More than 900 Australians have been recognised for their exceptional contribution to the country in the 2026 King's Birthday Honours List. Here, SBS spotlights some of the many community heroes celebrated with a Medal of the Order of Australia. Among them are a self-defence teacher, a powerful advocate for victims of crime, and an author celebrating historic achievements of Greek women.

Pope Leo has kicked off a six-day tour of Spain, where he has met with high-level officials ahead of an expected address to parliament. The pontiff has addressed the rise of artificial intelligence, political populism, and global conflict during his visit. It's the first time a pope has visited Spain in 15 years.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 could be a test for the organisation and its commitment to rid football of racism. In 2024, FIFA launched its 'Global Stand Against Racism' with a series of initiatives, including an anti-racism panel, education campaigns, and introducing tougher rules to combat discrimination. With incidents of racism continuing to blight professional football while FIFA prepares for its biggest tournament ever in Mexico, Canada and the US, here's how the footballing organisation's policies may play out.

A teenager, who was attacked by a shark in Far North Queensland last year, has made a stunning recovery after months in hospital and multiple surgeries. SBS travelled to Thursday Island in the Torres Strait, where Samuel Nai is back on country, practising his culture to help him heal.

Australians who use the National Disability Insurance Scheme are facing an anxious wait with political gridlock in Canberra. The Federal Government, Greens and Coalition have been considering post-budget measures on tax and the NDIS and there's just one sitting fortnight remaining before Parliament rises for a five-week Winter break. As negotiations continue, Tee Mitchell spoke with Dr Sam Bennett, the Disability Program Director at the Grattan Institute. Dr Bennett starts by addressing the elephant in the room which is what might happen if the proposed changes don't make it through the parliament.

Traditional owners in Far North Queensland have come together with scientists for the first time to help tackle threats against human-induced climate change. The inaugural conference with leaders from seventeen different Torres Strait Islands is helping shape Australia's next State of Environment Report due in December this year. Reporter Josh van Staden travelled to Thursday Island with support from the Pulitzer Center.

Traditional owners in Far North Queensland have come together with scientists for the first time to help tackle threats against human-induced climate change.

The inaugural conference with leaders from seventeen different Torres Strait Islands is helping shape Australia's next State of Environment Report due in December this year.

The ASX 200 closed 0.7% lower on Friday, extending its weekly decline to 1.2%, as mining stocks came under pressure from a three-month low in iron ore prices. Fortescue, BHP and Rio Tinto all fell, while the major banks also weakened. Bucking the trend was healthcare giant CSL, which jumped 5.8% for its strongest gain in more than four years. SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Blueberry Markets analyst Zoran Kresovic about the forces driving the market and what investors are watching next.

The Federal Government, Greens and Coalition are gridlocked over post-budget measures on tax and the NDIS - with just one sitting fortnight remaining before Parliament rises for a five-week Winter break. As negotiations continue, participants in the NDIS are facing an anxious wait, with the scheme set for a major overhaul, including significant cuts.

Hezbollah has rejected a US-backed renewed ceasefire deal between Israel and Lebanon. The leader of the Iranian-backed group says the terms were negotiated in talks that they were excluded from - and they amount to surrender.

Hezbollah has rejected a US-backed renewed ceasefire deal between Israel and Lebanon.


The leader of the Iranian-backed group says the terms were negotiated in talks that they were excluded from - and they amount to surrender.

Elon Musk has revealed plans for a potentially record-breaking IPO of SpaceX, with Australian retail investors set to get access to the offer. Stephanie Youssef speaks with Datt Capital Chief Investment Officer Emanuel Datt about the opportunity and the risks for investors. Plus, the Australian sharemarket falls 1.1 per cent as mining stocks lead the losses, with Robert Talevski from Activam Group breaking down the day’s market moves and what drove the sell-off.

A Queensland Commission of Inquiry has delivered a damning report into the state's child protection system. It detailed evidence of sexual abuse in residential care settings, and delivered 52 recommendations.The government has announced it will remove all children under five from residential care, and respond to the recommendations within two months.