SBS News In Depth

Donald Trump isn't on the ballot in the US midterm elections, but the stakes for his presidency are enormous. We look at the battlegrounds that could decide control of Congress and what the result could mean for his final two years in office.

Americans are preparing to vote in crucial midterm elections that could reshape the remainder of Donald Trump's presidency.

With Republicans fighting to retain control of Congress, Democrats are hoping to capitalise on voter frustration over the cost of living and Trump's policies.

But with tight races in key battleground states, could the president himself prove to be his party's biggest liability?

In this episode
Why Donald Trump could be a liability for Republicans
The key battleground states that could decide control of Congress
How the cost of living is influencing voters
What a Democratic victory could mean for Trump's presidency
Why the election outcome remains uncertain
SBS News in Depth is a news analysis podcast from SBS, going behind the headlines with reporting and interviews on the stories shaping Australia and the world.

Listen to more episodes of SBS News in Depth, and follow the show on the SBS Audio app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

For the latest news from Australia and around the world, visit SBS News and follow us on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.

As people outsource an increasing number of cognitive tasks to AI models, high-profile studies are revealing a link to a decline in brain function. So what do we do about it?

Concerns around the use of generative and agentic AI have been described in some quarters as the latest moral panic, following on the heels of TV and the internet.

But as AI develops and solves problems beyond human scope, is there a risk that the smarter our devices get, the dumber we are becoming?

In this story
What does AI think about its impact on human intelligence?
The latest global studies of agentic AI use and cognitive function
How is AI impacting student learning?
What about the 'smart people' who use AI at expert level?
How do we address the challenges?
This content was created by SBS News journalists. Some voiceovers of translated interviews in this podcast series were assisted by AI. Read more about SBS's use of AI.

https://www.sbs.com.au/aboutus/sbs-guiding-principles-for-use-of-ai/

SBS News in Depth is a news analysis podcast from SBS, going behind the headlines with reporting and interviews on the stories shaping Australia and the world.

Listen to more episodes of SBS News in Depth, and follow the show on the SBS Audio app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

For the latest news from Australia and around the world, visit SBS News and follow us on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.

Polling ahead of this November's Victorian state election shows a surge in support for One Nation. But the data suggests that some of their rising support has come from a surprising source - migrant communities.

Polling ahead of this November's Victorian state election shows a surge in support for One Nation.

But the data suggests that some of their rising support has come from a surprising source - migrant communities.

One Nation are running candidates in every seat in Victoria for the lower house but the party has had a controversial and complicated history with culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

Could these voters who make up 30 percent of the state's voting base decide Victoria's political future?

In this episode:
Who is intending to vote for One Nation in the upcoming Victorian state election?

What are the major parties doing to court culturally and linguistically diverse voters?

Can One Nation succeed in their push for power in Victoria?

Slowing retail sales could mean bigger Black Friday discounts this year, as shoppers face renewed interest rate pressures.

Slowing retail sales and cost-of-living pressures could deliver bigger Black Friday and Christmas bargains. But with inflation rising and uncertainty over the RBA's next move, what does it mean for shoppers and investors?

SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Betashares Investment Strategist Hugh Lam about consumer spending, interest rates, global markets and the Australian dollar's 13-year high against the New Zealand dollar.

In this episode:

Why could Black Friday discounts be bigger this year?
How is inflation affecting the RBA's next rate decision?
What do US interest rates and the AI boom mean for investors?
Why is the Australian dollar soaring against the NZ dollar?
Where could investors find opportunities amid uncertainty?
SBS On the Money is a daily finance podcast where SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves unpacks the ASX, the economy and the latest market moves with leading analysts and executives.

Listen to more episodes of SBS On the Money, and follow the show on the SBS Audio app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

For the latest news from Australia and around the world, visit SBS News and follow us on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.

Why are millions celebrating Diwali, and what's behind the lights, sweets and colourful traditions? Discover the meaning of the Festival of Lights and how it's celebrated across Australia.

More than just lights and celebrations, Diwali is a five-day festival rich in meaning, food and tradition.

From family rituals to festive feasts, discover how different communities mark the occasion and why calls are growing for greater recognition in Australia.

In this episode:

Why is Diwali celebrated?
What's the meaning behind the lights?
How do traditions differ across cultures?
What foods and rituals mark the festival?
Could Diwali become an Australian public holiday?
SBS News in Depth is a news analysis podcast from SBS, going behind the headlines with reporting and interviews on the stories shaping Australia and the world.

Listen to more episodes of SBS News in Depth, and follow the show on the SBS Audio app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

For the latest news from Australia and around the world, visit SBS News and follow us on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.