SBS News In Depth

Preparations are almost complete for this year's Eurovision Song Contest, which will be held in the Swedish city of Malmo. They're expecting at least 100,000 visitors to come to Malmo, in addition to the 200 million worldwide television audience. But amid the glitz and glamour of the show, there are also concerns about security and the presence of some controversial contestants.

Fewer people follow a formal religion, according to the latest Census. In fact, almost 40 per cent of people in Australia now identify as ‘no religion’. However, in times of crisis many still reach out for support. And that’s where non-religious spiritual carers step in.

A rocket testing alternative fuel technology has successfully launched from the Koonibba Test Range in South Australia. Its unusual source of power has drawn attention from scientists around the globe.

Three people have reportedly been arrested in Mexico in relation to two missing Australian brothers, and their friend from the United States. Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong says Australian officials have joined in the search for the trio. UPDATE: The family has issued a statement thanking wellwishers and supporters, authorities and the media for their efforts to help in the search. The parents say they are travelling to Mexico to be "as close as possible to the area they were last seen."

Earlier this week the US Federal Reserve left interest rates on hold there but suggested the next move will be down, however investors in Australia are increasingly pricing in the chance of a rate rise. SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves takes a closer look at the future of monetary policy with Drummond Capital Partners' Nick Schoenmaker.

The National Housing Supply and Affordability Council has released their first report, which exposes the depths of the crisis engulfing Australia's housing system. It's found that the government is unlikely to meet its ambitious new homes target. SBS has spoken to experts who say more needs to be done to stimulate construction and protect the most vulnerable.

Australia has fallen in the rankings of a crucial world press freedom index, going from 27th to 39th. The new listing from Reporters Without Borders has been released in line with World Press Freedom Day. This year's theme is focusing on the role of journalism amid a climate crisis – but environmental reporters are not the only ones at risk.

As the police step in to stop the pro-Palestinian protests in the United States, Israel's President accuses the protestors of 'shameless hostility'. Meanwhile, a new UN report says 72 percent of all housing in Gaza has been destroyed.

21 year-old Kirsten Busby is walking a path that few have gone down before her. The soprano is blind, and is forging a career as an opera singer. But she hopes her story helps to shift the mindset that's contributed to people with disabilities being under-represented in the arts.

New research shows that some people living with HIV are choosing cheaper and suboptimal antiretroviral treatment out of fear that their applications for permanent residency will be rejected. Applicants must show that their medical spending will not exceed more than $51,000 over 10 years — a requirement, known as the Significant Cost Threshold. Experts say these rules for migrants are unfair and can compromise Australia’s goal to end the HIV epidemic by 2030.

The personal information of around one million registered clubs users may have been compromised. Catalina Florez speaks with online security expert Troy Hunt for more, plus Rhayna Bosch discusses the day's market action with Ben Clark from TMS Capital.

Walking is something many of us take for granted. But a new study has revealed the enormous health benefits that walking just once a week can have, especially for those aged 70 and over.

U-S Secretary of State Antony Blinken has visited the site of the October 7 attack on Israel during a trip to the Middle East, as plans continue for a Rafah assault. Back in the United States, protests over the war in Gaza have continued, with hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators arrested on campus at Columbia University in New York City.

Two foreign spies operating in Australia have been unmasked. While they were forced out of Australia quietly at the time, their nationality - Indian - has only been made public now. At the same time, the government has just unveiled a foreign investment overhaul ... to protect national infrastructure and resources projects.

A refugee advocacy service says granting permanent residency to the 'Bollard Man' who risked his life to protect others shows how 'corrupt' the immigration system is. While those working in the immigration sector support the man being given residency, organisations says its important the thousands of other visa holders who've contributed to the Australian community yet are still waiting for security are not forgotten.

The Federal Government will establish a leaving violence program, to assist people fleeing domestic and family violence. The Prime Minister made the announcement after meeting with state and territory leaders to address the national crisis of gender based violence.

Qantas suffered an app glitch which revealed the flight details of various customers to others, so Rhayna Bosch speaks to technology expert Trevor Long to find out if it is anything to be worried about, plus the day on the sharemarket with Kai Chen from MPC Markets.

The almost $1 billion commitment by the Albanese government in response to the national crisis of gender-based violence may not be enough to support women fleeing domestic violence. Those eligible for the Fleeing Violence Program will be able to access $5,000 in support, with $1,500 paid in cash and $3,500 made up of goods and services, and will be available from July next year. Rania Yallop spoke to CEO of the Canberra-based Domestic Violence Crisis Service, Sue Webeck, about the challenges support services are facing.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to go ahead with an attack on Rafah regardless of a potential ceasefire deal with Hamas. It comes as the United Nations has revealed progress has been made toward avoiding famine in Gaza, although significantly more aid is needed.

Australia has fallen from the top spot in university rankings. Australia’s position as a leading study destination has been challenged by high living costs, tuition fees, and visa policy uncertainties, leading to a decline in its university rankings and a two per cent drop in international student preferences.