SBS News In Depth

A massive winter storm has swept across large parts of the United States, bringing heavy snow, ice and dangerously cold temperatures to states from Texas to New England. The storm has so far caused more than a million people to lose power, and thousands of flights have been grounded. Nearly 20 states have now declared weather emergencies, as the National Weather Service warns of continued hazardou...

The 2026 Australian of the Year winners have been announced at the National Arboretum in Canberra. Thirty-three finalists from astronauts to doctors have been recognised for their contributions to Australian society.

Nearly one-thousand people have been recognised for a lifetime of dedication and service in their fields. Among them, quiet achievers giving back to their communities to foster a sense of belonging and acceptance, recognised after being nominated by friends and colleagues.

.After weeks of political pressure, the Prime Minister this month announced a Royal Commission into the rise in antisemitism and factors behind the second-deadliest mass shooting in Australian history. It is the latest of a series of Royal Commissions into wide-ranging issues, but what is a Royal Commission and what does it do?

Clad in armour and guided by a strict code of honour, Japan’s samurai were more than elite warriors; they were the architects of a society shaped by loyalty, discipline and power. For centuries, these sword-bearing nobles dominated Japan’s battlefields and politics, leaving a legacy that still influences the nation’s culture, values and global image today. The history and culture of Japan's Samura...

Millions of people globally fall ill each year, from unsafe or contaminated foods. Some is due to food fraud, the act of purposely selling fake, mis-labelled or substituted food products for financial gain. Australian scientists have developed new ways to combat this multi-billion dollar problem.

It’s been more than four years since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan - and according to human rights organisations, the situation for women and girls is only getting progressively worse - with a near-total exclusion from most public employment and education. The United Nations has warned the country is expected to remain one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises for the year ahead.

The world’s first supersonic passenger plane, Concorde, made its maiden commercial flight 50 years ago this month on 21 January 1976. Its delta-wing design and drooping nose made it instantly recognisable, and although it went out of service in 2003, it is still remembered to this day.

SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Tony Sycamore from IG Markets about the day's sharemarket action as the Australian dollar and gold price charge towards new milestones.

The Coalition’s unity has reached a new low following what's being described as a 'terminal' breakdown between key frontbenchers, marking their third significant split since the 2025 election. While leadership maintains that the door remains open for future cooperation, analysts suggest the in-fighting is further alienating a public that is increasingly turning toward minor parties and independent...

Australian summers are undergoing what scientists call a "total transformation," with a new study from World Weather Attribution revealing the country can now expect heatwaves every five years on average. The study's researchers say climate change made Australia's blistering heatwave in early January five times more likely, and there's an urgent need for the country to adapt to changed conditions....

The Australian of the Year will be named in four categories on Sunday night. Among them is Emily Briffa, Tasmania's nomination for Local Hero. She's been recognised for her work at social enterprise cafe Hamlet, which trains and employs people with disability, neuro divergence and mental health concerns.

.US President Donald Trump has used the World Economic Forum in Davos to push a new security framework for the Arctic, and signal what he says is momentum towards ending the war in Ukraine. The week has also exposed deep divisions among allies over Greenland and Europe’s role in global security.

SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Johnathan McMenamin from Barrenjoey and Adam Dawes from Shaw and Parnters as Australia's unemployment rate falls from 4.3% to 4.1% in December increasing the chance of an interest rate rise in a fortnight.

Is Donald Trump’s retreat from tariffs and military threats over Greenland - a NATO reset or a tactical pause? Syria edges toward reunification but at a major cost to the Kurds – and IS group fighters escape. Plus how a farm girl’s plea from rural China went hog-wild online.

The Coalition has reached a breaking point as the National Party officially splits from the Liberals, following a mass frontbench walkout over controversial hate speech legislation. While Opposition Leader Sussan Ley attempted to block some of the resignations to maintain unity, former colleagues and political rivals alike are labeling the fallout a "smoking ruin" that threatens the future of the...

Australians are paying their respects to the 15 victims of a Bondi terror attack on December 14 during a National Day of Mourning. The Prime Minister and Opposition leader are calling on all Australians to reflect upon the tragic events and stand in solidarity with the Jewish Community.

Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan and Qatar have accepted US President Donald Trump's invitation to join the so-called 'Board of Peace.' Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also publicly confirmed Israel's participation, while Vladimir Putin says he's considering Trump's invitation to join. Amid concerns the board of peace will pose a threat to the United Nations...

The US President has attacked his European allies at the World Economic Forum in Davos for their ongoing refusal to let the United States takeover Greenland. His 70-minute speech also took broad aim at the continent for other things Donald Trump believes Europe is doing ‘wrong’. His remarks had been widely anticipated amid ongoing tensions over the Arctic Island.

A new study reveals that communities with multi-racial backgrounds are exposed to warrantless searches up to three-and-a-half times more than communities in white-majority areas. According to the analysis of Victoria Police's use of extraordinary search power, this happens even when areas of white-majority communities have higher crime rates.

SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Scott Phillips from The Motley Fool about the day's market action including why investors are concerned about Trump's latest threats, gold's new record and why BHP is edging closer to becoming Australia's largest listed company.

New South Wales' first female governor, Dame Marie Bashir, has died aged 95. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and New South Wales Premier Chris Minns are among those to have paid tribute to Dame Marie's life and legacy as a respected public servant, and committed advocate across mental health, education, Indigenous rights, and social inclusion.

.The government has suggested further measures to combat hate speech are unlikely to be pursued, even if a royal commission into antisemitism calls for stronger laws. It follows the passage of two separate bills - on gun reform and hate speech - becoming law after final approval by the Senate on Tuesday night.

United States President Donald Trump has invited world leaders to join his so-called 'Board of Peace'. Conceived with a mandate to oversee the administration and reconstruction of Gaza, the plan has quickly ballooned in its planned remit.

Japan's Prime Minister has announced plans to dissolve the parliament and trigger a snap election in less than three weeks. Sanae Takaichi is hoping to capitalise on her surging public opinion ratings. But facing mounting challenges at home and abroad, analysts say it is a risky strategy.