For millions of Australian retailers, Christmas cheer turns to fear as theft soars
As the festive shopping rush begins, vendors are bracing for a surge in shoplifting. Australia-wide, theft has hit a 21-year high. Experts say it’s part of a broader trend.
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OpenAI invests in Australia & markets prepare for US and local interest rates decision
SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Harry Morrow from Loftus Peak to find out more about OpenAI's new Australian intitiative including plans for a $7bn hyper data centre with NextDC; plus the day on the sharemarket with Omkar Joshi at Opal Capital Management.
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What to expect as the under-16s social media ban begins
Starting next Wednesday, Australia will become the first country in the world to ban under-16s from having social media accounts, forcing major platforms to comply with the law or face fines of up to $50 million. The Albanese government says the move will protect young people from harmful algorithms and negative mental-health impacts. Many parents support the change, while critics warn that tech-savvy teens are likely to find workarounds to the measures.
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Can Eurovision survive? Four countries withdraw from contest over Israel's eligibility
Europe’s largest cultural event is once again confronting the tension between entertainment and geopolitics. After the European Broadcasting Union formally confirmed Israel’s eligibility for the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, four countries - Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland and Slovenia - immediately withdrew. Their walkout has triggered one of the most serious disputes in the contest’s modern history, raising questions about neutrality, artistic expression and how far Eurovision can distance itself from real-world conflicts.
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'Give us a chance': More than 900 asylum seekers still in visa limbo in Australia
A group of around 900 asylum seekers who came to Australia by boat nearly 13 years ago remain stuck in visa limbo, fighting for permanency. Despite living and working in Australia for nearly a decade, they have no pathway to permanent residency thanks to a hardline 2013 immigration policy on boat arrivals. They're pleading with the Australian government to grant them leniency, as a last hope. And a warning - this story contains descriptions of self harm that some may find distressing.
Hear the story behind the headlines. In each episode, we’ll help you make sense of the news stories that matter to you from Australia and the world, with reports and interviews from the SBS News team.
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