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

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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

SOURCE PAGE

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.

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Zooey Deschanel is pretty in pink at SiriusXM Studios on Dec. 10 in New York City.  

All Black Everything

Gwyneth Paltrow.

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Gwyneth Paltrow rocks a monochromatic ensemble while in L.A. on Dec. 10.

Party Girl

Gillian Jacobs.

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Gillian Jacobs strikes a pose as Maje celebrates the Party Capsule collection at La Dolce Vita in Beverly Hills, Calif.

Staying Stylish

Awkwafina.

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Also celebrating with Maje, Awkwafina flashes a smile during the event.

Leading Man

Bradley Cooper.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Nina Dobrev is stylish while at a COSF’s holiday shopping event hosted by Balmain Paris on Dec. 10.

Talking Shop

Amanda Seyfried.

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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.

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Mark Ronson and Dua Lipa attend Dua Lipa’s Service95 Book Club at the Chelsea Hotel in New York on Dec. 9.

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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.

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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 2025Updated 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.”

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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 202515 Dec 2025

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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

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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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Skip next section Ukraine ceasefire talks to continue in Berlin

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.

Ukraine suffers blackouts after Russian attack

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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.

Trump ‘frustrated’ about Ukraine and Russia

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Bondi Beach attack witness says he ‘stomped’ on shooter’s head

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Naveed Akram had previously been investigated over his links to a Sydney-based Islamic State terrorism cell, Australia’s prime minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed.

The 24-year-old had been investigated for six months in 2019, by ASIO, the country’s domestic intelligence agency, according to ABC.

Counter terrorism police believe Akram and his father, Sajid, had pledged allegiance to the terror group, according to the broadcaster. Two Isis flags were reportedly found in their car.

At least 15 people were killed in an antisemitic terrorist attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach by the pair believed to be a father and son, police have said.

Hundreds had gathered for an event called Chanukah by the Sea near Bondi Beach’s children’s park when the attack was launched on Sunday evening.

One gunman, aged 50, was shot by police and died at the scene, while a second attacker, a 24-year-old man, suffered critical injuries and was taken to hospital under police guard.

A ten-year-old girl who was taken to the Sydney Children’s Hospital after the attack is among those who have died. At least 40 people are receiving treatment in hospital, including three other children.

Officials said 14 people died at the scene with the child and a 40-year-old man later dying in hospital. The victims range from 10 years old to 87.

Read the statement from Albanese’s cabinet in full

The National Cabinet, chaired by PM Anthony Albanese, concluded with leaders agreeing that “strong, decisive and focused action was needed on gun law reform as an immediate action”.

They committed to strengthening gun laws nationwide, including renegotiating the National Firearms Agreement, accelerating the National Firearms Register, using criminal intelligence in licensing, limiting firearm ownership and certain types of guns, and requiring Australian citizenship for licences.

NSW premier Chris Minns and WA premier Roger Cook will oversee and coordinate this effort, while police ministers and attorneys-general from across jurisdictions will explore various options, including:

• Accelerating work on establishing the National Firearms Register;
• Allowing for additional use of criminal intelligence to underpin firearms licensing that can be used in administrative licensing regimes;
• Limiting the number of firearms to be held by any one individual;
• Limiting open-ended firearms licensing and the types of guns that are legal, including modifications; and
• A condition of a firearm licence is holding Australian citizenship.”

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns (R) lays flowers at a memorial in the wake of a mass shooting at Bondi Pavilion at Bondi Beach on 15 December 2025 in Sydney, Australia (Getty Images)

In a separate statement, Albanese said: “As an immediate priority, the Australian Government will commence work on potential further Customs restrictions of firearms and other weapon-type importations, including 3D printing, novel technology and firearms equipment that can hold large amounts of ammunition.”

Maroosha Muzaffar15 December 2025 09:00

Netanyahu says Australian government ‘let disease’ of antisemitism spread before Bondi Beach attack

Netanyahu slams Australian PM over Bondi Beach shooting

Benjamin Netanyahu said he sent Anthony Albanese a letter warning that the “Australian government’s policy was promoting and encouraging antisemitism” in the country four months before the Bondi Beach attack. At least 15 people were killed in an antisemitic terrorist attack after two gunmen opened fire on a crowd celebrating the start of Hanukkah. Hundreds had gathered for an event called Chanukah by the Sea near a children’s park when the attack was launched on Sunday evening (14 December). The Israeli prime minister accused the Australian government of doing “nothing to stop the spread of antisemitism in Australia.” “You did nothing to curb the cancer cells that were growing inside your country,” Mr Netanyahu added.

Maira Butt15 December 2025 08:48

Everything we know about the shooters

Australian authorities say the Bondi Beach attack was carried out by a father and son from south-west Sydney, identified as Sajid Akram and Naveed Akram.

Fifteen people, including a 10-year-old girl, were killed in the attack.

Sajid Akram was shot and killed by police at the scene, while his son Naveed survived and remains in hospital under police guard.

Police have said that Sajid Akram’s death is not included in the victim toll, and that all 15 victims were killed by the attackers.

Investigators have confirmed there was no third suspect.

Authorities say Sajid Akram had held a firearms licence for about a decade and was legally in possession of six guns.

The prime minister has described the shooting as an act of terror and antisemitism, and a national cabinet meeting has been convened to consider tougher gun laws in response.

ABC News reports that Naveed Akram was examined by Australia’s domestic intelligence agency, ASIO, in 2019 over his close ties to a Sydney-based Islamic State-linked cell.

People gather in front of a flower tribute near Bondi Pavilion following a shooting incident at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia (REUTERS)

Home affairs minister Tony Burke said the son is an Australian-born citizen, while the father arrived in 1998 on a student visa, later transferring to a partner visa in 2001 and subsequently holding resident return visas.

Investigations into the motive for the attack and how the weapons were obtained are ongoing.

Maroosha Muzaffar15 December 2025 08:40

Gunman had previously been investigated for links to Islamic State

Naveed Akram had previously been investigated over his links to a Sydney-based Islamic State terrorism cell, according to ABC.

The broadcaster reported that counter terrorism police believe Akram and his father, Sajid, had pledged allegiance to the terror group.

Two Isis flags were reportedly found in their car.

Maira Butt15 December 2025 08:31

Hanukkah events cancelled across Sydney

Daniel Aghion, the president of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, told NewsRadio that Hanukkah events planned in Sydney have been cancelled, but added that some will still go ahead in other places, including Melbourne.

He said that one of his close friends and staff members was injured in yesterday’s terrorist attack.

People embrace at a flower memorial placed outside Bondi Pavilion at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, Monday (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

“He’s okay, and we’re very thankful for that. But, you know, my heart goes out to the entire community. We all know people that have been affected by this.”

“What the prime minister said last night and this morning, he did engage in some very strong words and he did show effective leadership. The question really is: could that language and that strength have been shown much earlier?”

Mr Aghion said “this tragedy will reach deeply into the community”.

Maroosha Muzaffar15 December 2025 08:20

The Bondi Beach victims who have been publicly identified so far

Fifteen people were killed in the Bondi Beach shooting, with victims aged between 10 and 87, according to police.

Many were members of Sydney’s Jewish community attending a Hanukkah event by the sea.

Among the dead was British-born Rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, who helped organise the event and served as an assistant rabbi with Chabad, the Jewish organisation that hosted the gathering.

Chabad also confirmed the deaths of Reuven Morrison, a member of the community, and Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, the secretary of the Sydney Beth Din, a Jewish religious institution.

Holocaust survivor Alex Kleytman was also killed in the attack. Chabad said he had attended the event with his children and grandchildren.

French national Dan Elkayam was among the victims as well, with France’s foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot confirming his death and offering condolences to his family, the Jewish community and Australians.

The youngest victim was a 10-year-old girl identified by local media only as Matilda, after her family asked for her surname to be withheld.

A couple embrace a day after a shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, Monday (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

In a fundraiser set up in her memory, her teacher described her as a “bright, joyful, and spirited child who brought light to everyone around her”.

Another victim was Peter Meagher, a former police officer and local rugby club volunteer, who was working as a freelance photographer at the Hanukkah event, according to Randwick Rugby Club.

Another victim was a man named Tibor Weitzen and a woman named Marika Pogany, ABC reported.

Maroosha Muzaffar15 December 2025 08:00

Australian cabinet vows united push against antisemitism and terrorism

Anthony Albanese’s cabinet has pledged a united push to eradicate antisemitism, hate, violence and terrorism, stressing coordinated national action to counter extremism and protect community safety.

The statement said: “National Cabinet noted the ongoing work across jurisdictions to tackle antisemitism such as establishing the National Hate Crimes and Incidents Database, enhancing security of Jewish community and cultural sites, and coordinated work across intelligence and police agencies.”

In his opening remarks, the prime minister said: “The antisemitic terrorism incident in Bondi, I think, has shaken the whole nation, not just people in Sydney and New South Wales, in particular, members of the Jewish community have been devastated by what is an unprecedented scale of attack on the Australian way of life.”

He added: “I met with the Premier of New South Wales, and we made a declaration after being briefed by the New South Wales Police Commissioner who has joined us here today. And we also had a visit down to Bondi. There is quite horrific scenes there, and people are really hurting. What they’re looking for is confidence going forward.

“And today’s meeting is about making sure that we have states and territories aligned here, making sure we send a message as well to Jewish Australians that we stand together against antisemitism, giving a message to all Australians that we stand against terrorism and that we will do whatever it is that we can, if laws need to be adjusted, to make changes.

(via REUTERS)

“One of the suggestions that will be on the agenda today is to have an examination of our gun laws to make sure that if there is any tightening or changes which are required, that we put in place mechanisms.

“Through this National Cabinet we, of course, have established the National Firearms Register. That is a significant step forward, and I know that work is progressing on that, but we need to, I think, accelerate the work in that area.”

Maroosha Muzaffar15 December 2025 07:40

Palestine Advocacy Network says Bondi Beach attackers do not represent their movement

In a statement, the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network said it “unequivocally condemn(s) the antisemitic terrorist attack at Bondi Beach.

The organisation said that the “perpetrators of this horrendous attack do not represent our movement or the values we uphold”.

The statement said: “Week after week, we have gathered together – the best of our community, from First Nations leaders, members of the Jewish community, side by side with Palestinian siblings, and the wider Arab community, among many other allies from all walks of life. Together, we have insisted on a world that is free from racism and hate. And we will continue to insist that antisemitism, like all forms of racism and hate, has no place in our society.

“In the midst of this tragedy, we saw an extraordinary act of courage – Ahmed al Ahmed’s heroic intervention in disarming the gunman and saving many lives. His bravery calls on all of us to respond in kind, by standing against hatred and refusing to demonise or vilify Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim communities. We can only counter violence and fear by coming together at every opportunity.”

Maroosha Muzaffar15 December 2025 07:20

Australian foreign minister briefs US counterpart on Bondi Beach terror attack

Foreign minister Penny Wong briefed US secretary of state Marco Rubio on the Bondi Beach terror attack, thanking him for his condolences and solidarity with Australia and the Jewish community.

Wong said: “There is no place for this antisemitism, violence and terrorism in our nation – we are determined to eradicate it.”

A US spokesperson added that America stands “in solidarity with the Jewish community and with the Australian people”.

People embrace after laying flowers at a memorial outside Bondi Pavilion at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, Monday (AP)

“No community should have to fear publicly celebrating their faith and traditions due to the threat of extremist violence and terror,” principal deputy spokesperson Tommy Pigott said in a statement.

“There can be no compromise with antisemitism – this scourge must be confronted and defeated.”

Maroosha Muzaffar15 December 2025 07:00

Obama and Biden condemn Bondi Beach attack

Former US leaders Barack Obama and Joe Biden expressed condolences following the Bondi Beach attack.

Obama said he was “praying for the families mourning a loved one after the horrific terrorist attack against Jewish people”, while Biden described the attack as “shocking and unconscionable”.

Biden added: “We must unite against violence and antisemitism, and give hate no safe harbor anywhere in the world.”

He wrote on X: “For Jewish people lighting a menorah tonight: I know that it is hard to find hope while carrying sorrow.

“But your resilience and capacity to find faith and joy despite centuries of persecution and pain has always been your light.

“We must never lose hope.”

Maroosha Muzaffar15 December 2025 06:40

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NEED TO KNOW

• The man taken into custody on Sunday in relation to the mass shooting at Brown University on Saturday that killed two and injured nine has been released by police
• Officials said that person is no longer a person of interest. Authorities are still looking for the man dressed in black seen in a video released late Saturday night
• The man who entered a classroom on the school’s Providence campus Dec. 13 and opened fire on a classroom with approximately 60 students is still at large

A man initially identified as a “person of interest” in the Saturday, Dec. 13, mass shooting at Brown University has been released from custody — and the real shooter is still on the run.

Col. Oscar Perez of the Providence Police Department said at a press conference on Sunday evening that an individual taken into custody early Sunday and initially identified as a person of interest had been released after authorities said they did not find enough evidence to charge him with a crime.

Authorities say he is no longer a person of interest in the case.

Investigators are now once again searching for the person who was seen dressed in all black and scurrying down a street in the Rhode Island capital around the time of the shooting in video released to the public on Saturday night.

Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha declined to comment when asked about the decision to release the person taken into custody, and Mayor Brett Smiley said that there was no reason for members of the public to fear for their safety.

When asked why authorities were still unable to locate any other persons of interest in the shooting 36 hours after the attack, Neronha said there were not many video cameras located in the building where the shooting took place.

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He also said that all video footage from the school’s campus had been reviewed at this time and that none of those videos captured the killer’s face.

“If we had that video, you’d have it. If we could show you a face and say this is our person of interest or suspect, you’d have it,” Neronha said.

The shooting occurred at around 4 p.m. on Saturday when a masked man armed with a rifle entered a building on the Brown University campus and opened fire in the hallway.

He then entered a classroom where approximately 60 students were preparing to leave after attending a two-hour study session for an upcoming economics exam.

A number of individuals who were in that classroom told authorities that the gunman shouted an unintelligible statement and then began shooting students.

In the end, two students were killed and nine injured. One of the injured students is still in critical condition.

Brown University announced on Sunday that all exams had been canceled for the rest of the semester and urged students who were still on campus to travel home for winter break.

“For the moment, we encourage everyone to focus on their own safety and well-being,” Prvost Francis J. Doyle III said in a letter to students.

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