WORLD NEWS
Mom goes in for surgery on giant tumor in her womb when stunned medics uncover full-term 8lb baby boy
A California mother preparing for surgery on a gargantuan ovarian tumor found out she was pregnant – and days later gave birth to a full–term baby boy.
Suze Lopez, 41, was set to have a 22–pound benign cyst on her ovary removed at the Cedars–Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles when doctors had her undergo a required pregnancy test.
Stunningly, it turned out that she was expecting a baby.
‘I was used to very irregular periods and some abdominal discomfort,’ she told the hospital’s website.
‘I could not believe that after 17 years of praying, and trying, for a second child, that I was actually pregnant.’
Three days later, Lopez delivered the news to her husband Andrew while they were at a Los Angeles Dodgers baseball game.
But what should have been a moment of happiness suddenly turned sour.
Lopez’s abdomen began hurting and she was rapidly taken to Cedars–Sinai with dangerously high blood pressure.
Doctors later diagnosed Lopez with an abdominal ectopic pregnancy, which the hospital said was ‘almost unheard of.’
Suze Lopez, 41, was about to have a 22–pound benign ovary cyst removed when she was told that she was pregnant
A ‘nearly full–term baby boy in a small space in the abdomen, near the liver, with his butt resting on the uterus’ was discovered inside Lopez’s abdomen
‘Suze was pregnant, but her uterus was empty, and a giant benign ovarian cyst weighing over 20 pounds was taking up so much space,’ John Ozimek, the hospital’s medical director of labor and delivery, said.
He said a ‘nearly full–term baby boy in a small space in the abdomen, near the liver, with his butt resting on the uterus’ had been discovered inside Lopez’s abdomen.
The baby was growing behind the ovarian cyst, pushing it forward and making it grow in size.
Ozimek said: ‘It makes sense that she just thought the tumor was getting bigger again, not that she could be pregnant.’
About 30 experts were required for what the hospital called a ‘highly coordinated, complex delivery and surgery’ on Lopez’s extremely rare pregnancy.
The experts involved in the risky delivery included maternal–fetal medicine specialists, gynecological oncologists, nurses, anesthesiologists and surgical technicians.
When the baby was delivered, Lopez immediately began hemorrhaging badly.
Doctors diagnosed Lopez with an ‘almost unheard of’ abdominal ectopic pregnancy, which put her and her baby’s life at risk
Abdominal ectopic pregnancies are extremely rare and can be fatal. They happen outside of the uterus and in the abdominal cavity
‘We were a specially trained team of obstetric anesthesiologists and well prepared, but it was still intense,’ Michael Sanchez, an anesthesiologist at Cedars–Sinai, said.
Abdominal ectopic pregnancies happen outside of the uterus and in the abdominal cavity.
They are associated with high morbidity and mortality, and it is extremely rare for babies to be born from an abdominal pregnancy.
‘In my entire career, I’ve never even heard of one making it this far into the pregnancy,’ Michael Manuel, a gynecological oncologist, said.
Manuel works at the Providence Cedars–Sinai Tarzana Medical Center but was specifically called in to help remove Lopez’s giant cyst.
He said doctors had to figure out how to deliver the baby while doing ‘everything we could to save mom and this child.’
The surgery was a success – and Ryu Jesse Lopez was born on August 18, SFGATE reported. The newborn weighed eight pounds and had a full head of hair when he was born.
Cedars–Sinai said that about 30 experts, some of which were called from other hospitals, were required to operate on Lopez
Ryu Jesse Lopez was born on August 18. He weighed eight pounds and had a full head of hair at the time of his birth
A press release from Cedars–Sinai celebrated Ryu’s birth as a ‘medical miracle.’
Doctors were initially concerned that Ryu’s lungs might not have developed properly, but he was ‘feisty’ shortly after his delivery.
‘The following day we were able to remove the breathing tube,’ Sara Dayanim, a neonatologist with Cedars–Sinai Guerin Children, said. ‘Over the course of his two weeks with us, Ryu quickly reached all of the important benchmarks for surviving well.’
She added: ‘He defied all the odds.’
His father Andrew said that Ryu’s middle name, Jesse, was chosen because it means ‘gift from god.’
‘He is our gift, and Ryu and Suze are my miracles,’ he said. ‘They let me in the operating room, and it was tough to watch what she was going through, and amazing to see Ryu delivered.’
Meanwhile, Lopez deemed her son’s birth and life ‘an example to the world that God exists.’
‘I appreciate every little thing,’ she said. ‘Every day is a gift and I’m never going to waste it.
NewsFeed
Far-right candidate Jose Antonio Kast has won a run-off election to become Chile’s 38th president, ousting the centre-left government currently in power. Al Jazeera’s Lucia Newman has been with supporters celebrating in the capital Santiago.
Published On 15 Dec 2025
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WORLD NEWS
Covid inquiry live: Rishi Sunak faces questions on the goverment’s pandemic response | Covid inquiry
The government ‘couldn’t let perfect be the enemy of the good’, Sunak says
Responding to a question from the chair about having to devise policies quickly, Sunak says the government “couldn’t let perfect be the enemy of the good”.
He said:
There was an acknowledgment early on when I was talking to the team that, of course we weren’t going to get everything right straight away.
That would have been, you know, surprising given the speed at which we were operating and the scale of the interventions we were designing, and putting in place.
And so there was a recognition upfront and I, you know, encouraged the team to be comfortable with that, that that was OK. Right? We couldn’t let perfect be the enemy of the good. And we were going to have to acknowledge that we would iterate as we go.
Sunak has stressed that one of the priorities was to prevent unemployment and said that in the context of a pandemic there should have been a recognition that things had to get “out fast” as otherwise the consequences would have been “severely negative”.
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Sunak cautiously says the government will be in a better position to deal with a future pandemic, but stresses that all pandemics will be unique and will require an agile response to specific circumstances.
Sunak said:
My overarching reflection would be we have learned an enormous amount, having been through this once, and we have a set of tools that we developed, we iterated and no doubt can be improved in the future.
But I would slightly guard against the idea that whatever happens next time, you can pull something off the shelf.
And as you said, just kind of go right, line one line two, plug it into a machine and off you go. Each economic shock. Each economic crisis is going to be slightly different. And it’s important for policymakers at that moment to be agile and responsive to the situation they face and not be so mechanically thinking, OK, just as we did this last time, it’s the right thing to do in exactly the same way.
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Sunak says he initially thought there would be a temporary ‘economic shock’ lasting ‘several weeks to a few months’
Sunak says officials knew there was “going to be an economic shock” from the pandemic but they understood these impacts were going to be “temporary”.
The former chancellor told the Covid-19 inquiry:
I think our understanding at the beginning was that it would last several weeks to a few months. And what we were focused on, on doing is making sure that the temporary shock did not have long term serious economic consequences.
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Updated at 12.21 CET
Sunak said speed was “paramount” as “one thing that was crystal clear that this was happening very quickly” and was to have an “extraordinary impact” on millions of people across the country.
A damning official report on the handling of the pandemic found the UK’s response to Covid was “too little, too late”. It said the introduction of a lockdown even a week earlier than happened could have saved more than 20,000 lives.
The document criticised a “toxic and chaotic” culture inside Boris Johnson’s Downing Street – which it said the then prime minister actively embraced. You can read more about the finding’s here.
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Updated at 12.03 CET
Sunak says there was not a ‘toolkit’ to deal with the pandemic and he was surprised to be made chancellor
Sunak, who had been appointed chief secretary to the Treasury in July 2019, admitted he did not have a “huge amount of time in that context” when appointed chancellor.
“I was obviously very new to senior government. And then it was a surprise to be made chancellor in the middle of February,” Sunak said.
He said his “immediate job” was to prepare a budget in the “space of a few weeks”.
Sunak told the inquiry:
As it turned out, that was really the one of the easier things I had to do, given what then unfolded over the next few days, weeks, months, and at that moment things were moving very quickly. So even during the budget preparations, it was clear that what was happening with the pandemic was escalating.
Sunak added that there was not a “toolkit” to deal with the pandemic amid a huge amount of uncertainty, including around what the public’s behavioural response would be and the potential economic impacts of lockdowns.
“There was not a playbook that you could pull off the shelf that said, well, this is how you, you know, tend to deal with pandemics in the same way you somehow have with other economic shocks or financial shocks.”
Rishi Sunak giving evidence to the UK Covid-19 Inquiry in London. Photograph: UK Covid-19 Inquiry/PAShare
Updated at 11.56 CET
Sunak will be asked about a range of issues today including preparedness, the economic shock the country faced, funding for the devolved administrations, the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, the self-employed income support scheme, the economic impact of Long Covid, loans and the uplift to both the universal credit and working tax credits.
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This is Sunak’s second appearance at the Covid inquiry.
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Sunak confirmed that he was appointed as chancellor on 13 February 2020. He says he looks forward to providing evidence today and extends his condolences for all those who lost loved ones due to Covid during the pandemic. He said the inquiry should help with the UK’s preparedness in the future.
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Covid inquiry starts with Sunak set to be grilled over economic response to pandemic
The hearing in Dorland House in central London, where the Covid inquiry is taking place, has just started.
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You can watch the broadcast of today’s hearing in this feed, which is also attached to the top of the blog. We are expecting Sunak to appear in about ten minutes or so:
Rishi Sunak gives evidence at Covid-19 inquiry – Watch liveShare
The Covid inquiry, which, according to the IFS, is likely to end up costing in excess of £200m, got under way in 2022 and its final report is not expected until 2027.
It covers decision-making by the UK government, and the administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, across a range of topics, including procurement, the care sector, children and young people, vaccines and the impact the pandemic had on the healthcare system.
Rishi Sunak will be grilled on the government’s economic response (module 9).
Just under 227,000 people in the UK died with Covid-19 listed as one of the causes on their death certificate between March 2020 and May 2023.
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The pandemic caused a severe recession, with a huge drop in GDP during the first national lockdown in 2020.
As part of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, known as furlough, the government subsidised the wages of employees hit by the pandemic as sectors – such as hospitality, nightclubs and the travel industry – closed down to prevent the virus from spreading.
This massive level of state intervention covered about 11.7 million jobs between March 2020 and September 2021, at a cost of roughly £70bn.
The Covid inquiry has previously heard that furlough is estimated to have directly preserved four million jobs across the UK workforce.
The Treasury has estimated that total spending by the government across all its support measures amounted to £373bn.
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Rishi Sunak to face questions on economic impact of the Covid pandemic
Former British prime minister, Rishi Sunak, is to give evidence at the Covid-19 inquiry today as it looks into the government’s economic response to the pandemic.
Sunak, who was chancellor at the height of the pandemic, has previously defended his “eat out to help out” scheme, rolled out in the summer of 2020, saying it prevented job losses.
He has denied that the £850m policy – which gave diners a state-funded £10 discount – drove a second wave of Covid infections, despite research showing it caused a rise of between 8% and 17%, while the economic benefits of the scheme were short-lived.
Sunak is due to be questioned between 10.30am and 4.30pm (with a lunch break), so stick with us as we provide you with the latest lines. We will have a feed attached to the top of the blog shortly.
Rishi Sunak places an “eat out to help out” sticker in the window of a business during a visit to Rothesay on the Isle of Bute, Scotland, in August 2020. Photograph: Jeff J Mitchell/PAShare
SOURCE PAGE
Air quality in New Delhi continued to be in the “severe” category for the third consecutive day on Monday as a thick toxic smog engulfed the Indian capital.
Air pollution in Delhi and its suburbs, which together make up the National Capital Region, has been at its worst levels in weeks.
According to government data, the averageAir Quality Index (AQI) in the region on Monday was 471, which among the worst in the world, with any measurement above 300 considered “hazardous” to health.
For comparison, any measurement under 50 is considered “good.”
On Sunday, authorities imposed the most stringent pollution-control measures, which include a complete ban on the movement of older diesel vehicles and a halt in construction activities.
Schools have also been directed to conduct classes in hybrid mode.
Smog is a recurring phenomenon in Delhi, especially during the winter months.
The issue of air pollution in the national capital is also a heated political issue. There have been demands for a long-term solution to curb the smog
India: as New Delhi chokes, air quality data under scrutiny
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Travel impacted by smog
Low visibility from the haze disrupted air and rail travel on Monday.
Over 40 flights were reported to have been cancelled while dozen others were delayed.
The Delhi airport had earlier issued a travel advisory, warning passengers of disruptions.
It said in the afternoon that runway visibility had improved but some arrivals and departures could still be impacted.
Smog causes deadly highway pile up
The smog caused an accident involving multiple vehicles on the Delhi-Mumbai expressway, killing at least two people, news agency PTI reported.
Several others were injured in the incident.
Edited by: Wesley Rahn
WORLD NEWS
Rob Reiner death latest: When Harry Met Sally director and wife found dead in apparent homicide
Two people found dead inside Rob Reiner’s home in Los Angeles
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Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US
Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US
Rob Reiner, the director of This is Spinal Tap, Stand by Me andWhen Harry Met Sally…, has been found dead inside his Los Angeles home with his wife Michele Singer.
A homicide investigation has been launched after the director, 78, and his photographer spouse, 68, were found on Sunday (14 December). A family member is being questioned but the LAPD has said no suspects are being been sought at this time.
A spokesperson for the Reiner family told CNN: “It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner. We are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time.”
Meanwhile, LAPD deputy chief Alan Hamilton said the investigation is being handled by the department’s Robbery Homicide Division, adding that it would “continue over the coming days.”
Reiner, the son of comedy legend Carl, met Singer in 1989 while he was directing the romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally…, starring Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan.
His other directorial credits include The Princess Bride, Misery and A Few Good Men while his acting roles ranged from the sitcom All in the Family to Sleepless in Seattle, The First Wives Club and The Wolf of Wall Street.
Rob Reiner death: Key points
Rob Reiner and wife found dead at their home in Los Angeles
Rob and Michele Reiner were found dead in their Los Angeles home on Sunday.
Read more
Jacob Stolworthy15 December 2025 07:37
Reiners’ daughter discovered their bodies, report says
People magazine has reported that Rob and Michelle Reiner’s only daughter Romy, who lives close to them in Brentwood, was the person who found the bodies, citing multiple sources.
Romy Reiner with her parents (AP)
Joe Sommerlad15 December 2025 11:00
Billy Crystal seen at Rob Reiner’s house
Billy Crystal was a long-time friend and collaborator of Rob Reiner and his producer wife Michele Singer, and has been seen outside their house hours after their death.
PEOPLE confirms that Curb Your Enthusiasm star Larry David was also at the scene in Los Angeles.
A neighbour told ABC 7 Los Angeles that Crystal was visibly emotional while paying his respects to his When Harry Met Sally director.
(Getty Images for TCM)
Jacob Stolworthy15 December 2025 10:33
The film that meant the most to Rob Reiner
Early in Rob Reiner’s directing career, he made Stand by Me, the 1986 coming-of-age Stephen King adaptation – and it’s the film he said “means more” to him than any other.
“It was the first time I did a film that reflected my own personal sensibility; it had a mixture of melancholy, humour and nostalgia,” he told The Guardian in 2021.
“I was 12 in 1959 so the music was the music I listened to and the feelings I had in relation to my father, I injected into the film. When it came out and was accepted it validated me. It gave me a big boost to press forward.”
But Reiner’s classic almost wasn’t to be; he only stepped in to direct after Adrian Lyne quit the project and directed Fatal Attraction instead.
(Columbia Pictures)
Jacob Stolworthy15 December 2025 10:23
This Is Spinal Tap star has ‘lost great friends’
This Is Spinal Tap star Christopher Guest has reacted to news of director Rob Reiner and his producer wife Michele Singer’s deaths.
A statement shared by Guest’s wife, Jamie Lee Curtis said: “Christopher and I are numb and sad and shocked about the violent, tragic deaths of our dear friends Rob and Michele Singer Reiner and our ONLY focus and care right now is for their children and immediate families and we will offer all support possible to help them.”
Jacob Stolworthy15 December 2025 09:55
Everything we know about Rob Reiner and Michele Singer’s deaths
– Rob Reiner and his wife, the producer Michele Singer, were found dead in their Los Angeles home on Sunday afternoon.
– Los Angeles Police Department has launched an investigation after obtaining a search warrant.
– Reiner and Singer’s bodies were discovered by a family member, who is being questioned.
– No suspects are being sought at this stage.
(Getty Images)
Jacob Stolworthy15 December 2025 09:38
This Is Spinal Tap was so believable it triggered Ozzy Osbourne
Rob Reiner made quite a mark with his directorial debut, the 1984 comedy film This Is Spinal Tap.
It starred Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer as members of a fictional heavy metal band – and the script was so on the money that late Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne felt triggered by the mishaps shown on screen
“I was the only person in the audience who wasn’t laughing because it felt like a real documentary to me,” he said, adding that “those things actually happened” to him.
‘Spinal Tap’ has endured as one of the finest comedy films ever made (StudioCanal)
Spinal Tap effectively created the “mockumentary” genre, and a legacy sequel, directed by Reiner, was released earlier this year.
Jacob Stolworthy15 December 2025 09:32
Rob Reiner’s views on Donald Trump
Rob Reiner, an ardent Democrat, hit out at Donald Trump in a 2018 interview with The Independent.
“If we’re not able to slow Trump down and slow this drift towards autocracy then the ultimate result is going to be a lot worse – which is the destruction of western-style democracy,” he said during the president’s first term.
Reiner added that he was taken aback when Trump “exacerbated” the racial tensions simmering in the country, stating: “I knew it was there but I thought it was a fringe thing. I didn’t think it was 35 to 40 per cent of the country thinking in these terms … it feels like we’re in the last major battle of the civil war which divided our country completely.”
Read the full interview here:
Jacob Stolworthy15 December 2025 09:24
Rob Reiner and Michele Singer’s family release statement
A spokesperson for the Reiner family said: “It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner. We are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time.”
The couple had three children together. Romy, Jake and Nick. Reiner was also the adoptive father of Tracy from his previous marriage to director Penny Marshall (Big).
(Getty Images)
Jacob Stolworthy15 December 2025 09:17
Ben Stiller calls Rob Reiner’s death ‘a huge loss’
Ben Stiller has paid tribute to Rob Reiner.
Calling the actor-director’s death “a huge loss”, the Zoolander star remembered Reiner as one of his favourite filmmakers.
“He made some of the most formative movies for my generation. He came out from behind a huge comedic shadow of the great Carl Reiner and being a TV actor to being a great director who made an incredible run of movies.
“Spinal Tap is one of the best comedies ever made – and the list goes on. He was a kind, caring person who was really, really funny.
Stiller continued: “I didn’t know him well but was always a fan and I feel a real sadness for those who did, and his family.
Jacob Stolworthy15 December 2025 08:59
Celebrities have been everywhere this week. In New York City, Emily Blunt attends a screening of her film, The Smashing Machine, while Pedro Pascal, Ali Larter and Justine Lupe attend events in L.A.. Meanwhile, Lily Collins steps out in Paris.
Here are the best photos of celebs out and about this week. Come back tomorrow for more of the latest A-list outings!
Smashing Screening
Emily Blunt.
Dominik Bindl/Getty
Emily Blunt attends a screening of her film The Smashing Machine at the SAG-AFTRA Foundation Robin Williams Center in N.Y.C. on Dec. 14.
Movie Night
Pedro Pascal and Eva Victor.
Todd Williamson/JanuaryImages/Shutterstock
Pedro Pascal and Eva Victor smile at a special screening of Victor’s film Sorry, Baby at the London Hotel in L.A. on Dec. 13.
Plaid Perfection
Lily Collins.
Pierre Suu/Getty
Lily Collins steps out in Paris in a tailored plaid suit on Dec. 14.
For Your Consideration
Ali Larter.
Jon Kopaloff/Getty
Ali Larter speaks at the Landman season 2 FYC Event in L.A. on Dec. 13.
Strike a Pose
Justine Lupe.
Gonzalo Marroquin/Getty
Justine Lupe poses for the cameras at a SAG-AFTRA event for her Netflix show Nobody Wants This in L.A. on Dec. 14.
Launch Night
Paul Rudd and Jack Black.
Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty
Paul Rudd and Jack Black attend the world premiere of their new film Anaconda in Los Angeles on Dec. 13.
Cute and Casual
Kendall Jenner.
The Hollywood JR / BACKGRID
Kendall Jenner dresses down for dinner with pal Justin Bieber (not pictured) at Raffia restaurant in Los Angeles on Dec. 11.
Fierce Look
Demi Lovato.
The Hollywood JR / BACKGRID
Demi Lovato steps out in a showstopping red lace number at the OBB Media holiday party in West Hollywood, California, on Dec. 13.
Showing Some Love
Tyra Banks.
Harmony Gerber/Getty
Tyra Banks blows a kiss on the red carpet at the premiere of Cirque du Soleil LUDÃ on Dec. 12 in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.
Proud Pair
Tom Pelphrey and Kaley Cuoco.
Amanda Edwards/Getty
Kaley Cuoco supports her fiancé Tom Pelphrey at the SAG-AFTRA Foundation Conversations presents Task event celebrating the actor’s new show in Los Angeles on Dec. 12.
He Bangs
Ricky Martin.
Best Image / BACKGRID
Ricky Martin gives an energetic performance at Starlite Madrid 2025 in Madrid, Spain, on Dec. 13.
Cast Photo
Andy Garcia, Ali Larter, Demi Moore and Sam Elliott.
Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images
Andy Garcia, Ali Larter, Demi Moore and Sam Elliott attend the Landman season 2 FYC Event at Los Angeles’ Pacific Design Center on Dec. 13.
Date Night
Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Peta Murgatroyd.
Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty
Maksim Chmerkovskiy and his wife Peta Murgatroyd get close on the red carpet at the Anaconda Los Angeles premiere on Dec. 13.
Christmas Concert
Melanie C.
Jamie McCarthy/Getty
Melanie “Mel C” Chisholm attends iHeartRadio z100’s Jingle Ball 2025 presented by Capital One at New York City’s Madison Square Garden on Dec. 12.
Special Autograph
Jon Batiste.
Rebecca Sapp/Getty
Jon Batiste signs a photo of himself in the green room at the ‘An Evening With Jon Batiste’ event during GRAMMY Museum L.A. Live in Los Angeles on Dec. 13.
Sparkle All the Way
Ravyn Lenae.
Taylor Hill/FilmMagic
Ravyn Lenae sparkles at Z100’s Jingle Ball at Madison Square Garden in N.Y.C. on Dec. 12.
New York Fashionista
Paris Hilton.
XNY/Star Max/GC
Paris Hilton waives to the camera while stepping out in N.Y.C. on Dec. 13.
Night Out
Paula Abdul.
Harmony Gerber/Getty
Paula Abdul attends the premiere of Cirque du Soleil LUDÕ in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico, on Dec. 12.
Live Performance
Reneé Rapp.
Kevin Mazur/Getty
Reneé Rapp performs during iHeartRadio Z100’s Jingle Ball in N.Y.C. on Dec. 12.
Icy Elegance
Zara Larsson.
Taylor Hill/FilmMagic
Zara Larsson rocks a wintry ensemble for the Z100 Jingle Ball at Madison Square Garden in N.Y.C. on Dec. 12.
Star Support
Selena Gomez and Amanda Seyfried.
Phillip Faraone/Getty
Selena Gomez supports Amanda Seyfried at the special screening of the actress’ new film The Testament of Ann Lee on Dec. 12 in Los Angeles.
Fashion Killer
Rihanna.
blackbelts / BACKGRID
Rihanna steps out in a chic look of an oversized trench dressed and Hermes scarf and oversized dark shades while out and about in Hollywood, California, on Dec. 12.
Festive Cheer
Robert De Niro.
Kevin Mazur/Getty
Robert De Niro attends iHeartRadio z100’s 2025 Jingle Ball presented by Capital One at New York City’s Madison Square Garden on Dec. 12.
Floral Fantastic
Zoe Saldaña.
John Parra/Getty
Zoe Saldaña brightens up the room in this floral look on arrival at a special screening of her new film Avatar: Fire and Ash in Miami on Dec. 12.
Birthday Fun
Dionne Warwick and Saweetie.
Mark Sagliocco/Getty
Dionne Warwick and Saweetie pose for a photo together during the legendary singer’s 85th birthday celebrations on Dec. 12 in Summit, New Jersey.
Wrapping Up Warm
Daisy Ridley.
BACKGRID
Daisy Ridley braces the New York City cold in a chic black coat as she arrives for the taping of The Kelly Clarkson Show in the Big Apple on Dec. 12.
Musical Minds
Ed Sheeran and Alex Warren.
Kevin Mazur/Getty
Ed Sheeran and Alex Warren catch up backstage at iHeartRadio z100’s 2025 Jingle Ball at New York City’s Madison Square Garden on Dec. 12.
Born to Shine
Laufey.
Mike Coppola/Getty Images
Laufey is dazzling onstage while performing at iHeartRadio z100’s 2025 Jingle Ball in New York City on Dec. 12.
Happy in Love
T.J. Holmes and Amy Robach.
Andrew H. Walker/Shutterstock
Recently engaged T.J. Holmes and Amy Robach only have eyes for each other while attending iHeartRadio Z100’s 2025 Jingle Ball in New York City on Dec. 12.
Nashville Welcome
LeAnn Rimes.
Tibrina Hobson/Getty
LeAnn Rimes performs in concert as part of her Greatest Hits Christmas Tour at Nashvilles’s Ryman Auditorium on Dec. 12.
At the Lotus
Natasha Rothwell, Jon Gries.
Todd Williamson/Shutterstock
The White Lotus stars Natasha Rothwell and Jon Gries are reunited at the Actors Night hosted by the Actor Awards and ELLE in West Hollywood on Dec. 11.
Actors on Actors
Daryl Sabara, Lisa Ann Walter.
Todd Williamson/Shutterstock
Also at the Actors Night event, Daryl Sabara and Lisa Ann Walter pose for a photo on Dec. 11.
Blonde Ambition
Toni Collette.
MediaPunch / BACKGRID
Toni Collette looked cool as ever, leaving The View in New York City after discussing her new film Goodbye June on Dec. 11.
Leading Man
Bradley Cooper.
Raymond Hall/GC Images
Bradley Cooper waves to onlookers outside the GMA Studios on Dec. 11 in New York City.
Pink and Pretty
Krys Marshall.
Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty
Krys Marshall flaunted her beautiful pink gown at the Actors Night hosted by The Actor Awards and ELLE held at Chateau Marmont on Dec. 11 in Los Angeles.
To the Prom
Kathryn Hahn and Kate Berlant.
Matt Winkelmeyer/FilmMagic
Kathryn Hahn and Kate Berlant strike a prom-inspired pose at the Actors Night event on Dec. 11 in Los Angeles.
Listening Closely
Kate Winslet.
Michael Priest Photography
Kate Winslet engages the audience at the 92nd Street Y on Dec. 10, following a screening of Goodbye June in New York.
Girl’s Best Friend
Sofia Vergara.
BACKGRID
Sofia Vergara is pictured in comfy sweats while heading to her Beverly Hills office with her son’s chihuahua, Amore on Dec. 11.
All the Ladies
Meg Stalter, Dakota Fanning.
Todd Williamson/Peacock
Meg Stalter and Dakota Fanning get close at the Chateau Marmont for the Decision-Free Dinner on Dec. 10.
Dapper Gentleman
Damson Idris.
BACKGRID
Damson Idris looks spiffy as he attends Vas Morgan’s holiday party on Dec. 11.
Just the Four of Us
Cary Elwes, Dacre Montgomery, Myha’la Herrold, Colman Domingo.
David Benthal/BFA.com
Cary Elwes, Dacre Montgomery, Myha’la Herrold and Colman Domingo hit the red carpet as The Cinema Society hosts a special screening of Dead Man’s Wire on Dec. 10.
Party It Up
Justine Skye.
Jason Lowrie/BFA.com/Shutterstock
Justine Skye is pictured having a good time at the Valentino Garavani DeVain Party, in New York on Dec. 10.
Keeping it Cool
Lucien Laviscount.
TheImageDirect.com
Lucien Laviscount steps out in all black in New York City on Dec. 11.
All the Cool Kids
ENHYPEN.
Han Myung-Gu/WireImage
Boy band ENHYPEN arrive in style for a departing flight from Gimpo Airport on Dec. 12 in Seoul.
R&B Crooner
Robin Thicke.
Rodin Eckenroth/Getty
Robin Thicke brings his silky vocals to the Giving a Smile Foundation Inaugural Gala presented by Rifkin Ranaan Dentistry at the Beverly Hilton on Dec. 11.
Best Buds
Harvey Guillen and Sean Astin.
John Salangsang/Shutterstock
Harvey Guillen and Sean Astin are all smiles at Actors Night hosted by the Actor Awards and ELLE in West Hollywood on Dec. 11.
Fashion Girl
Dove Cameron.
BACKGRID
Dove Cameron is ultra-stylish at Valentino’s event at Chez Fifi in New York on Dec. 11.
Night Out
Wagner Moura.
Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock
Wagner Moura gives a warm smile at the Actors Night hosted by The Actor Awards and ELLE at West Hollywood on Dec. 11.
Family Love
Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell and Kate Hudson.
Marion Curtis/StarPix for Focus Features/Shutterstock
Goldie Hawn and her longtime partner Kurt Russell support their daughter Kate Hudson at the New York City premiere of Sung Song Blue on Dec. 11.
‘Anything Goes’ Out
Sutton Foster and Hugh Jackman.
Cindy Ord/WireImage
Sutton Foster and Hugh Jackman have a date night out at the New York City premiere of Sung Song Blue on Dec. 11.
Couple on the Carpet
Nicole Brydon Bloom and Justin Theroux.
Cindy Ord/WireImage
Justin Theroux and his pregnant wife Nicole Brydon Bloom walk the carpet together at the New York City premiere of Sung Song Blue on Dec. 11.
Friends ‘For Good’
Cynthia Erivo and Rashida Jones.
Darren Gerrish/WireImage
Cynthia Erivo embraces Rashida Jones at the Mulberry Wicked: For Good screening in London on Dec. 10.
Broadway Bound
Kandi Burruss and People Magazine’s Dave Quinn.
Photo by Bruce Glikas
Kandi Burruss and PEOPLE’s Dave Quinn celebrate Burruss joining the cast of & Juliet in New York City on Dec. 11.
Red Dress
Quinta Brunson.
TOMMASO BODDI / AFP via Getty
Quinta Brunson shows up in red at “The Actors Night” hosted by The Actor Awards in Los Angeles on Dec. 11.
So Hip
Rhea Seehorn and Alicia Silverstone.
Todd Williamson/Shutterstock for The Actor Awards
Friends Rhea Seehorn and Alicia Silverstone pose for a photo at “The Actors Night” hosted by The Actor Awards in Los Angeles on Dec. 11.
It-Girl Group
Odessa A’zion and Sofia Carson.
Todd Williamson/Shutterstock for The Actor Awards
Odessa A’zion and Sofia Carson embrace at “The Actors Night” hosted by The Actor Awards in Los Angeles on Dec. 11.
Outie For the Night
Adam Scott.
Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty
Adam Scott attends “The Actors Night” hosted by The Actor Awards in Los Angeles on Dec. 11.
It Suits Him
Harry Shum Jr.
Amy Sussman/Getty
Harry Shum Jr. suits up for “The Actors Night” hosted by The Actor Awards in Los Angeles on Dec. 11.
Kid’s At Home
Jason Ritter and Melanie Lynskey.
Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty
Husband and wife Jason Ritter and Melanie Lynskey have a kid-free night at “The Actors Night” hosted by The Actor Awards in Los Angeles on Dec. 11.
Silver Medal
Constance Wu.
Taylor Hill/FilmMagic
Constance Wu glitters in all silver at the New York City premiere of Sung Song Blue on Dec. 11.
On a Roll
Rachel Sennott.
PG/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images
A lacy Rachel Sennott is spotted out in Los Angeles in hair rollers on Dec. 11.
Noir Night
Zoey Deutch.
Chelsea Guglielmino/Getty
Zoey Deutch looks chic in black at the Hammer Museum’s screening of Netflix’s Novelle Vague in Los Angeles on Dec. 11.
Crochet For Days
Nicola Coughlan.
Dave Benett/Getty
Nicola Coughlan rocks a knit sweater dress at the after-party for The Playboy of the Western World in London on Dec. 11.
Love Is a Game
Lenny Kravitz.
Frank Micelotta/The Game Awards via Getty
Lenny Kravitz talks onstage at The Game Awards 2025 in Los Angeles on Dec. 11.
No Shave December
Noah Centineo.
Scott Kirkland/Frank Micelotta/The Game Awards via Getty
Noah Centineo shows off his beard and long hairdo at The Game Awards 2025 in Los Angeles on Dec. 11.
Fitness Queen
Claire Holt.
Courtesy of Samsung
Claire Holt hosts the first-ever Samsung Galaxy Wellness Tour in New York City on Dec. 11.
Peace On Earth
Chloe Bailey.
Jerritt Clark/Getty
Chloe Bailey gives peace signs to the camera at Hannah Polskin’s holiday season studio gathering in Los Angeles on Dec. 11.
Mother Son Duo
Phaedra Parks and her son Ayden Nida.
Paras Griffin/Getty
Phaedra Parks and her son Ayden Nida have some quality bonding time at the Instagram “Carversations” content series event in Atlanta on Dec. 11.
Sheer Beauty
Kiernan Shipka.
PG/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images
Kiernan Shipka is spotted in a sheer sparkly top in Los Angeles on Dec. 11.
Squad Pulling Up
Dave Hause and The Mermaid.
Ben Trivett
Dave Hause and The Mermaid pose backstage before their performance in Berkeley, California, on Dec. 11.
Hostesses with the Mostest
Rachel Bilson and Olivia Allen.
Courtesy Virisa Yong/BFA.com/Shutterstock
Co-podcast hosts Rachel Bilson and Olivia Allen sit next to each other at a special screening of Sung Song Blue in Los Angeles on Dec. 10.
Dinner Darlings
Meg Stalter and Dakota Fanning.
Todd Williamson/Peacock
Actors Meg Stalter and Dakota Fanning embrace at the “Decision-Free Dinner” in Los Angeles on Dec. 10 to celebrate All Your Fault.
Main Character Moment
Joel Edgerton.
Todd Williamson/JanuaryImages
Joel Edgerton smiles at the camera in Los Angeles while filming The Ankler’s Main Character video series airing on Dec. 12.
Holiday Helpers
Jaden Michael and Ego Nwodim.
City Harvest
Jaden Michael and Ego Nwodim volunteer at Feeding America and City Harvest in New York City during the holidays.
Lean on Me
Jamie Lee Curtis and Danny DeVito.
Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty
Jamie Lee Curtis and Danny DeVito support director James L. Brooks at his Walk of Fame star ceremony in Hollywood, California, on Dec. 11.
Golden Globe Girl
Kate Hudson.
TheImageDirect.com
A cozy Kate Hudson beams as she steps out in New York City on Dec. 11.
You’re a Green One
Nick Cannon, Bre Tiesi and Legendary Cannon.
Elwood Walker/ Universal Studios Hollywood
Nick Cannon, his partner Bre Tiesi and their son Legendary match in Grinch sweaters at Universal Studios Hollywood in Universal City, California, on Dec. 10.
Seat Buddies
Shailene Woodley and Henry Golding.
Daniele Venturelli/Getty
Shailene Woodley and a tuxedoed Henry Golding sit next to each other at the Red Sea International Film Festival’s awards ceremony in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Dec. 11.
How Much This Means
Idris Elba.
Daniele Venturelli/Getty
Idris Elba accepts an honorary award for his short Dust to Dreams at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Dec. 11.
Love in the Big City
Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick.
BKNYC / BACKGRID
Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick are couple goals as they leave hand-in-hand fromThe View in New York City on Dec. 11.
Need for Tweed
Zoe Saldaña.
BACKGRID
Zoe Saldaña leaves The Kelly Clarkson Show after promoting Avatar: Fire and Ash in New York City on Dec. 11.
All’s Chair
Johnny Depp.
Daniele Venturelli/Getty
Johnny Depp sits at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Dec. 11.
Date Night
Jennifer Lawrence and Cooke Maroney.
Yann Dandois
Jennifer Lawrence sits with her husband Cooke Maroney at Raoul’s 50th anniversary celebration in New York City on Dec. 9.
Dinner Party
Simon Huck and Jeremiah Brent.
Jason Crowley/BFA.com
Simon Huck and Queer Eye‘s Jeremiah Brent hang out at Antoni Porowski and Banana Republic’s holiday celebration in New York City on Dec. 9.
Book Smart
Lily Collins.
BFA
Lily Collins shows off the Emily in Paris: The Fashion Guide book with Veuve Clicquot and Baileys at People’s in New York City on Dec. 9.
Furst to Hear
Normani.
Tommaso Boddi/Getty
Normani dresses up for the launch of her exclusive Shein collection in Los Angeles on Dec. 9.
Spotted Out
Amy Sedaris.
Amy Sedaris has a ball at Nordstrom NYC’s “Oh, What Funhouse!” in New York City on Dec. 4.
Cozy Cardigan
Cynthia Erivo.
Ramon Rivas
Cynthia Erivo welcomes guests for tea at Elphaba’s Retreat Experience hosted by Airbnb on Dec. 3.
Runs in the Fam
Jay-Z and Blue Ivy Carter.
Allen Berezovsky/Getty
Jay-Z and his daughter Blue Ivy Carter sit courtside at the Lakers game in Los Angeles on Dec. 10.
The Ultimate Guest
Taylor Swift.
Scott Kowalchyk/CBS
Taylor Swift waves to the audience as she makes her way to the stage while visiting The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in New York City on Dec. 10.
Let Him Speak
Leonardo DiCaprio.
Kevin Mazur/Getty
Leonardo DiCaprio speaks onstage at the 2025 A Year in TIME Event in New York City on Dec. 10.
The Jacket
Timothee Chalamet.
Neil Mockford/GC Images
Timothée Chalamet is spotted outside BBC Radio Studios while promoting his new movie Marty Supreme in London on Dec. 11.
Velvet Suit
Constance Wu.
Arturo Holmes/WireImage
Constance Wu rocks a velvet suit at the screening of Is This Thing On? in New York City on Dec. 10.
Showing Up in Sheer
Demi Lovato.
Araya Doheny/Getty
Demi Lovato poses for the camera at the 2025 Baby2Baby Holiday Distribution presented by Frame and Nordstrom in Los Angeles on Dec. 10.
High-End Bundle
Lily Allen.
TheImageDirect.com
British singer Lily Allen sports a brown leather coat and black Chanel bag on the streets of New York City on Dec. 10.
Friends Supporting Friends
Ali Wong, Jenna Dewan, and Chrissy Teigen.
Araya Doheny/Getty
Ali Wong, Jenna Dewan, and Chrissy Teigen pose for the cameras at the 2025 Baby2Baby Holiday Distribution presented by FRAME and Nordstrom in Los Angeles on Dec. 10.
Wicked Good Q&A
Ariana Grande.
Santi Ramales / BACKGRID
Ariana Grande shows up at an AMC theater in New York City for the Wicked: For Good Q&A event on Dec. 10.
Hey Besties
Colman Domingo.
Jason Howard/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images
Colman Domingo waves to the cameras on the streets of New York City on Dec. 10.
Put Your Hands Up
Hugh Jackman.
Patricia Schlein/Star Max/GC Images
Hugh Jackman gives fans a double wave in New York City on Dec. 10.
Demon Hunters
Rei Ami, EJAE and Audrey Nuna.
Jamie McCarthy/Getty
K-Pop Demon Hunters Rei Ami, EJAE and Audrey Nuna walk the carpet at 2025 A Year in TIME event in New York City on Dec. 10.
I Am the One
LL Cool J.
Kristina Bumphrey/Variety via Getty
LL Cool J shows up in style at the 2025 A Year in TIME Event in New York City on Dec. 10.
Howdy Partners
Matthew McConaughey.
PG/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images
Matthew McConaughey looking his usually sexy self on the streets of Los Angeles on Dec. 10.
In the Moment
Jane Krakowski.
Rebecca J Michelson
Jane Krakowski is pictured having a blast as she attends Red Bucket Follies on Dec. 8 in New York.
Triple Threat
Jimmy Fallon, Kate Hudson, and John Stamos.
Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty
Jimmy Fallon is the host with the most while posing with guests Kate Hudson and John Stamos backstage at his show on Dec. 10.
Good Laughs
Ilana Glazer.
Noam Galai/Getty
Ilana Glazer is all smiles at the Comic Relief Live 2025: A Benefit to Build Brighter Futures for Kids at Carnegie Hall on Dec. 10 in New York City.
Pretty in Pink
Zooey Deschanel.
Gary Gershoff/Getty
Zooey Deschanel is pretty in pink at SiriusXM Studios on Dec. 10 in New York City.
All Black Everything
Gwyneth Paltrow.
DUTCH/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images
Gwyneth Paltrow rocks a monochromatic ensemble while in L.A. on Dec. 10.
Party Girl
Gillian Jacobs.
Courtesy Jojo Korsh/BFA/Shutterstock
Gillian Jacobs strikes a pose as Maje celebrates the Party Capsule collection at La Dolce Vita in Beverly Hills, Calif.
Staying Stylish
Awkwafina.
Courtesy Jojo Korsh/BFA/Shutterstock
Also celebrating with Maje, Awkwafina flashes a smile during the event.
Leading Man
Bradley Cooper.
Stephanie Augello/Variety via Getty
Bradley Cooper arrives on the red carpet at a New York Special screening for Is This Thing On.
Friends Doing Good
Lupita Nyong’o and Trevor Noah.
Noam Galai/Getty
Lupita Nyong’o and Trevor Noah attend the Comic Relief Live 2025: A Benefit to Build Brighter Futures for Kids at Carnegie Hall on Dec. 10 in New York City.
Ladies’ Night
Andra Day and Laura Dern.
Jason Mendez/Getty
Andra Day and Laura Dern get together for the special screening of Is This Thing On? in N.Y.C. on Dec. 10 in New York City.
Santa Smize
Tyra Banks.
Manny Carabel/Getty
Tyra Banks serves some sweet treats at her Smize & Dream Hot Ice Cream First Taste event at Artechouse NYC on Dec. 10 in New York City.
Fashion Girl
Nina Dobrev.
Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty
Nina Dobrev is stylish while at a COSF’s holiday shopping event hosted by Balmain Paris on Dec. 10.
Talking Shop
Amanda Seyfried.
Dominik Bindl/Getty
Amanda Seyfried arrives for her career retrospective chat at the SAG-AFTRA Foundation Robin Williams Center on Dec. 10 in New York City.
Musical People
Mark Ronson and Dua Lipa.
Arturo Holmes/Getty
Mark Ronson and Dua Lipa attend Dua Lipa’s Service95 Book Club at the Chelsea Hotel in New York on Dec. 9.
WORLD NEWS
The Bondi Beach massacre hero’s million dollar moment – as the REAL job of the brave ‘fruit shop owner’ is revealed… and the cash FLOODS in while he recovers in hospital
A hero of the Bondi Beach terror attack who disarmed one of the two shooters is a humble tobacconist now set for a million dollar windfall because of his fearless act of bravery.
Ahmed El-Ahmed, 44, courageously disarmed Sajid Akram, 50, as he and his son Naveed, 24, opened fire on a crowd of parents, children and beachgoers celebrating a Jewish Hanukkah event on Sunday night.
Viral footage showed Mr El-Ahmed tackling the shooter, ripping the weapon from his hands, and then pointing it towards the gunman as he backed away. He then calmly placed the rifle at the base of the tree.
Mr El-Ahmed, who suffered multiple gun shot wounds, has been declared a national hero as Australians and people around the world – including US President Donald Trump – praised his bravery.
Now, it has been revealed the 44-year-old – previously reported as being a fruit shop owner – has actually run Cigara tobacconist and specialist convenience store in Sutherland, in Sydney’s southern suburbs, since 2021.
Mr El-Ahmed is a Muslim who arrived in Australia in 2006 from Syria. He sells gifts, toys, board games, leather bags, and mobile phones and accessories from his shop on Old Princess Highway.
His cousin Jozay Alkanj, said the pair were in Bondi on Sunday to get coffee when the horror unfolded.
He said they had passed the Hanukkah event and were kindly asked if they wanted food, but did not take up the offer.
Ahmed El-Ahmed, 44, (pictured) has been declared a national hero after he bravely disarmed one of the alleged Bondi Beach massacre shooters
Mr El-Ahmed runs a tobacconist (pictured) in Sutherland
‘It was then just 10 minutes later this happened. It was very crazy – we went behind the cars, we were seeing that people were shooting very near to us,’ Mr Alkanj told the Sydney Morning Herald.
Mr Alkanj said after his hero cousin was shot while disarming the gunman he said he was ‘going to die’ and asked ‘please see my family [and tell them] that I went down to save people’s lives’.
The shop was closed on Monday as Mr El-Ahmed, who has two daughters aged five and six, remains in hospital after undergoing surgery for wounds to his left arm and shoulder.
‘He’s done the first surgery, I think he’s got two or three more,’ Mr Alkanj said.
Another cousin, Mustafa, said he hopes Mr El-Ahmed makes a complete recovery.
‘Still he is in hospital and we don’t know exactly what is going on, the doctor says he is OK,’ he told 7NEWS.
‘We hope he is okay, he is a hero, 100 per cent he is a hero.’
More than 12,000 people have already contributed to a GoFundMe that has been set up by Bondi-Junction based business, Car Hub, to help support Mr El-Ahmed in the wake of the terror attack.
Hero Ahmed El-Ahmed’s cousin Jozay Alkanj (pictured) has revealed the pair were in Bondi to get coffee when the alleged terror attack unfolded
Mr El-Ahmed is pictured being tended to after being injured on Sunday
Mr El-Ahmed has undergone surgery after suffering gunshot wounds to his shoulder and hand
The fundraiser has accrued more than $908,000 as of 6.30pm on Monday.
Among the donors is one of the world’s richest men, Jewish investment banker Bill Ackman, who has contributed $100,000. He is the CEO of Pershing Square Capital Management.
‘After witnessing the extraordinary actions of the hero who helped disarm one of the attackers during the Bondi tragedy, an act that prevented the loss of countless more lives, we felt compelled to act,’ the fundraiser organisers said.
‘In a moment of chaos and danger, he stepped forward without hesitation. His actions were selfless, instinctive, and undeniably heroic, taken without regard for his own safety.’
Fifteen people were killed and 40 more were injured during the attack. The victims range in age from 10 to 87, with as many as 12 people still in critical condition in hospitals across the city.
Naveed Akram’s mother Verena said he had told family he gone to Jervis Bay with his father for a weekend of fishing and swimming before the attack.
Akram was apprehended at the scene of the shooting and taken to hospital under police guard in critical but stable condition, where he remains in a coma. His father died at the scene.
The father and son’s home in Bonnyrigg as well as a rental property in Campsie they were staying at over the weekend have been raided by police.
Ahmed El Ahmed’s father, Mohamed, said he felt pride at his son’s heroic actions and that he had previously served with the police and had always wanted to protect people
Bondi hero Ahmed El-Ahmed is visited in hospital on Monday by NSW Premier Chris Minns
Mustafa (pictured) described his cousin as a hero
Alleged gunman Naveed Akram is in hospital in a critical condition, but expected to recover
Emergency workers are seen attending to an injured person as crowds struggle to process the shooting
New South Wales premier Chris Minns described Mr El-Ahmed as a ‘genuine hero’.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said: ‘We have seen Australians today run towards danger in order to help others. These Australians are heroes, and their bravery has saved lives.’
US President Donald Trump also praised the heroic act.
‘In Australia, as you’ve probably read, there’s been a very, very brave person who went and attacked frontally one of the shooters,’ Trump said.
‘[He] saved a lot of lives, a very brave person who is right now in the hospital, pretty seriously wounded. I have great respect for the man who did that.’
The shooting has officially been declared a terrorist incident, which will allow ASIO, the Australian Federal Police and state police to deploy special powers.
Despite the family being known to ASIO, the father had held a gun licence for 10 years and owned six guns – all of which have been accounted for.
‘One of these individuals was known to us, but not in an immediate threat perspective,’ ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess said on Sunday night.
‘So obviously we need to look into what happened.’
ASIO has since committed to reviewing the issue and searching for others who might be plotting similar attacks, though its director-general stressed there was no indication anyone else in the community had a similar intent.
WORLD NEWS
Bondi Beach shooting: Australian rugby left devastated as ‘absolute legend’ killed in attack
Peter Meagher, known as ‘Marzo’, was a beloved Randwick Rugby Club icon and first grade team manager, who was tragically among the victims of this weekend’s terror attack at Bondi Beach
10:00, 15 Dec 2025
Peter Meagher has been named as one of the victims of the Bondi Beach attack(Image: Randwick Rugby)
The Australian rugby community is in deep shock following the tragic loss of an “absolute legend” in Sunday’s terror attack at Bondi Beach. The horrific incident, which targeted Jewish attendees at a Hanukkah event, has claimed 15 lives and left 27 people hospitalised, six of whom are critically ill.
Among the victims was Peter Meagher, affectionately known as ‘Marzo’, a stalwart of Randwick Rugby Club. Tributes have been flooding in from across the rugby world for this much-loved figure.
Meagher, the grandson of Wallabies international and Hall of Fame member Wally Meagher, had been a key part of Randwick since 2018, serving as the first-grade team manager. He was also a “highly-respected” referee in the Sydney area, dedicating “countless hours” to the club and the sport.
READ MORE: Bondi Beach shooting: England cricket icon Michael Vaughan details terrifying experienceREAD MORE: Bondi Beach shooting: ‘Hugely respected’ retired police officer named as victim of horror attack
A former police officer, Meagher’s commitment to the club earned him the Volunteer of the Year award five years ago. His father, Ron, had also served as Randwick’s president.
In his retirement, Meagher had taken up amateur photography and was reportedly on assignment at Bondi when the shooting occurred. The news has left the rugby community reeling, as they mourn the loss of one of their own.
Local media have named the attackers as Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed, 24. Akram senior died at the scene, while his son is critically ill in hospital.
Randwick Rugby Club have expressed their deep sorrow over the loss of a club icon in a statement, saying: “‘Marzo’ as he was universally known, was a much-loved figure and absolute legend in our club, with decades of voluntary involvement, he was one of the heart and soul figures of Randwick Rugby.
“For much of the last decade, Marzo has been our trusted First Grade Manager, and this news has already hit our players, coaches, managers, volunteers and supporters extremely hard. Prior to that, he was also a highly respected long-term referee who was well known and respected in Sydney Rugby circles.”
The club extended its “deepest condolences to his wife Virginia, his brothers Greg, David, Andrew and Paul, their extended families and mountain of friends across Randwick Rugby, NSW Police, Sydney Rugby Referees and our local community,” the statement continued. “We obviously extend our deepest sympathy to all the other victims, their families and loved ones, and those people traumatised by this barbaric act.
“We also sincerely thank and are in awe of all the first responders for their bravery and professionalism in dealing with such a dangerous and challenging situation to care for those in need. Rest in Peace ‘Marzo’ – we all love you and will miss you greatly. We are devastated.”
Alfie Orchard (C) and his partner, Amy Schanschieff, embrace while gathering to mourn the former’s rugby team manager, Peter Meagher, and the other victims of a mass shooting outside Bondi Pavilion at Bondi Beach(Image: Audrey Richardson, Getty Images)
Rugby Australia, NSW Rugby Union and the NSW Waratahs also released a joint statement, honouring Meagher as a “beloved member” of his club. “Rugby Australia, NSW Rugby Union and the Waratahs join Randwick and the entire rugby community in mourning Peter Meagher, who lost his life during Sunday’s Bondi terror attack,” the statement read.
“Peter was a beloved member of the Galloping Greens, dedicating countless hours as first grade team manager and a volunteer referee, and followed in the footsteps of his father Ron and grandfather Wally, a Wallabies Hall of Famer, in serving the club.
“We extend our sincere condolences to Peter’s family, friends and clubmates as well as all the victims of Sunday’s tragedy,” the statement continued.
“We also thank our first responders, emergency services and everyday citizens for their selfless heroism in the face of terror. Rest In Peace, Marzo.”
NewsFeed
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called the shooting that killed at least 15 people at a Jewish celebration an ‘act of evil’, and said the government is considering tougher gun laws.
Published On 15 Dec 2025
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AFP via Getty Images
At least 15 civilians have been confirmed dead in Sunday’s shooting attack at Bondi beach.
Many were attending an event to mark the first day of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.
Authorities have confirmed that two rabbis, a Holocaust survivor and a 10-year-old girl were among the victims.
This is what we know about those identified so far:
Matilda, 10
Authorities confirmed that a 10-year-old girl, named by her family to local media as Matilda, was among the dead.
Irina Goodhew, who organised a fundraiser for the girl’s mother and said she was the child’s former teacher, wrote: “I knew her as a bright, joyful, and spirited child who brought light to everyone around her.’
The Harmony Russian School of Sydney also confirmed that she was one of its students.
“We are deeply saddened to share the news that a former student of our school has passed away in the hospital due to injuries sustained from a gunshot,” the school wrote on Facebook.
“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to her family, friends, and everyone affected by this tragic event … Her memory will remain in our hearts, and we honor her life and the time she spent as part of our school family.”
Meanwhile her aunt spoke to ABC news and said that Matilda’s sister, who was with her when she was shot, was struggling to come to terms with the loss.
“They were like twins — they’ve never been separated,” she told the ABC.
Rabbi Eli Schlanger
Supplied
Eli Schlanger was known as the Bondi rabbi
Known as the “Bondi Rabbi”, Eli Schlanger, 41, was one of the key organisers of Sunday’s event. He was head of the local Chabad mission, an international Hasidic Jewish organisation based in Brooklyn.
The death of the British-born father of five was confirmed by his cousin, Rabbi Zalman Lewis.
“My dear cousin, Rabbi Eli Schlanger @bondirabbi was murdered in today’s terrorist attack in Sydney,” Zalman wrote on Instagram. “He leaves behind his wife & young children, as well as my uncle & aunt & siblings … He was truly an incredible guy”.
In a post on its website, Chabad said Schlanger’s youngest child was just two months old.
“He was the most godly, humane, kind, gracious human being I think I’ve ever met,” Alex Ryvchin of the Executive Council of Australia Jewry, told reporters at Bondi on Monday morning.
Dan Elkayam
The death of French national Dan Elkayam was confirmed by Frances’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot.
“It’s with immense sadness that we have learnt that our compatriot Dan Elkayam was among the victims of the terrorist attack that hit Jewish families gathered on the beach at Bondi in Sydney,” he wrote on social media. “We mourn with his family and loved ones, with the Jewish community and the Australian people.”
According to his LinkedIn profile, Elkayam worked as an IT analyst for NBCUniversal and had moved to Australia last year.
He was also a keen footballer, and “an integral member” of our premier league squad, the Rockdale Ilindin Football Club in west Sydney wrote on its Facebook page.
He was “an extremely talented and popular figure amongst team mates. Our deepest and sincerest condolances to Dan’s family, friends and all that knew him. He will be missed,” the club wrote.
Alexander Kleytman
Alexander Kleytman was a holocaust survivor who came to Australia from Ukraine.
“I have no husband. I don’t know where is his body. Nobody can give me any answer,” his wife Larisa Kleytman told reporters outside a Sydney hospital late on Sunday.
“We were standing and suddenly came the ‘boom boom’, and everybody fell down. At this moment he was behind me and at one moment he decided to go close to me. He pushed his body up because he wanted to stay near me,” she told the Australian.
Chabad wrote on X that Alexander “died shielding her from the gunman’s bullets. In addition to his wife, he leaves behind two children and 11 grandchildren.”
The couple shared some of their life story with Jewish Care in 2023.
“As children, both Larisa and Alexander faced the unspeakable terror of the Holocaust,” the health organisation wrote in its annual report.
“Alex’s memories are particularly harrowing; recalling the dreadful conditions in Siberia where he, along with his mother and younger brother, struggled for survival.”
How Bondi Beach shooting unfolded minute by minute
Peter Meagher
Former police officer Peter Meagher was working as a freelance photographer at the Hanukkah event when he was killed, his rugby club confirmed.
“For him it was simply a catastrophic case of being in the wrong place and at the wrong time,” Mark Harrison, the general manager of Randwick Rugby Club, wrote on its website.
“‘Marzo, as he was universally known, was a much loved figure and absolute legend in our club, with decades of voluntary involvement, he was one of the heart and soul figures of Randwick Rugby.”
The club said he had spent almost four decades in the NSW Police Force where he was “hugely respected by colleagues”.
“The tragic irony is that he spent so long in the dangerous front line as a Police Officer and was struck down in retirement while taking photos in his passion role is really hard to comprehend,” the club said.
Reuven Morrison
Reuven Morrison migrated to Australia from the former Soviet Union in the 1970s as a teenager, according to an interview he gave to the ABC exactly a year ago.
“We came here with the view that Australia is the safest country in the world and the Jews would not be faced with such anti-Semitism in the future, where we can bring up our kids in a safe environment,” he told the national broadcaster.
Confirming his death, Chabad said that he was a longtime resident of Melbourne, but that he “discovered his Jewish identity in Sydney”.
“A successful businessman whose main goal was to give away his earnings to charities dear to his heart, notably Chabad of Bondi,” the organisation wrote on X.
Rabbi Yaakov Levitan
Rabbi Yaakov Levitan’s death was confirmed by Chabad, who described him as a “popular coordinator” of its activities in Sydney.
He also served as secretary of the Sydney Beth Din – a rabbinical court – and worked at the BINA Center, which describes itself as a centre of Jewish learning.
Tibor Weitzen
Tibor Weitzen was at the event with his wife and grandchildren when he was killed trying to shield a family friend, Chabad said.
The 78-year-old was a “beloved” member of the Bondi Chabad Synagogue, according to the organisation.
His granddaughter Leor Amzalak told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that he was “the best you could ask for”.
She said Mr Weitzen had migrated to Australia from Israel in 1988.
“He only saw the best in people and will be dearly missed,” she told the broadcaster.
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12/15/2025December 15, 2025
Ukraine ceasefire talks to continue in Berlin
Merz spoke with advisers late into Sunday night following Zelenskyy’s meeting with WitkoffImage: Michael Kappeler/dpa/picture alliance
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy with French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer as well as several leaders of Ukraine’s allies in Berlin on Monday.
The latest set of talks comes after Zelenskyy on Sunday met with US special envoy Steve Witkoff and US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner at the German Chancellery.
Key points in all the talks remain potential territorial concessions on the part of Ukraine, especially in the eastern Donbas region, where Russian forces occupy a significant amount of territory, the future size of the Ukrainian military and how Kyiv’s allies can provide security guarantees to prevent another war.
Witkoff said “a lot of progress was made” during Sunday’s discussions.
Zelenskyy said last week that Ukraine would drop its bid to join the NATO military alliance if the US and other Western nations provided security guarantees similar to those offered to NATO members.
But Ukraine continued to reject a US push for ceding territory to Russia.
Russian President Vladimir Putin wants Ukraine to withdraw from the part of the Donetsk region still under its control among the key conditions for peace.
Zelenskyy has called for a ceasefire along the current frontlines.
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Skip next section Welcome to our coverage12/15/2025December 15, 2025
Welcome to our coverage
Good morning, and thanks for joining us here in Germany as talks in Berlin continue to search for the terms of a ceasefire that would put an end to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Today, we’re expecting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to address allies in the German capital, attend a German-Ukrainian economic forum with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and have a private discussion with the German leader later this evening.
Talks are also continuing on how to use frozen Russian assets in Europe to fund Ukraine’s defense.
Stay with us as we track developments at the Berlin talks and from the conflict in Ukraine throughout the day.
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