurity to spike. The fallout has become a key issue on the campaign trail.

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Politics

US midterm elections: North Carolina farmers hit hard by inflation

On the eve of the midterm elections, US President Donald Trump's unpopularity is impacting Republicans across the board. Many states with seats once considered Republican strongholds are now on shaky ground. One of them is North Carolina, a rural state where one in five jobs is tied to agriculture.

Politics

In California, illegal border crossings plummet under Trump administration

It was one of US President Donald Trump's major campaign promises in 2024: putting an end to illegal crossings along the southern US border. Today, official data shows that promise has been kept: arrests for illegal crossings have plummeted by more than 93 percent since the peak of arrests under then-US President Joe Biden.

Politics

Texas Republicans accused of changing electoral rules ahead of midterms

With the US midterm elections approaching, Republicans in Texas are being accused of changing electoral rules in their favour. In Tarrant County, near Dallas, they've cut the number of election-day polling places by nearly 30 percent. The decision is being challenged in court and adds to last year's state-wide redistricting, a move designed to benefit Republicans. But the measures could also help galvanise the Democratic opposition. FRANCE 24's Pierrick Leurent reports, with Wassim Cornet.

World

Food safety in India: A challenge for the world's most populous country

India's food industry feeds more than a billion people every day. But ensuring that what reaches consumers is safe has become an increasingly difficult challenge. The country has witnessed a rise in cases of food adulteration, with sometimes fatal consequences. As concerns over adulteration and poor hygiene grow, questions are being raised about whether regulators can effectively oversee such a sprawling sector.

Politics

Elections in Israel: Fragile coexistence between the inhabitants of the Judeo-Arab city of Lod

As Israelis go to the polls on Tuesday, two million Palestinian citizens of Israel are among the voters, some of whom live in mixed, Jewish and Arab cities. One of them, Lod, has long been seen as the symbol of this coexistence. However, in 2021 the city was the scene of violent clashes, the consequences of which are still being felt today. Report by Stéphane Amar and Sandra Lederer.

Politics

Israeli election: Fragile co-existence between residents in Jewish-Arab town of Lod

As Israelis head to the polls this Tuesday, among those voting are 2 million Palestinian citizens of Israel, some of whom live in mixed Jewish-Arab towns. One of them, Lod, has long been seen as symbolic of this coexistence. However in 2021 the town was the scene of violent clashes, whose consequences are still being felt. FRANCE 24's Stéphane Amar, Sandra Lederer and Josh Vardey report.

Politics

Elections in Israel: a referendum, for or against Netanyahu?

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been leading his country for nearly 17 years, almost continuously. Will he be able to stay in power after Tuesday's parliamentary elections? His last term of office has more than ever divided Israeli society and will remain marked by the attacks on 7 October, his conflict management in Gaza, Iran and Lebanon, and his controversial judicial reform. Report by David Gilberg.

Politics

Israeli election seen as a referendum: For or against Netanyahu?

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has led his country almost continuously for nearly 17 years. But will he manage to retain power following Tuesday's election? Netanyahu's latest term has divided Israeli society more than ever and will be marked by the October 7 attacks, his handling of the conflicts in Gaza, Iran and Lebanon, as well as his controversial judicial reform. FRANCE 24's David Gilberg reports, with Lauren Bain.

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World

Singapore's longevity industry: The quest for eternal youth

In Singapore, the quest for eternal youth is no longer just a billionaire's fantasy. It's becoming big business. High-tech clinics, longevity labs and specialist companies all promise the same thing: slowing down the ageing process. From continuous metabolic monitoring and genetic testing to supplements and oxygen therapy, every aspect of the body is measured and optimised.

Politics

Brazil's sprawling favelas require long-term urban planning solutions

As Brazilians head to the polls on Sunday for the second round of presidential elections, our correspondents take us to the heart of the country's favelas, where residents live in unsanitary conditions. Over the past 40 years, the area occupied by Brazilian favelas has almost tripled in size. They now cover around 460,000 hectares, compared with 53,700 in 1985.

World

Concerns mount over artificial intelligence as Silicon Valley sees AI boom

Tuesday, October 20 saw protests in more than 50 US cities against the rise of artificial intelligence. Demonstrators are calling for a moratorium on AI development, and the sentiment is shared by many: according to a recent study, 71 percent of Americans believe AI will lead to job losses. In the heart of Silicon Valley, record investment is now on a collision course with public fear and uncertainty. FRANCE 24's Pierrick Leurent and Valérie Defert report, with Wassim Cornet.

World

From fine wine to no alcohol: The changing world of French sommeliers

In this week's edition of France in Focus, our reporters uncork the demanding world of sommellerie. They follow Pascaline Lepeltier's painstaking training as she prepares for the World's Best Sommelier competition. They also explore how the profession is adapting to changing drinking habits, meeting one sommelier who's chosen to go alcohol-free.