SBS News In Depth

Millions of voters across Great Britain are heading to the polls today, with elections for the Welsh and Scottish parliaments as well as dozens of English councils. It’s seen as a key test for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, whose leadership could be challenged if the results are as bad for his Labour party as polls predict. To gauge the mood of voters, SBS News has been to the town of Port Talbot on the South coast of Wales, an area which has been a Labour stronghold for decades - but could fall to Welsh Nationalists or Nigel Farage’s hard-right Reform UK.

The cruise ship linked to a deadly hantavirus outbreak has left Cape Verde and is headed for the Canary Islands, where passengers are expected to depart the vessel and begin heading home. Three people have died in the outbreak with eight recorded cases so far. But the World Health Organisation is moving to reassure people hantavirus is not the new COVID-19.

President Donald Trump has again raised hopes the United States and Iran are moving closer to an initial agreement to end the war in the Middle East. But he has also struck a more sinister tone, saying that if they don't agree - the bombing will start anew.

Senior Australians on government payments are facing some of the sharpest cost of living increases in the country as soaring electricity prices and rising interest rates put pressure on household budgets. In this episode of the SBS On the Money podcast, Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Patricia Sparrow from COTA Australia to find out more, before Laura Cooper from Nuveen shares her outlook on interest rates after the Reserve Bank’s latest decision. Plus, Luke Laretive from Seneca Financial Solutions breaks down a strong rally on the Australian sharemarket as the ASX200 surged following another record session on Wall Street.

Online gaming platforms like Roblox and Minecraft have become increasingly popular tools for extremist groups to recruit young people. With Australia's terror threat level at 'probable', the government has announced a new Counter Terrorism Online Centre to disrupt and divert terrorist networks from radicalising young Australians.

One of the world's most prestigious contemporary art shows, the Venice Biennale, is just days away from its official opening. The opening comes just days after the show's jury resigned prompting a change to the system for awarding the prestigious Golden Lion awards associated with the show. The jury had earlier protested the participation of Israel and Russia saying they wouldn't consider countries with leaders currently charged with crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court for the awards.

Carlton have been fined $75,000 over their handling of an incident involving player Elijah Hollands in a game against Collingwood in April. The fine will be paid to the AFL's mental health partner, Headspace. The finding has highlighted the treatment of mental health within sporting circles.

The Reserve Bank has lifted interest rates for the third time this year, pushing the cash rate to 4.35 per cent, even as other major economies pause. In this episode, PWC Chief Economist Amy Lomas unpacks what’s driving the decision and what it signals for the months ahead. The ASX edged lower, falling 0.2 per cent, with Todd Hoare from LGT Wealth Management breaking down how investors reacted. And with borrowers facing rising costs, Sally Tindall from Canstar explains what the latest rate hike means for mortgage repayments and how to assess whether your loan is still competitive.

Seven cases of the deadly hantavirus have now been identified in a suspected outbreak on a luxury cruise ship off West Africa. The outbreak has caused global concern, as the disease is considered rare among humans. What is happening with the ship, and what does hantavirus actually entail?

The first two days of public hearings for the Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion has heard from 24 witnesses who are Jewish Australians with lived experience of antisemitism. While there is broad community support for a Royal Commission, some argue it should be expanded to include other minority perspectives including Muslim and First Nations Australians' experiences of racism.

The Socceroos are ramping up their World Cup preparations, with just over a month until the 2026 tournament begins in North America. Coach Tony Popovic has a lot to do... and everyone has a lot to look forward to.

Australia and Japan have signed a suite of deals strengthening economic and security cooperation as Japan's 'iron lady' makes her first visit to Australia as leader. With global energy disruptions and a faltering rules-based world order, both leaders say a strengthened alliance between Australia and Japan is crucial for both countries.

Iran says it has forced a US warship to turn back from entering the Strait of Hormuz, while the US has announced its forces have hit six Iranian small boats they say were threatening commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. They say US merchant ships made it through the strait - without saying when - while Iran has denied any such crossings had taken place

The Reserve Bank will make a decision this afternoon on interest rates, and financial markets and most economists are tipping a third straight rate hike. SBS' Cameron Carr spoke to Canstar’s head of data analytics Sally Tindall on Monday about what to expect. That includes the potential for a repeat of the its split decision to raise interest rates in March as the central bank frets over the dual threats of high inflation and a stalling economy.

Australian shares dropped 0.4 per cent ahead of an expected Reserve Bank rate rise, with losses across most sectors led by consumer staples and energy, while petrol prices continued to ease nationwide. Corporate headlines included a recall by A2 Milk in the United States, an ASIC investigation into Accent Group, and NAB’s weaker half-year profit driven by accounting changes despite solid lending growth and a steady dividend. The outlook for borrowers and interest rates is in focus as the Australian dollar lifts above 72 US cents. George Boubouras from K2 Asset Management Ltd joins the podcast to break down the market moves and what to watch next.

Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers has promised to deliver his most responsible budget yet with savings expected across every portfolio. Defending possible changes to negative gearing and capital gains taxes, the government says this budget is about adapting to the uncertain circumstances facing Australia's economy.

The United States has announced it plans to guide ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump has revealed few details about the plan he is calling Project Freedom, saying it is a humanitarian gesture. It comes as he considers a 14-point proposal to end the war put forward by Iran.

The Northern Territory justice system is under fresh scrutiny amid allegations people are being held in overcrowded cells for long periods of time without adequate healthcare in a Darwin correctional facility. A spokesperson for the Department of Corrections has said in a statement that the Darwin Transitional Custody Centre accommodates prisoners for a maximum of four weeks. They said prisoners undergo intake and medical screening to ensure they don't have any serious health concerns and are well suited to the environment. The spokesperson also said prisoners do have access to phones and can contact family. But this week, the North Australia Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA) accused the government of failing to fully address the issue, saying parts of the Darwin City Watchhouse had been renamed and transferred to the control of the corrections department – while conditions continue to resemble a watchhouse. NAAJA CEO Ben Grimes is being interviewed here by Tee Mitchell.

Disney Plus has released Disney Animation's Songs in Sign Language, which reimagines three animated musical sequences from recent feature films. The positive feedback to the project from the Deaf community in the United States has reached Australia, with advocates here hoping that it represents a positive step toward inclusion.

Colombia is confronting a unique problem: what to do with a population of hippopotamuses originally linked to Pablo Escobar. The notorious late drug lord became infamous for importing the creatures and establishing a zoo at one of his properties.