Sophie Bennett

The first of January, 2025. Delighted parents welcomed new babies into the world. Not only were their children the firstborn of the year, they were also the first of a new generation. But why do generations even exist? And are they helpful? I’m Sophie Bennett and this is the Beta Blueprint. In this…

There are growing calls for a unified approach to prevent whale entanglements.

Plastic pollution along Australia’s coastline has dropped by more than a third over the last decade. That’s according to new research from Australia’s national science agency CSIRO, published in the Marine Pollution Bulletin. The CSIRO has found a 39 per cent decrease in coastal debris density…

The major banks have agreed to stop regional bank closures for the next two and half years. It comes as Australia Post negotiates agreements with banks to preserve in-person banking services at post offices. The announcements are part of a government effort to protect regional banking as the…

Millions celebrate Lunar New Year in China, East Asia and around the world, but the way it's observed varies across countries and cultures.

Millions of people around the world observe Lunar New Year, but the way they celebrate can differ across countries and cultures. This year's date falls on January 29, with 2025 marking the Year of the Snake according to the Chinese Zodiac. At SBS, we asked some of our colleagues how they mark the…

Human Rights Watch has released its annual global review of human rights practices. Issues raised last year in Australia are still a concern.

Human Rights Watch has released its annual review of human rights practices around the world... and the organisation's report has found several practices are tarnishing Australia's human rights record.

The Malaysian government has made an agreement with a US company to resume the search for the wreckage of missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370. It's just over a decade since the plane went missing, killing all 227 passengers and 12 crew.

With the holiday season fast, approaching many people will be preparing to pack up and head out on holidays. But researchers are calling on people to consider the sustainability of their trips with carbon emissions from the tourism industry on the increase. A study published in Nature…

Ten extraordinary audio recordings illustrating Australia’s cultural and political landscape have been added to the National Film & Sound Archive’s Sounds of Australia collection. The 2024 additions include the first Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Australian to use recorded sound to document…

The Australian Council of Social Service has released its Faces of Unemployment report for 2024.It outlines a "mismatch" between those seeking jobs and the number of entry-level positions available, and criticises "erroneous" support services.

Syrian rebel groups close in on the capital city Damascus; Jewish community leaders call for government action on rise of anti-Semitism; Australian teenage sprinter Gout Gout sets a new national record for the 200-metre

Hearings to begin at the International Court of Justice in a landmark climate change case; Negotiators fail to reach an agreement on a plastic pollution treaty; The Matildas lose to Brazil in their second international friendly on the Gold Coast

Fashion, gambling and protests are all talking points at the annual event. How are perspectives on "the race that stops a nation" changing?

The Melbourne Cup has long been described as the race that stops the nation but can the annual horse race still lay claim to that title today? From concerns over animal welfare to gambling, the popularity of the race has steadily declined. However, with around 90,000 people expected to attend the…

Indigenous Senator Lidia Thorpe's vocal protest against King Charles has attracted global headlines. The Federal Opposition Leader is demanding she consider resigning from federal parliament, after the Senator accused the King of being complicit in genocide.

It's incurable and invasive - metastatic breast cancer leaves an indelible impact on many people's lives. Those who are living with the disease in Australia say they feel invisible. But they've now found a way for their voices to be heard.

As Australia gears up to mark National Ride to Work Day (Wed Oct 16), cycling levels continue to fall. Just two in five bike riders use cycling to commute to their workplace, according to results from a survey conducted by the International Workplace Group. Now, industry leaders are calling for…

Scientists are warning a highly contagious and deadly strain of bird flu could arrive in Australia in a matter of months. The H-5-N-1 strain of the virus has devastated wildlife around the globe and experts say Australia is not prepared.