The bigger the boom, the deeper and longer the bust. After two decades of runaway growth, by 2020, China’s real estate bubble had pushed home prices to more than 17 times the average salaries.

A perfect storm drove the boom, including reforms in 1998 that shifted housing from state provision to private ownership, the migration of nearly half a billion Chinese from rural areas to cities and abundant credit from state banks.

A frenzy of construction transformed China’s skyline, families poured savings into apartments and property speculation became the norm, helping millions of middle-class households to feel richer and spend more.

The turning point came during the country’s first wave of COVID-19 lockdowns when President Xi Jinping’s government imposed sweeping new rules on how much debt property developers could take on. The result of the “three red lines” reforms was brutal. Real estate giants like Evergrande, Country Garden and dozens of smaller firms defaulted, with more than 70 developers either going bust or needing state-backed bailouts to survive.

More than five years later, the subsequent bust shows no sign of easing. According to Barclays, a British bank, more than $18 trillion (€15.38 trillion) in household wealth has evaporated as home values collapse. Meanwhile, construction activity — once a key driver of gross domestic product (GDP) — has slumped so badly that it now drags overall growth below Beijing’s targets.

Beijing censors private property data 

In a sign of just how sensitive the downturn has become, Chinese officials last month told private data providers to stop publishing home sales figures, cutting off one of the few independent windows into the current woes in the real estate market.

The move followed a 42% year-on-year drop in new home sales by the top 100 builders in October, the largest monthly drop in 18 months, according to China Real Estate Information.

Anne Stevenson-Yang, founder and research director of the Taipei-based J Capital Research, thinks this move helps mask the true price decline.

“You likely have a market-wide drop of 50%, which could go down to 85% before it balances out,” she told DW.

Giving an example of a colleague from the central city of Xi’an who was offered three homes for the price of one by a developer, Stevenson-Yang said it was the equivalent of a two-thirds drop on each property.

In Tier‑1 cities like Beijing and Shanghai, average home prices have slipped by about 10% from their peak, Oxford Economics wrote in September, with cooling demand for luxury units spurring even steeper markdowns. The worst effect is, however, felt in Tier‑2 and Tier‑3 cities, including Chengdu and Dongguan, where values plunged by up to 30%.

Half-built and empty apartments litter the skyline

Across China, the crash has left half‑finished projects, ghost cities and millions of households trapped in negative equity, sparking public anger and sporadic protests as buyers hope that Beijing will step in with stimulus measures to shore up demand.

“There’s still a lot of excess supply — up to 3-5 years of unsold apartments and housing, mostly in the smaller cities,” George Magnus, research associate at the UK’s University of Oxford China Center, told DW. “It’ll take a long time to clear, especially as the cohort of first-time buyers — 20-35 year olds — is now declining.”

Having climbed to 1.41 billion, China’s population is now slipping backwards, marking the end of decades of growth.

Demand for construction raw materials, including steel and cement, is downImage: CFOTO/CFOTO/picture alliance

China’s major economic growth driver evaporates

Real estate once accounted for up to a quarter of China’s GDP, helping growth remain in double digits for more than a decade during the 2000s and early 2010s. The slowdown has since dragged economic growth to around 5% last year — still impressive, but down sharply from the boom years due to the knock-on effects on the rest of the country.

“[Chinese] steel and cement prices and output are dropping, employment and [business] investment are weak — all of them collateral damage [from the property crash],” Stevenson-Yang told DW.

China was the world’s largest consumer of iron ore, copper, steel, and cement, much of it tied to construction. Exporters Australia, Brazil and Chile are among the global players suffering from the falloff in Chinese demand. As homeowners feel the pinch, the slowdown weakens household consumption, reducing imports of foreign luxury brands and autos.

Property long served as the cornerstone of household wealth in ChinaImage: Zhou Jianping/dpa/picture alliance

Targeted stimulus, no broad rescue

Beijing is keen to avoid another speculative bubble, so stimulus measures to prop up the real estate market have not been as generous as in previous downturns. The Chinese government stepped in after the 2008 global financial crisis, the 2015 stock market crash and during the pandemic. 

Rather than coming to the rescue this time, many China watchers believe the government is allowing home prices to deflate gradually so that policymakers can prioritize stability and long‑term restructuring over short-term stimulus.

“You get to a point that you can’t stimulate because the amount of money required would be too great — it would be inflationary,” said Stevenson-Yang.

Bloomberg reported last month that Beijing is, however, considering subsidizing mortgage interest payments, lowering transaction fees and offering bigger income tax rebates for borrowers.

Millions of Chinese homeowners are in negative equityImage: Lian Fei/Blue Jean Images/IMAGO

Prices could drop for many more years

Property crashes typically take around five years to play out. In the United States, the housing bust that began in 2007 took until 2012 for prices to stabilize. In Spain, the post‑2008 collapse also dragged on for roughly five years before recovery signs appeared.

Japan’s post-bubble collapse, from 1991 to the 2000s, is often cited as the most prolonged real estate crisis, with home values stagnating for more than a decade and never fully regaining their pre‑bubble highs.

Stevenson-Yang believes the Chinese property sector is on course for another “10 years of negative or flat growth,” while analysts at S&P Global Ratings believe the downturn could persist well into the late 2020s. Some forecasts hint at recovery next year or in 2027.

That’s a hard pill for ordinary Chinese families to swallow. Many of them poured their savings into apartments that have lost value, leaving them stuck with mortgages they can’t escape and homes they can’t sell. Worse still, property values may remain far below the dizzying highs of 2020 for the foreseeable future.

The story is the same the world over, according to Magnus, where homeowners often assume that prices will continue to rise forever.

“When the party ends and the cycle goes into reverse … the consequences can be very serious,” he told DW.

Edited by: Rob Mudge

How Xi Jinping’s authoritarianism is killing China’s economy

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This is the moment a second hero confronted the alleged Bondi Beach gunman and kicked his rifle away before being shot at by police and set upon by bystanders who mistook him for one of the shooters. 

The deadly Bondi Beach terror attack killed at least 16 people on Sunday. 

The dramatic footage shows a civilian sneaking onto a pedestrian bridge moments after gunmen opened fire on crowds gathered for a Hanukkah celebration near Bondi Beach.

As one of the attackers lay wounded on the ground, the man is seen sneaking up the stairs and kicking a rifle out of reach and backing away with his hands raised, shouting ‘don’t shoot,’ as police officers continued to engage the scene.

As police fire at him, he is seen ducking down for cover. As police approach him, he backs away with his hands still raised in the air. 

In the chaos that followed, the man was briefly fired upon by police and then confronted by members of the public who mistakenly believed he was one of the attackers. 

He was punched and forced to defend himself. The man was then put on the ground by officers, who tried to stop others from further attacking him.  

He was eventually pulled to safety as officers secured the bridge and the surrounding area. Another hero, Ahmed el Ahmed, was also seen on video wrestling a gun out of the hands of one of the alleged shooters.

The second hero can be seen with his hands in the air as he shouts ‘don’t shoot’ as cops closed in on him

In the chaos, the hero was set upon by members of the public who mistook him as the attacker

The man has been identified by his lawyer as a Middle Eastern refugee who has lived in Australia for around a decade but remains on a temporary visa with no guaranteed path to permanent residency. He has an Australian wife and Australian children. 

Alison Battisson, the immigration lawyer representing the hero said her client had only just arrived at Bondi Beach when he heard gunfire and ran toward it while others fled.

‘He got out of a taxi, heard the shooting, other people ran away and he ran towards the sound of the shooting,’ she said. 

Despite the praise he has received, Battisson said her client’s immigration status remains unresolved.

‘He’s got an Australian partner and Australian children but he has no right to stay in Australia long term to be with them,’ she said.

‘It’s open to public opinion as to whether somebody who put himself in significant danger to help the Australian community has earned a right to stay in Australia.’

At least 16 people were killed in Sunday night’s mass shooting, including a ten-year-old girl, with dozens more left seriously injured.

The terrifying shooting unfolded as hundreds gathered to attend the Jewish Chanukah by the Sea event, marking the first day of Hanukkah. 

The suspects were named in local media as Sajid Akram, 50, and his son, Naveed, 24. They are said to have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State. 

The other hero, Ahmed el Ahmed, who wrestled a gun from one of the alleged attackers, is also recovering in the hospital. A GoFundMe page set up on his behalf has reached nearly $1million. 

The Muslim man arrived in Sydney more than a decade ago from Syria. He is the father of two daughters aged five and six.

Mr Ahmed’s mother has said she couldn’t stop crying when she found out her son was the hero who had saved countless lives at Bondi Beach. 

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns said the heroism provided some hope in a time of darkness.

Ahmed el Ahmed, seen recovering in hospital after he bravely wrestled a gun out of the grips of one of the alleged attackers

Matilda, a 10-year-old girl was killed in the attack. Her family paid an emotional tribute to her on social media

‘We have seen Australians today run towards danger in order to help others. These Australians are heroes and their bravery has saved lives,’ Albanese told reporters.

Minns said Mr Ahmed was a ‘genuine hero’ at a press conference late on Sunday, adding there was ‘no doubt’ he saved many lives.

Details have emerged of the victims of the massacre. 

Matilda, 10 

Matilda died on Sunday night after she was shot while at the Chanukah by the Sea event.

In an emotional post shared to social media, her aunt Lina confirmed her niece had been killed. 

‘A great tragedy has happened to my family. Yesterday my beloved niece Matilda was killed during a terrorist attack in Bondi beach,’ she wrote. 

‘I don’t know how we survive such grief.’

In a GoFundMe, set up by Matilda’s language teacher Irina Goodhew, the little girl was remembered as a ‘bright, joyful, and spirited child’. 

‘I was Matilda’s language teacher, and I knew her as a bright, joyful, and spirited child who brought light to everyone around her,’ Ms Goodhew wrote. 

‘Yesterday, while celebrating Hanukkah, her young life was tragically taken. Her memory will live on in our hearts.’

The GoFundMe has raised more than $13,800 as of 12pm on Monday, with the funds going to Matilda’s mother, Valentina Poltavchenk.

‘All donations will be transferred directly to her to support the family during this incredibly difficult time. Donations are made in loving memory of Mailda,’ Ms Goodhew wrote.

Former police officer turned rugby volunteer and photographer Peter Meagher was on assignment at Bondi Beach when he was gunned down

Peter Meagher

Former police officer Peter Meagher was also killed at Bondi Beach on Sunday. 

After his retirement, Mr Meagher volunteered at the Randwick Rugby Club and pursued his hobby of photography. 

It is understood Mr Meagher was on a photography assignment at Bondi Beach when the shooting unfolded. 

In a post shared to the Support Grassroots Rugby, Mr Meagher was remembered for his selfless attitude.

‘I can’t believe the news, Peter Meagher was a manager at Randwick when I played there,’ the post read. 

‘This tragedy wasn’t just a attack on the Jewish community, it’s was a attack on our nation and way of life. (sic)

‘Peter not only served our country up holding our safety and laws. He actively gave back to society through his love of our sport, giving tirelessly. R.I.P Peter my friend.’

Beloved father Tibor Weitzen (left) has been identified as one of the 15 victims of the Bondi Beach terror attack. He was shielding his wife (right), who survived, when he was fatally wounded

Tibor Weitzen

Beloved father and husband Tibor Weitzen has been identified as one of the victims after he was fatally wounded while shielding his wife from the gunfire – who survived the attack. 

The Daily Mail understands Mr Weitzen, whose son works as an ABC sound engineer, died after he was shot as he tried to protect his wife. 

Eli Schlanger, 41

Rabbi Eli Schlanger was confirmed as one of the victims in a heartbreaking post shared to social media by his first cousin Rabbi Zalman Lewis. 

Rabbi Lewis wrote: ‘My dear cousin, Rabbi Eli Schlanger, was murdered in today’s terrorist attack in Sydney.

‘He leaves behind his wife, young children, as well as my uncle and aunt, and his siblings. He was truly an incredible guy.’

Rabbi Schlanger was the head of the Chabad mission in Bondi where he had served the community for nearly two decades.

The British-born father-of-five was one of the organisers for the Chanukah by the Sea event targeted by the gunmen. 

Rabbi Eli Schlanger (pictured) was one of the organisers for the Chanukah by the Sea event allegedly targeted by the gunmen at Bondi Beach on Sunday

Rabbi Yakkov Levitan (pictured) was also killed in the mass shooting

Yakkov Levitan

Rabbi Yakkov Levitan has also been identified as another victim of the mass shooting. 

Rabbi Levitan served as a secretary of the Sydney Beth Din and worked at the BINA Centre, according to Chabad – a global organisation based in Brooklyn dedicated to sharing the Jewish faith and traditions around the world. 

While at the event, Rabbi Levitan was distributing tefillin – two small, black leather boxes containing Torah scrolls that are worn by male adult Jews committed to performing the Jewish rite. 

Alex Kleytman, 87

Holocaust survivor Alex Kleytman was killed while protecting his wife of almost six decades from the gunfire. 

His wife Larisa told the Daily Mail her husband was shielding her from the bullets when he was fatally shot. 

‘I think he was shot because he raised himself up to protect me, in the back of the head,’ she said.

Married for 57 years, the pair, who are also beloved grandparents, travelled from Matraville, a suburb of Sydney, to celebrate Hanukkah with other Jewish people. 

One of the attackers was shot dead by police at the scene. The second was critically wounded and taken into custody. 

Authorities later confirmed improvised explosive devices were found in the attackers’ vehicle and safely removed by bomb disposal teams.

The attack has been classified by Australian authorities as a terrorist incident, with investigators treating it as a targeted antisemitic assault. 

Albanese has vowed to introduce harsher gun control laws. Australia already has one of the strictest restrictions in the world.  

The alleged gunmen are said to have lived in Bonnyrigg, in New South Wales, around an hour’s drive from Bondi Beach. 

Arsen Ostrovoky, who survived Hamas’ attack on October 7, 2023, was caught up in the shooting at Bondi Beach

Two women in tears as they pay tribute to those who were killed in the horrific attack

The pair were there until a few weeks ago when they moved into an Airbnb in Campsie, which is closer to Bondi Beach.

According to local media, police raided their home, and three people were arrested. Those three were subsequently released. 

Senior officials in the investigation told the ABC that two IS flags were found in the suspected gunmen’s car at the beach, although New South Wales police said they could not confirm the report. 

It has been said that one of the alleged shooters, Naveed Akram, had been previously investigated over his close affiliation with an IS terrorism cell in Sydney.

According to Australia’s leader, he first appeared on cops’ radar in October 2019; however, ‘an assessment was made that there was no indication of any ongoing threat or threat of him engaging in violence’. 

Eyewitnesses have spoken about what they saw during the attacks. 

Kobi Farkash, an Israeli tourist, told Radio 5 Live it was a ‘lovely moment’ before the alleged gunmen opened fire. 

He said: ‘Suddenly, I heard boom boom boom, four or five times.’ He also described seeing someone bloodied and lying on the ground.  

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As Bondi Beach hero Ahmed al Ahmed recovers in hospital, his proud parents, Mohamed Fateh Al Ahmed and Malakeh Hasan Al Ahmed, have shed light on the sort of man their courgeous son is

12:07, 15 Dec 2025Updated 12:07, 15 Dec 2025

The parents of the Bondi Beach hero have now spoken out about their extrardinarily brave son, who lived a remarkable life even before being praised all across the world.

Courageous fruit shop owner, Ahmed al Ahmed, had been visiting Sydney’s Bondi Beach with his cousin Mustafa when the harrowing incident unfolded, witnessing as two gunmen began firing at crowds gathered to celebrate the first night of Hannukah. At least 16 people have died in the devastating attack against Australia’s Jewish community, including a 10-year-old child and a much loved Rabbi, while 40 others remain in hospital.

It’s believed others others would have undoubtedly lost their lives, had father of two Ahmed not crept up on the younger gunman, tackling him to the ground and disarming him. Footage of the 43-year-old’s incredible feat has now been seen far and wide, providining a much needed ray of light amid the darkness of this unthinkable tragedy. And many are keen to know more about this suburban businessman who stepped up in the face of evil.

Ahmed moved to Australia from Syria 13 years ago. His parents, Mohamed Fateh Al Ahmed and Malakeh Hasan Al Ahmed, who moved to Australia in recent months, have confirmed that their son previously served in the Syrian security forces, and as a police officer.

READ MORE: Bondi Beach shooting: Alleged gunman ‘likely to live’ after 16 killedMohamed Fateh Al Ahmed and Malakeh Hasan Al Ahmed have confirmed that their son has ‘always been brave’(Image: ABC News)

Speaking with ABC News through an interpreter, mum Malakeh shared: “My son has always been brave. He helps people. He’s like that.” The couple say their selfless son would do anything to help and protect others, and doesn’t discriminate.

Dad Mohamed said: “When he did what he did, he wasn’t thinking about the background of the people he’s saving, the people dying in the street. He doesn’t discriminate between one nationality and another. Especially here in Australia, there’s no difference between one citizen and another.”

As he witnessed people dying before his eyes, Ahmed ‘couldn’t take any more’

Ahmed, who has two daughters — aged three and six — had been at the scene when the dreadful gunfire began to ring out. At first, Ahmed took shelter behind parked cars, but then took it upon himself to wrestle the long-barrelled weapon from one of the killers, putting his own life on the line to save others.

Cousin Mustafa told Australian media: “Ahmed said that he was really upset to see so many people dying in front of him, he said he couldn’t take any more and he had to stop the killings. He said he just had to do something. He’s a very religious man, he’s Muslim, he doesn’t believe in killings, Muslims don’t.”

He continued: “He said he couldn’t take any killings in front of his eyes, and that it was time to stop the killing. He prayed to God, he said ‘Give me strength’ and he ran at him from behind.”

The father of two suffered bullet wounds to the shoulder and hand

The older attacker then fired at Ahmed, leaving him with bullet wounds to the shoulder and hand. It’s understood he is now recovering in hospital, and has undergone his first surgery successfully, with further treatment to follow.

However, parents Malakeh and Mohamed fear for the future, and feat they’re too elderly to assist their son in his ongoing recovery. They are now calling upon the Albanese government to assist Ahmed’s two brothers, from Germany and Russia respectively, to make the journey to Australia in their sibling’s hour of need.

Malakeh said: “He needs help now as he’s become disabled now. We need our other children to come here to help.” Meanwhile, Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns MP, has visited Ahmed at his hospital bedside, today tweeting: “Ahmed is a real-life hero. Last night, his incredible bravery no doubt saved countless lives when he disarmed a terrorist at enormous personal risk. It was an honour to spend time with him just now and to pass on the thanks of people across NSW.”

Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns MP, said Ahmed had saved ‘countless lives’(Image: PA)

He added: “There is no doubt that more lives would have been lost if not for Ahmed’s selfless courage. Thank you, Ahmed.” This comes as Ahmed’s lawyer Alison Battisson tells CNN that her client, who is reportedly expecting his third child with his wife, currently lacks permanent legal status in Australia.

Ms Battisson remarked: “The government won’t give him a permanent visa. He has no right to stay here, yet he still ran forward to assist the Australian community.” She continued: “He comes from a country where you know when there is gunfire. He just knew he needed to run towards it to help stop it.”

The two gunmen have been identified as father and son, Sajid Akram, 50, and Naveed Akram, 24. The elder Akram was shot and killed by police officers at the beachfront, while the younger was overpowered and taken into custody

Do you have a story to share? Email me at julia.banim@reachplc.com

READ MORE: Bondi Beach shooting: Australian rugby left devastated as ‘absolute legend’ killed in attack



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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 202515 Dec 2025

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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



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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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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.

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.

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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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