Firefighters in Los Angeles are battling the largest blaze in the city's history - the Pacific Palisades fire. At least five people have died in several fires burning across the city, though authorities say the exact number of fatalities is not yet known.

Dr Ekaterina Kostioukhina is a medical doctor whose job is to advance research in how to take care of the humans who go into space. Her interest has always been helping people to deal with accidents and disasters - and space is an area where disasters are routine, and every day is a challenge. She was born in Russia, then her family emigrated to Ecuador, and then they emigrated again to the United States, where she did most of her training. After a couple of years in Mexico, she moved to New Zealand where she currently lives. She says exposure to so many radically different cultures has helped her understand humanity more. But, as she tells SBS Western Australia correspondent Christopher Tan, there was a darker reason for some of her moves between countries - human trafficking. In this episode of Weekend One on One, she speaks about her experience as a victim of trafficking and explains that it's a crime that won't go away.

INTERVIEW: The space scientist who overcame human trafficking

A multilingual musician who fuses the traditional sounds of Reunion Island with orchestral pop, the artistry of Aurus is heavily influenced by his Indian Ocean homeland. He is performing in Sydney but took time from his Australian tour to speak with SBS.

Singing in English and Creole, Bastien Picot brings his music to Australian audiences

Hundreds of mourners, including all five living current and former US presidents, have packed into Washington DC's National Cathedral to mourn former President Jimmy Carter. Fellow Democratic President Joe Biden presented a eulogy for the 39th president who died on December 29 at the age of 100.

'Strength of character': Legacy of Jimmy Carter celebrated at state funeral

'This is insanity': Angelinos reel as their city burns

Almost a quarter of all the world's freshwater animals are threatened with extinction. That's according to a new report by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. Over 80 scientists across the world participated in the assessment of over 23,000 freshwater species, and they're calling for governments to take immediate action.

A quarter of all the world's freshwater species are at high risk of extinction

A nation is celebrating after 23-year-old Hadi Nazari was rescued after finding himself stranded for two weeks while bushwalking in New South Wales' Kosciuszko National Park. Emergency authorities and bush survival experts say they are impressed by Mr Nazari's resilience and strategies to survive in the bushland. Experts say being prepared can mean the difference between death and survival

How did Hadi survive for two weeks and what can we learn from his story?

After 13 years of civil war, Syria's President Bashar al-Assad was ousted in a lightning offensive by insurgent forces led by the rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. One month on there's a cautious hope among Syrians as they watch how the new rulers will manage the country.

How are Syrians doing, one month after the fall of the Assad regime?

Raging fires in Los Angeles have killed at least five people, destroying hundreds of buildings and forcing the evacuation of 70,000 people. But fierce winds are hindering firefighting operations.

Raging California wildfires claim five lives, destroy homes

At least 126 people have died after a major earthquake struck China's Tibet region. Thousands of houses have also been damaged, with tremors felt in neighbouring Nepal's capital, Kathmandu.

Death toll rises following powerful quake in China's Tibet region

President-elect Donald Trump has warned if Hamas does not release all the Israeli hostages before his inauguration "all hell will break out in the Middle East". It comes as Hamas and Israeli officials hold talks with Qatari and Egyptian mediators in the most intensive effort to reach a ceasefire in Gaza for months.

Donald Trump promises 'hell on Earth' if Hamas doesn't release hostages

It's been 10 years since commercial solariums were banned in Australia. But many Australians are still tanning - and now suntan trends are garnering millions of views on social media. Skin cancer experts are also concerned with the rise of modified sunbeds called collariums, that emit ultraviolet radiation, now being promoted as a healthy alternative to solariums.

Tan-line social media trend triggers renewed calls to be Sun Smart

Orthodox Christians have marked Christmas Day. Celebrated by over 200 million people worldwide, festivities for those who follow the Julian Calendar are held from Eastern Europe, to Egypt, to Ethiopia and Australia. But for some it's under a shadow of conflict.

Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas

Building approvals fell 3.6% in November, so Rhayna Bosch asks My Bui from AMP, is Australia constructing enough homes? plus the day's market action along with international political developments with Chris Weston from Pepperstone.

Is Australia building enough homes? & what Trudeau's resignation means for markets

The US Congress has certified President-elect Donald Trump as the winner of the 2024 election. The proceedings unfolded on Monday without challenge, standing in sharp contrast to four years ago when a mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol.

Four years after the Capitol riots, power passes peacefully to Donald Trump

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced his resignation, citing internal divisions, political polarisation, and a paralysed Parliament. To allow for a leadership race, Parliament’s reopening has been delayed from 27 January to 24 March.

'Canadians deserve a real choice in the next election': Justin Trudeau resigns

A boat made from marine plastic is making its way across the notoriously treacherous Bass Strait. It's on a journey to raise awareness about marine rubbish.

The rubbish boat making beauty to raise awareness of marine pollution

A record 1,220,607 new vehicles were sold in Australia over 2024, up 0.3% on the previous year, but there are fears prices will rise over 2025. Rhayna Bosch speaks with Tony Weber from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries to find out why; plus SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves goes through the day's market action with Elio D'Amato from Daylight Financial.

Why new car prices may soon rise as annual sales records tumble

Queenslanders have been urged to overcome ‘vaccine fatigue’ and take up an offer of free vaccinations amid predictions of a severe flu season. Health Minister Tim Nicholls has announced free flu vaccinations are still available to anyone over the age of six months, after earlier saying he would halt the three-year campaign at the end of 2024.

Severe 2025 flu season likely, prompting calls to get vaccinated

Thousands of rival protesters turned out in South Korea’s capital Seoul over the weekend despite heavy snow. They're pushing for the arrest of suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol while his supporters are demanding authorities back off. Complicating matters is the deadline on the arrest warrant for Yoon which expires at midnight local time.

No clear way ahead for embattled South Korean President Yoon

A massive snowstorm is disrupting the U-S and Europe, with record snowfall, power outages, and widespread travel chaos. Nearly 70 million Americans face blizzard warnings, icy roads, and over 1,400 flight cancellations. In Europe, heavy snow and freezing rain hit the U-K, Ireland, and Germany, causing airport disruptions, power cuts, and flooding risks.

Northern hemisphere hit hard by snow, blizzards

The United States' top doctor is calling for cancer warnings to be displayed on the country's alcoholic beverages. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy's newly released advisory on the causal link between cancer and alcohol says alcohol is the third leading cause of preventable cancer, after tobacco and obesity. It's now sparking questions about whether Australia should consider similar measures.

'We keep on poisoning ourselves and enjoying it': Experts call for cancer warnings on alcohol

Grief may be a universal experience but it’s felt uniquely across our multicultural landscape. This is a second chance to hear the SBS award-winning podcast series Living Loss. The series won the Radio Today Award for Best Society and Culture Podcast. We have heard a variety of grief journeys, both universal and unique in their experiences. In this episode, we explore how we can enrich our support networks through broadening our understanding of the rituals and diverse grief responses of individuals and their cultures.

Living Loss Revisited: Supporting those who have to say goodbye

The award winning SBS series Change Agents has met some remarkable Australians over the last four years. Over the holiday period, we're going to look back at some of the people we've met. In 2021, SBS reporter Julia Carr-Catzel introduced us to Kate Pinnock, who helps prison inmates produce a radio program which provides a link for those separated from friends and family by prison and which aims to raise public awareness.

Change Agents Revisited: Kate Pinnock

The award winning SBS podcast series Change Agents has met some remarkable Australians over the last four years - individuals who are changing the society in which we all live. We often underestimate the power of small groups to create positive change in the community. In this episode of Change Agents from a year ago we meet a world class Olympic athlete who has made it his mission to lead a small seaside community to health and fitness.

Change Agents Revisited: Lars Kristensen

Representative Mike Johnson has been sworn in as Speaker of the United States House of Representatives once again after a dramatic re-election vote. The move has effectively paved the way for a Republican-controlled congress to legislate under the incoming Donald Trump presidency.

Mike Johnson re-elected as US House speaker

Working in intensive care is a demanding career choice, especially for those who’ve experienced the horrors of war. But one refugee who fled Ethiopia says training in extreme conditions has many benefits.

Fish trained in extreme conditions. It helps him cope with Australia’s toughest medical emergencies

Authorities in India have removed four decades' worth of toxic waste from a chemical factory that saw one of the deadliest gas leaks in history. In December 1984, thousands of people were killed from a gas leak at a US-owned Union Carbide pesticide factory in the country's central city of Bhopal. As a result, today thousands of survivors and their children are still battling with chronic health issues.

Toxic waste finally removed from Bhopal factory site - four decades too late

Authorities in the United States say there appears to be no link between two separate incidents in New Orleans and Las Vegas that are being treated as terrorist attacks. Fifteen people were killed and more than 30 injured in a truck-ramming attack in New Orleans as New Year festivities were underway. Meanwhile, authorities in Las Vegas are investigating the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck in front of the Trump International Hotel.

No link between New Orleans and Las Vegas attacks, says FBI, as life slowly resumes

Fifteen people have been killed and more than 30 injured in a truck-ramming attack in New Orleans as New Year festivities were underway. And in Las Vegas authorities are investigating the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck in front of the Trump International Hotel. Both incidents are being treated as terrorist acts.

Two deadly incidents in US being investigated as terrorist attacks

A group of kung fu nuns has displayed their martial arts skills to celebrate the long-awaited post-pandemic reopening of their convent. The women, from the Druk Amitabha Monastery in Nepal, say they want to inspire young girls to build strength and confidence.

Inspiring girls: Nepalese nuns put on long-awaited kung fu display

It's considered the go-to guide for diagnosing mental health conditions in Australia. But is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders still relevant and what other alternatives exist for diagnosing mental health conditions? In part one of a two part special, we take a closer look at the history of the DSM and we meet people with lived experience of misdiagnosis.

Is the way we diagnose mental health conditions fit for purpose? Part 1

2004 saw one of Australia's most successful Olympic campaigns. It was also a successful year for John Howard, who won his fourth election. But it wasn't without challenges - as the justification for the War in Iraq disappeared and images of human rights abuses by US soldiers emerged. Hundreds of Cabinet Papers from the year 2004 have been released, giving a glimpse of the inner workings of the Howard Government.

2004 Cabinet Papers reveal Howard government's challenges over war in Iraq

Authorities in Finland have taken control of a Russian oil tanker amid suspicions it damaged an underwater power cable in the Baltic Sea. With fears the vessel could have been used for espionage, NATO has agreed to increase its presence in the area.

Finland seizes Russian oil tanker over damaged electricity cable

Families are welcoming home their loved ones in Ukraine and Russia as a prisoner swap deal sees over 300 captives freed. The prisoners of war have been released in a small act of mercy after yet another year of bloody fighting.

Hundreds of prisoners swapped between Russia and Ukraine

Vladimir Putin has gripped the reins of power in Russia for 25 years. His tenure has been marked by wars, protests, constitutional changes and even an insurrection, with the former KGB agent remaining unshakable in his role.

Marking Vladimir Putin's 25-year grip on Russia's reins of power

The consumer regulator says millions of Australians are paying more for electricity than they need to, so SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with ACCC Commissioner Anna Brakey for more; plus Robert Talevski from Activam Group takes a look at the final full ASX trading day of the year and looks towards 2025.

How to find out if you're paying too much for electricity & final full ASX trading day of the year

Grief may be a universal experience but it’s felt uniquely across our multicultural landscape. This is a second chance to hear the SBS award-winning podcast series Living Loss. The series won the Radio Today Award for Best Society and Culture Podcast. We’ve explored how culture can be a source of comfort and healing during the grieving process, but it can also be difficult to navigate one’s culture following a loss. In this episode, we look at how people can sometimes find aspects of their culture fail to meet their needs during this time, or challenge their individual grief experience

Living Loss Revisited: 'Grief - am I doing it right?'

Thousands of Italians migrated to Australia in the 1950s and 60s, bringing with them new ways to eat drink and grow food. A project in South Australia aims to preserve the contribution of Italian migrants, recording oral histories of early pioneers.

86 years of gnocchi-making: preserving the contributions of Australia's Italians

South Korea has declared seven days of mourning to honour 179 people who have died in a tragic plane crash in the southern city of Muan. Only two crew members survived the crash after the plane skidded off a runway and burst into flames. Investigations have now begun into what's been called the country's deadliest aviation incident in 27 years.

Seven days of mourning to mark South Korea's worst air crash in 27 years

Former United States President Jimmy Carter has died aged 100 at his home in Plains, Georgia. President Carter served a single term in the White House from January 1977 to January 1981. During that time, he helped negotiate the landmark Camp David peace accord between Israel and Egypt and reached nuclear arms treaties with the former Soviet Union. But the final year of his presidency was overshadowed by the Iran hostage crisis, and he lost in a landslide to Ronald Reagan. President Carter went on to champion a number of philanthropic causes, including building homes for the poor, fighting disease and promoting democratic reforms.

Jimmy Carter, 39th US president, dies aged 100

Grief may be a universal experience but it’s felt uniquely across our multicultural landscape. This is a second chance to hear the SBS award-winning podcast series Living Loss. The series won the Radio Today Award for Best Society and Culture Podcast. In this episode of Living Loss, we explore the concept of ecological grief, examining the feelings and experiences that coincide with witnessing and living environmental degradation. We speak to First Nations Australians who have experienced this grief for centuries, as well as a climate conservationist whose ecological grief transcends Australia’s shores.

Living Loss Revisited: Anxiety, despair, anger; Ecological grief takes a toll

The war in Gaza has dominated international headlines this year. In August, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk drew attention to a grim milestone for the world: the deaths of 40,000 Palestinians over a 10-month period since the events of October 7 last year. It's also been a year full of twists and turns in US politics.

2024 Year in Review: a year marked by global war, unrest, tumult

NASA's Parker Solar Probe has safely completed its closest-ever approach to the Sun, reaching just 6.1 million kilometres from its surface. The probe, which entered the Sun's outer atmosphere, operates autonomously, with data from the flyby expected to start transmitting on the 1st of January. This technological and scientific milestone will offer insights into the Sun’s behaviour during its 11-year solar cycle.

Parker Solar Probe makes closet-ever approach to the Sun

As a new year rolls around, many people will be thinking about taking up some kind of fitness regime. This could be as simple as regular brisk walks, taking up yoga or pilates, or full on gym workouts. But is it worth it? Dr Elissa Burton is Associate Professor of Healthy Ageing at Curtin University with more than 15 years’ experience of working with older adults. She says some kind of exercise is vital for our wellbeing as we grow older.

INTERVIEW: Living better, living longer

China has extended its 15-day visa waiver program for Australians to 30 days, in an attempt to attract more Australian tourists to visit the country. The policy was first announced after Chinese Premier Li Qiang's visit to Canberra in June, following the warming of the Australia-China relations. While tourism agencies and regular China visitors welcome the news, Australians are advised to exercise a high level of caution when visiting China.

China has big plans to boost tourism

Climate change is forcing an increasing number of people to move from their homes, due to severe weather events and worsening environmental conditions. Some estimates forecast more than 1 billion people could be displaced globally by 2050. The Pacific Islands are among the world's most vulnerable, where relocation is the only option for some communities.

Fiji villagers on the front line of climate change

Jewish Australians are celebrating the Festival of Lights, known as Hanukkah. This year, the eight-day holiday began on Christmas night and goes until the 2nd of January. It's a time when Jewish people gather with family and friends, with the ritual of lighting a nightly candle.

'If you light a little bit of light, you can dispel darkness': What is Hannukah?

Journalism has been described as the first rough draft of history, with reporters often bearing witness to the world’s most awful and awe-inspiring events. But what is the emotional toll after being on the front lines of history? In this episode, journalist and author Bruce Shapiro breaks down the psychology behind reporting on major world events, and shares his insights on how PTSD and burnout can be avoided

History's First Draft Revisited: The psychology of reporting traumatic events

2024 was a huge year in the world of sport, both in Australia, and around the world. SBS looks back at the best stories from the last twelve months.

2024 Sports Year in Review: Looking back at a memorable 2024 in sport

Grief may be a universal experience but it’s felt uniquely across our multicultural landscape. This is a second chance to hear the SBS award-winning podcast series Living Loss. The series won the Radio Today Award for Best Society and Culture Podcast. When we think of grief we think of death, but loss can come in a variety of sometimes unexpected forms. In this episode we hear a diverse range of stories from people who have struggled to find the language to communicate their grief.

Living Loss Revisited: Grief can take many forms in our lives, but it is not always validated

Five years on from the Black Summer bushfires, many people are still dealing with the loss and grief of what happened, and how they were left to pick up the pieces. This SBS Podcast series focuses on one devastating summer, two communities, and the collective grief and determination they needed to get back up on their feet after disaster..In episode three of Burnt, we hear what those with first hand experience of climate disasters think governments at every level should take from Black Summer.

3. Burnt: Next time fire comes

At least 38 people have died in a passenger plane crash in Kazakhstan after it was forced to divert from its destination in southern Russia. Investigations into the causes of the incident are still ongoing.

Investigation begins after fatal plane crash in Kazakhstan

Christmas, a season of twinkling lights and cherished traditions, unfolds globally. From Europe’s frosty markets to Australia’s sunny beaches, it’s a celebration transcending borders, weaving together faith, family, and festivity. However, once again the Christmas spirit is overshadowed by the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.

Christmas marked around the world

Three years ago, the world's largest and most powerful telescope was sent into space with an ambitious mission. Its task was to see the earliest galaxies and stars formed in the universe. Orbiting the Sun 1.5 million kilometres from Earth, the James Webb Space Telescope has looked back in time over 13 billion years, capturing never seen galaxies and planets. Astronomer Michael Brown from Monash University in Melbourne told Cameron Carr the telescope is changing how we see the universe.

New galaxies to distant planets: The James Webb Space Telescope's impact on astronomy

Grief may be a universal experience but it’s felt uniquely across our multicultural landscape. This is a second chance to hear the SBS award-winning podcast series Living Loss. The series won the Radio Today Award for Best Society and Culture Podcast. In this third episode of Living Loss, Catriona Stirrat explores one of the world's oldest civilisations, looking at the complex and diverse ways First Nations Australians navigate grief. We look at the intersection of intergenerational trauma and grief, as well as discover the ancient rituals and sanctity around death in Aboriginal Australian communities.

Living Loss Revisited 3: 'That strength-based approach': the ways First Nations Australians navigate grief

In the early hours of Christmas Day 1974, a tropical cyclone swept through Darwin... leaving an indelible mark on the city and its people. Severe Tropical Cyclone Tracy is regarded as one of the most significant cyclones in Australia's history. 66 people were killed and more than 600 injured. Around 8 out of 10 buildings were destroyed or seriously damaged... with a cleanup bill of more than four billion dollars in today's figures.SBS has spoken to survivors of Cyclone Tracy. They say 50 years on, the memory of Christmas 1974 is still raw.

50 years on: Cyclone Tracy's devastation still haunts Darwin survivors

Journalism has been described as the first rough draft of history, with reporters often bearing witness to the world’s most awful and awe-inspiring events. But what is the emotional toll after being on the front lines of history? In this episode, Nick Ludlam shares his experience consistently covering hostile environments around the world for over a decade.

History's First Draft Revisited: Covering hostile environments

Crocodile lovers in the Northern Territory will be able to adopt a crocodile as a pet this Christmas, after the recently elected territory government revoked the April ban on adopting the reptiles as pets. The ban was part of then Labor government's plan to manage the population of crocodiles, which had sparked debates during the Northern Territory election in August.

Snap decision; Crocodiles back on the NT's pet list

China has launched a new underground detector to find out neutrinos, a tiny particle that can help scientists understand how the universe works. The facility costs $300 million, and it's set to begin operating in the second half of 2025.

They're tiny, almost undetectable, and may hold the answers to life, the universe and everything

President Joe Biden takes 37 convicts off death row in a move sure to frustrate Donald Trump's execution plans. Elsewhere, a damning report alleges that close Trump-ally and former Congressman Matt Gaetz paid for drugs and sex with a 17-year-old girl during his time in office.

From death row to life behind bars: 37 US prisoners granted clemency

Climate whiplash is the term being used to describe the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events that have swept the globe in 2024. Scientists say global average temperatures across the year are on track to temporarily surpass 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with human-caused climate change the key driver.

2024 Year in Review: Climate whiplash amid more weather extremes

Another chance to hear the SBS Podcast series, 'History's First Draft'. Journalism has been described as the first rough draft of history, with reporters often bearing witness to the world’s most awful and awe-inspiring events. But what is the emotional toll after being on the front lines of history? In this episode, Allan Lee shares his experience covering the devastating 2011 Christchuch earthquake.

History's First Draft Revisited: The Black Summer Bushfires

The Federal Government is making urgent inquiries after a video emerged on social media that appears to show an Australian man being questioned by Russian soldiers in Ukraine. The man identifies himself as 32-year-old Oscar Jenkins and says he is a biology teacher from Australia.

Russia claims it has captured an Australian fighting for Ukraine

Syria's de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa has made significant diplomatic advances following talks with Türkiye and the United States. The rebel leader has been attempting to shore up international support following his overthrowing of Bashar al-Assad's regime. But can the Islamist leader and former Al-Qaeda ally truly convince the world that he can lead all Syrians to a brighter future?

New Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa swaps army fatigues for a suit for diplomatic talks

Grief may be a universal experience but it’s felt uniquely across our multicultural landscape. This is a second chance to hear the SBS award-winning podcast series Living Loss. The series won the Radio Today Award for Best Society and Culture Podcast. In this first episode, Cat Stirrat explores how many people turn to their culture and community to navigate complex feelings of loss. How do different cultures hold space for grief, and are some better equipped than others?

Living Loss revisited 1: 'I know he died. Emotionally I can't accept it.' Navigating the complexities of loss

Cost of living issues dominated Australian politics this year. But as politicians gear up for an election within the next six months, some of the key issues that will be taken to the polls surfaced throughout the year.

2024 Politics Year in Review: An election looms after a year of struggling with the cost of living

History's First Draft Revisited: The Christchurch Earthquake

Airline customers could receive full refunds and other assistance over cancelled or delayed flights under Australian law. The government has opened consultation on a new airline charter of rights. It's the first concrete guide on customer policies relating to the aviation sector by an Australian government.

Getting a refund for delayed flights for Australians could soon get easier under new rights charter

The Malaysian government has made an agreement with a US company to resume the search for the wreckage of missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370. It's just over a decade since the plane went missing, killing all 227 passengers and 12 crew.

'One of the great mysteries': New search for missing flight MH370 to begin

The spread of HIV is increasing in Fiji, with some experts calling it the 'ticking timebomb' of the Pacific. Fiji has the second fastest growing epidemic in the Asia Pacific behind the Philippines, and the government has been urged by the Fiji Medical Association to declare an HIV outbreak. It's been attributed to poor sex education, low testing, limited access to intervention and a growing rate of injectable drug use, amid concerns the island nation is becoming a hub for drug trafficking.

HIV in Fiji - a 'ticking timebomb' in the Pacific

It's long been considered a disease for older people but research shows bowel cancer rates in young people are rising. And for these patients, the disease is often caught late. Experts are urging people to learn their family history and act on any potential symptoms.

Michael received a devastating late-stage diagnosis. Why it's a trend among young people

Excitement is building among Sydney to Hobart crew members ahead of the iconic Boxing Day race. More than 100 yachts will sail out of Sydney Harbour towards Bass Strait. Some smaller boats will be crewed by just two people, after the introduction of the two-handed division four years ago.

Mother and daughter team in it to win it in Sydney to Hobart double-handed sailing division

Being a law-abiding protester in Australia has become more difficult year-on-year with experts fearing the democratic right is slowly being chipped away. Over the past two decades, at least 49 laws affecting protest have been introduced in federal, state and territory parliaments. So how do new anti-protest measures from the Victorian government, aimed at curbing antisemitism, fit into this broader crackdown on the ability to peacefully assemble?

Is Australians' right to protest under threat from new laws?

When a routine prenatal ultrasound diagnosed a baby’s rare and potentially life-threatening condition, Australian medical teams swung into action. This Christmas, the baby’s parents who are refugees from Ukraine, have many reasons to celebrate!

Jolie’s parents fled war to start a family. After many challenges they can finally celebrate

Australia's human rights watchdog has warned of what it calls "systematic and pervasive" racism on the country's university campuses. The Race Discrimination Commissioner says decisive action to tackle the problem is needed from the sector, which insists it's committed to inclusivity.

Racism rears its ugly head on the nation's campuses

The ASX200 fell almost 3 per cent this week after the US Federal Reserve warned interest rates will take longer than expected to come down. SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speak with Grady Wulff from Bell Direct to find out more; plus we discuss why shoppers are still prepared to spend more this Christmas season with Fleur Brown from the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) Association.

ASX posts worst week since April & last minute Christmas shopping

After 16 weeks, the Pelicot rape trial is over. A French court has found 51 men guilty in the trial including Ms Pelicot's ex-husband Dominique. Dominique Pelicot was sentenced to 20 years in prison for drugging and raping Ms Pelicot, as well as inviting others to rape her while she was unconscious.

Pelicot rape trial ends with 51 guilty verdicts

Five years on from the Black Summer bushfires, many people are still dealing with the loss and grief of what happened, and how they were left to pick up the pieces. This series focuses on one devastating summer, two communities, and the collective grief and determination they needed to get back up on their feet after disaster. This is Episode 2 of Burnt, an SBS Podcast., in which we hear how the government responded to the bushfires and how people in Cobargo and Mallacoota banded together when support fell short.

2. Burnt: Who holds the hose?

The federal government has introduced a new measure to control the numbers of international students at Australian universities next year, after its proposed cap failed to pass through the parliament. The measure, which requests immigration staff to slow down visa process for offshore student visa applicants, has come under attack from the education sector and the Opposition.

Government reveals new scheme to control international student numbers

The US Federal Reserve cut interest rates as expected by 25 basis points to a range of 4.25% to 4.50% but warned of fewer future interest rate cuts. That sent the Australian dollar to a 2 year low and sharemarket 1.7% weaker. SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Lochlan Halloway from Morningstar to find out more, and to look into the investment themes for 2025.

The A$ crumbles as US predicts fewer future rate cuts

Efforts to strike a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas have repeatedly failed over key stumbling blocks. But a new round of negotiations in Qatar has raised hope of an agreement. As the death toll in Gaza surpasses 45,000 and 100 hostages remain held by Hamas, pressure is mounting on the UN Security Council.

Hopes Gaza ceasefire talks could end months-long deadlock

At the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, in February 2022, Australia closed its embassy in Kyiv. Now, in a move welcomed by the Ukrainian government, the embassy will re-open in January. But it’s still not entirely clear why it took so long when other western nations resumed diplomatic services years ago.

Australia will re-open its embassy in Ukraine. What took so long?

Dozens of music festivals have been cancelled in the past year. It sparked a government inquiry to figure out how to save the live music industry. While the industry as a whole is challenged, metal fans are still showing up while other genres aren't.

How heavy music fans are helping keep Australian festivals alive

After recording two years of budget surplus, the Labor government says it expects a small deficit in the 2024-25 Financial Year, according to the government's mid-year budget update. Treasurer Jim Chalmers also warns Australia will continue to face a budget deficit in the next three years, citing global uncertainty, and China's weaker demand for iron ore.

Government reveals deficit but Treasurer says we're doing better than many OECD nations

Many Australians are looking forward to spending Christmas surrounded by friends and family. But a cost-of-living crisis at home and ongoing conflicts overseas mean others are feeling a sense of stress and even dread.That's led services like the Salvation Army and the Australian Red Cross to step in to make life a little easier for the estimated 1.9 million Australians who will reach out to a charity for help during this holiday season.

More than a million people won’t discuss Christmas with their children as holiday stress mounts

SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves finds out what the economic and monetary policy implications are following the goverment's mid-year budget update with Devika Shivadekar from RSM Australia; plus the day on the sharemarket with Niv Dagan from Peak Asset Management.

MYEFO, interest rates and migration

Australia has sent disaster response teams to Vanuatu after a magnitude 7.3 earthquake killed at least 14 people, caused widespread damage, and overwhelmed medical facilities. Efforts are underway to rescue several people trapped under a collapsed building which houses several diplomatic missions.

Second quake in Vanuatu with at least 14 killed

The Australian Information Commissioner has led a landmark settlement of $50m from Meta, for local users impacted by the Cambridge Analytica incident. SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Privacy Commissioner Carly Kind to find out more and who can claim; media commentator James Manning takes a look at ABC's new Managing Director Hugh Marks; and Robert Talevski from Activam takes a look at the day's sharemarket moves.

ABC's new boss & does Facebook owe you a share of $50m?

The federal government has left open the option of sending peacekeeping troops to Ukraine.It comes after a meeting between the Australian and UK Defence and Foreign Ministers in London, committing extra aid to the war effort and new defence drills in the Pacific.

Defence in the spotlight as Australian and UK ministers meet

Vanuatu struck by a 7.3 magnitude earthquake... Peter Dutton celebrates anti-protest crackdown in Victoria over antisemitism concerns... and Melbourne Victory coach Patrick Kisnorbo quits just six months into a three-year deal.

Evening News Bulletin 17 December 2024

After striking the French island of Mayotte, Cyclone Chido has moved on to Madagascar, where it has killed at least three people.Trees have been uprooted and there have been reports of flash flooding about 40 kilometres outside the nation's major city of Pemba.

Residents of Mayotte after deadly cyclone: 'It's like a war zone'

Those involved in Victoria's Treaty negotiations with First Nations Australians say talks are progressing well... An alleged Chinese spy with links to Prince Andrew named... and Anthony Seibold gets a contract extension with the Manly Sea Eagles

Midday News Bulletin 17 December 2024

The fall of the Assad regime has left an air of uncertainty in neighbouring nations over the future of the Syrian migration. Greece, who has taken in a great number of those migrants, is maintaining a watchful eye on all developments, with officials saying it's too early to draw any conclusions.

Fall of Assad regime in Syria creates uncertainty for migrants in Europe

As Australia responds to an increase in anti-Semitic attacks, reports of Islamophobia have skyrocketed too. Some women say they're afraid to leave home, and there are fears for the safety of children in school.

Islamophobia ignites security concerns at schools, mosques

After almost two decades in prison, the five remaining members of the Bali Nine drug smuggling ring have returned to Australia. It's one of the most significant diplomatic deals struck between Australia and Indonesia.

'An act of compassion': Remaining five members of Bali Nine return to Australia

Teaching children a second language prior to school age brings many benefits, according to research. One multicultural couple has gone a step further, producing a range of bilingual books, that also help connect their daughter with her heritage.

The Melbourne family writing bilingual books to keep culture alive

With the holiday season fast, approaching many people will be preparing to pack up and head out on holidays. But researchers are calling on people to consider the sustainability of their trips with carbon emissions from the tourism industry on the increase. A study published in Nature Communications indicates that greenhouse gas emissions from tourism are growing more than two times faster than those from the rest of the global economy.

Up up and away: carbon emissions in tourism industry on the rise

Australia is experiencing a new form of homophobic violence where the perpetrators use social media to post and boast about their crimes. Police in multiple states are investigating cases where teenagers have used hookup apps to lure their victims before bashing them and filming the assaults, which are then uploaded to social media sites. There has also been an increase in street attacks where teenage offenders have assaulted LGBTIQ+ victims.

Homophobic violence up as offenders 'post and boast'

The arson attack on a synagogue in Melbourne and a spate of vandalism and anti-Israel graffiti in Sydney has seen the federal government's Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism, Jillian Segal, calling for a tougher response to crack down on antisemitism. This includes tighter restrictions on protests against the war in Gaza. In this episode of Weekend One on One, Ms Segal has been speaking with SBS reporter Claudia Farhart.

INTERVIEW: Anti-semitism envoy Jillian Segal speaks to SBS

There has been an uptick in migration from Mongolia to Australia, As a result, New South Wales Public Schools have experienced a 40 per cent growth in students from Mongolian backgrounds for two years running - encouraging one school to become a hub for the community. And this story has been produced in collaboration with SBS Mongolian.

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'This is insanity': Angelinos reel as their city burns

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