The lottery of language holidays by M. Attar - S. Guarino

Every year, thousands of young Belgians go abroad on a language study holiday, most of them staying with host families for a few weeks or months. How are these families chosen, on what criteria, and how frequently are they checked? #Investigation conducted an inquiry because, while Education First and WEP, the two main organisers of this type of trip, claim a high satisfaction rate, some trips can turn into nightmares. Malika Attar and Salvatore Guarino gathered dozens of testimonies proving that these trips are a real lottery. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, but above all, you have to pay.

"A metro Named Drift"

An investigation by Tristan Godaert (with the participation of Eric Walravens for Médor magazine) A new metro line is under construction in Brussels. It is intended to connect the North to the South and solve mobility issues in certain municipalities. This large-scale project is the biggest investment in the history of the Brussels Region and will be very, very expensive for its residents. The main work has not yet begun, but the cost of this new line already approaches 4.5 billion euros—three times the initial budget. The colossal bill could still increase, and elected officials do not know how to cover it. #Investigation and Médor magazine conducted an inquiry to find out how this project got so out of hand. While some of those in charge speak of unexpected issues during the construction, experts mainly point to poor decision-making. The project was poorly prepared, and studies seem to have overlooked the unique characteristics of the capital’s subsoil—a major oversight when digging tunnels for a underground!

"Invasive Species, the Silent Threat"

This is a danger to the planet that is still largely underestimated. Invasive species pose a threat to biodiversity and the economy. The annual cost is estimated at over 160 billion euros worldwide, and this is likely to increase. In Belgium, the invasive superstars include the Asian hornet, tiger mosquito, giant hogweed, and raccoon. They have quickly become uncontrollable. In just 20 years, raccoons have taken over all of Wallonia, with an estimated population of between 50,000 and 75,000. For years, the authorities failed to recognise the danger, despite experts' warnings, resulting in the impossibility of eradicating invasive species now established in Belgium. Worse, some of these species are sold illegally in specialised shops. An investigation by Samy Hosni and Patrick Destiné.

#Investigation has investigated the scourge of violence against women, which all too often leads to the worst outcome: femicide. Several victims of this violence, some of whom narrowly escaped death, share their experiences. Their testimonies help to better understand this ultimate act, highlighting the control often secretly endured by these women. This investigation reveals that in a third of cases, no physical violence or blows preceded the act. So, how can this scourge be prevented? According to associations, 26 women were victims of femicide in Belgium in 2023. An investigation by Malika Attar and Axel Van Weyenbergh.

In recent months, shootings have multiplied in the streets of Brussels. The enormous quantities of drugs arriving at the port of Antwerp are causing territorial wars and score-settling. But the capital is not the only area affected. In a highly structured manner, drugs are being distributed throughout the country. From Anderlecht to Tournai, and Charleroi, #Investigation has spent months delving into the opaque and highly secretive world of drug trafficking. Through close collaboration with field police, and with the help of exclusive documents and new testimonies, you will understand how drug trafficking is organized in our country.