Sydney holds moment of silence on New Year's for Bondi Beach victims

A celebratory moment turned more somber as Australia welcomed 2026.

Ahead of Sydney's festivities to ring in the New Year, attendees held a moment of silence to remember the victims of the Bondi Beach shooting, in which two gunmen fatally shot 15 people and wounded 40 others at the Sydney Jewish festival at the popular beach on Dec. 14.

At 11 p.m. local time on Dec. 31, the Sydney crowd was watching a fireworks display over the Harbor Bridge when a menorah was projected onto the structure's pylons along with the words "peace" and "unity." In response, those in attendance held up their phone flashlights in solidarity.

An hour later, the city rang in the New Year with a spectacular fireworks display. The show, titled "Calling Country," was dedicated to the country's Indigenous history.

Thousands of armed police officers were present at the event to ensure its safety following the attack.

Watch the moment of silence at the top of this story.

In this aerial view, members of the Bondi community paddle and swim into the ocean and form a circle to pay respect during a Paddle Out to honour victims, survivors and first responders of the December 14th Bondi Shootings on December 19, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. At least 16 people, including one suspected gunman, were killed and more than 40 others injured when two attackers opened fire near a Hanukkah celebration at the world-famous Bondi Beach, in what authorities have declared a terrorist incident. The government is moving to tighten gun laws across the country.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Maddy and Rani embrace as hundreds participate in a paddle-out and swim during sunrise at Bondi Beach to honor the victims of the Bondi Beach mass shooting from December 14, on December 19, 2025 in Sydney, Australia.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Hundreds participate in a paddle-out and swim during sunrise at Bondi Beach to honor the victims of the Bondi Beach mass shooting from December 14, on December 19, 2025 in Sydney, Australia.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> In this aerial view, members of the Bondi community paddle and swim into the ocean and form a circle to pay respect during a Paddle Out to honour victims, survivors and first responders of the December 14th Bondi Shootings on December 19, 2025 in Sydney, Australia.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> In this aerial view, members of the Bondi community paddle and swim into the ocean to pay respect during a Paddle Out to honour victims, survivors and first responders of the December 14th Bondi Shootings on December 19, 2025 in Sydney, Australia.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Hundreds participate in a paddle-out and swim during sunrise at Bondi Beach to honor the victims of the Bondi Beach mass shooting from December 14, on December 19, 2025 in Sydney, Australia.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> People watch as hundreds participate in a paddle-out and swim during sunrise at Bondi Beach to honor the victims of the Bondi Beach mass shooting from December 14, on December 19, 2025 in Sydney, Australia.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> A father and son from the Cussen family participate in a paddle-out and swim during sunrise at Bondi Beach to honor the victims of the Bondi Beach mass shooting from December 14, on December 19, 2025 in Sydney, Australia.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Mish, right, embraces her friend, Ingrid, as hundreds participate in a paddle-out and swim during sunrise at Bondi Beach to honor the victims of the Bondi Beach mass shooting from December 14, on December 19, 2025 in Sydney, Australia.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

See the massive heart surfers formed to honor the Bondi Beach victims

In this aerial view, members ofthe Bondi communitypaddle and swim into the ocean and form a circle to pay respect during a Paddle Out to honour victims, survivors and first responders of the December 14th Bondi Shootings on December 19, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. At least 16 people, including one suspected gunman, were killed and more than 40 others injured when two attackers opened fire near a Hanukkah celebration at the world-famous Bondi Beach, in what authorities have declared a terrorist incident. The government is moving to tighten gun laws across the country.

Details on the Bondi Beach attack

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese promised the country would crack down on hate speech following the attack. The youngest of the 15 victims was a 10-year-old girl named Matilda, who was laid to rest earlier this month. The eldest victim was 87-year-old Holocaust survivor Alex Kleytman.

Speaking at the service honoring the girl's life, Rabbi Yehoram Ulman said: "The tragic, so totally cruel, unfathomable murder of young Matilda is something to all of us as if our own daughter was taken from us. Matilda grew up like a child would, loving what children love. She loved the outdoors, animals. She went to school, she had friends, everybody loved her."

The two men suspected of carrying out the attack are 50-year-old Sajid Akram, who was killed exchanging gunfire with police, and his 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram. Authorities have said the attack appears to have been inspired by the Islamic State.

Michelle Del Rey is a trending news reporter at USA TODAY. Reach her at mdelrey@usatoday.com

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Sydney goes silent on New Year's for Bondi Beach victims

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December 31, 2025

Sydney holds moment of silence on New Year's for Bondi Beach victims

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New Year's Day rain expected in LA County. Pasadena isn't spared

Another storm system has Los Angelenos and Rose Bowl Parade attendees bracing for more rain as New Year's Eve stands to be yet another wet holiday in Southern Californian this season.

It comes after an atmospheric river battered the region. Downtown Los Angeles saw its wettest Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in 54 years, the National Weather Service Los Angeles previously said. Meanwhile, San Bernardino County communities likeWrightwood and Lytle Creekwere inundated with flooding and debris flows as officials geared up for this round of rain.

It's because of the recent wet weather that forecasters say almost all rainfall will become runoff, leading to flooding even with less rain amounts otherwise typical. There's also "an enhanced risk" of rockslides and mudslides across canyon roadways, urban flooding and small debris flows around recent wildfire burn scars, according to the NWS Los Angeles.

The Los Angeles Police Department is contacting residents at especially vulnerable properties, Mayor Karen Bass said early Wednesday, Dec. 31. Already, evacuation warnings are in place for burn scars like the Palisades and Eaton fires.

It comes as the long-standing Rose Parade in Pasadena is expected to see rain — afirst in recent history.

But the rain isn't ending on New Year's Day, at least according to forecasts as of the morning of Dec. 31.

Here's what to know.

From a short-lived tornado warning to flooding, Southern Californians' Christmas Eve is being shaped by the weather amid an atmospheric river that officials have warned about for days.

People sit on the roof of a building while they are stranded during floods partially submerging the surrounding area in the aftermath of torrential rains, in San Bernardino County, California, U.S. December 24, 2025 in this screengrab obtained from a social media video.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

Strong atmospheric river brings floods, snow, high winds to California

From a short-lived tornado warning to flooding,Southern Californians' Christmas Eve is being shaped by the weather amid an atmospheric riverthat officials have warned about for days.People sit on the roof of a building while they are stranded during floods partially submerging the surrounding area in the aftermath of torrential rains, in San Bernardino County, California, U.S. December 24, 2025 in this screengrab obtained from a social media video.

What time is the rain supposed to come? See forecast for Los Angeles County

While rain is expected to gradually increase throughout Dec. 31, rainfall intensities aren't expected to be "too problematic" through the evening, according to the NWS Los Angeles, which covers Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.

Rain is forecast to be the heaviest come the night of New Year's Eve and into New Year's Day. During the peak of the storm, the highest amount of rainfall in the valleys is expected to occur near foothills, and that includes Pasadena, said the NWS Los Angeles.

Latest details on the stormy week ahead. HAVE A SAFE HOLIDAY: Avoid the roads as much as possible Wednesday Night through Thursday. DO NOT try to drive through any road covered with water. Stay away from streams and rivers, especially if camping in the mountains #cawx#larainpic.twitter.com/SW6PBNF7x0

— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles)December 30, 2025

Is it going to rain in Pasadena on New Year's Day? See Rose Parade forecast

The NWS Los Angeles is expecting moderate to heavy rainfall for Pasadena on New Year's Day, Jan. 1, with the heaviest rainfall and the chance of a thunderstorm for New Year's Day morning, according to Rich Thompson, meteorologist with the NWS office.

The Rose Parade is from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 1.

Is it going to rain on New Year's Day in LA County?

Los Angeles County is likely going to have a rainy afternoon on New Year's Day, according to the NWS Los Angeles.

How much rain are we going to get in LA County? See forecast

A forecast through 4 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 3 from theCalifornia Nevada River Forecast Centershows Los Angeles could see between 1.5 to 2 inches of rain through this period. Swaths of the county, based on the forecast, are generally expecting more than 1.5 inches of rain as well.

See the rain forecast into the weekend for parts of SoCal

During the day Friday, Jan. 2, the chance of rain is 30% to 50% for Los Angeles County. Those chances grow come nighttime.

More generally, the NWS Los Angeles is forecasting widespread rain for Saturday, Jan. 3. The following two days, Jan. 4-5, aren't expected to have widespread, continuous rain and will be mostly cloudy with periods of rain.

See flood watches, evacuation warnings for Los Angeles County

A flood watch is in effect the evening of Wednesday, Dec. 31 through the evening of Jan. 1 for a swath of Southern California, including Los Angeles County beaches, Malibu, downtown Los Angeles, the San Gabriel Valley and the Santa Clarita Valley, according to the NWS Los Angeles.

Malibu hasan evacuation warningfor the Palisades burn area beginning at 11 a.m. Dec. 31 due to mud and debris flows from the incoming rain. It's among other burn scar regions under evacuation warnings in the county, including the Eaton Fire burn scar area.

Residents of Los Angeles County can view a map of where evacuation warnings are in place atlacounty.gov/emergencyor through the map below.

Paris Barraza is a reporter covering Los Angeles and Southern California for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her atpbarraza@usatodayco.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:See rain forecast for LA County, Rose Parade on New Year's Day

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New Year's Day rain expected in LA County. Pasadena isn't spared

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Couple Married for Over 30 Years Found Dead by Son While Vacationing in the Dominican Republic

Alain Noël/Facebook

NEED TO KNOW

• The son of a Canadian couple found his parents dead inside their vacation home in the Dominican Republic on Dec. 26, their family said

• Alain Noël, 56, and Christine Sauvé, 55, were married for more than 30 years and planned to retire to the Caribbean country, according to their niece

• The niece also said her aunt and uncle were not feeling well prior to their deaths, and the aunt even visited a local hospital after fainting

A couple who were married for over three decades was found dead in the Dominican Republic.

Family said the son of Alain Noël, 56, and Christine Sauvé, 55, found the bodies of his parents inside the Canadian couple's vacation home on Friday, Dec. 26, according toRadio-Canadaand Canadian newspaperCoast Reporter.

The residence is located in the El Indio Village residential complex in Villa Riva, Dominican newspaperEl Nacionalreported.

Patricia Sauvé said her aunt Christine experienced dizziness in the days before her death, according toCoast Reporter. The niece claimed her aunt had visited a hospital on Thursday, Dec. 25, after she fainted, but was released a short time later.

Additionally, Patricia said her uncle Alain mentioned he did not feel well. However, she added, both he and his wife felt well enough to FaceTime family members on the holiday.

During that call, Patricia said the couple seemed joyful and were joking around. Nothing seemed seriously wrong, she added.

"It's unimaginable, two people who die at the same time," Sauvé told the newspaper. "We absolutely don't understand what's happening, hence the family's incomprehension, hence the numerous questions."

Patricia claimed Alain and Christine "were a really happy couple" who had been married for 30 years. They planned to retire to the Dominican Republic, she added.

Gilles Sauvé Jr., Christine's brother, told Radio-Canada that his sister was expected to undergo additional testing on the same day she and her husband were found dead. He has since traveled to the Dominican Republic to begin tying up loose ends.

"Everything is closed, including the embassies. We're trying to get things done, but everything is progressing very slowly," Gilles explained in French. "Even in Quebec, we can't begin the process until we have the death certificate here in the Dominican Republic."

Authorities recovered the couple's bodies and sent them to the National Institute of Forensic Sciences in Santo Domingo, where autopsies will be performed, according to the Dominican websiteDiario Libre.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Global Affairs Canada also confirmed the couple's deaths in a statement toGlobal News.

"GAC expresses its condolences to the family and loved ones," the organization stated. "Canadian officials are providing consular assistance and are in contact with local authorities to gather more information. Due to privacy considerations, no further information can be disclosed."

An investigation into the couple's deaths is ongoing.

PEOPLE has reached out to Global Affairs Canada for comment.

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Couple Married for Over 30 Years Found Dead by Son While Vacationing in the Dominican Republic

Alain Noël/Facebook NEED TO KNOW The son of a Canadian couple found his parents dead inside their vacation home in the Dominican Republic...

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Travis Kelce Says Taylor Swift Gave Him the 'Best' Christmas Gift But Refuses to Share It: 'We're Trying to Keep in House'

Travis Kelce/Instagram

NEED TO KNOW

• Travis Kelce said his fiancée, Taylor Swift, got him his favorite Christmas gift this year

• But the NFL star opted not to share what the gift was on the Dec. 31 episode of his podcast, New Heights, noting the couple was trying to keep it "in house"

• The couple are currently in the midst of planning their wedding after announcing their engagement in August

Travis Kelceisn't letting anything private out of the vault!

The 36-year-old Kansas City Chiefs tight end reflected on his favorite Christmas gift this year, sharing that it, of course, came from his bride-to-be,Taylor Swift.

"The best gift that I got was from Taylor, but it gives away things that we're trying to keep in house, so not gonna say it," the NFL star teased on the Wednesday, Dec. 31 episode of he and brotherJason Kelce'sNew Heightspodcast.

He added that Taylor's younger brother,Austin Swift, "got me a great gift as well," also opting not to share what his future brother-in-law picked for him.

Jason called out the fact that "the Swifts are good gift givers," and Travis agreed, adding, "They are great gift givers."

Bruce Bennett/Getty

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Travispreviously opened upabout the best gift he's ever gotten for the "So High School" singer, during the Christmas Eve episode ofNew Heights.

"I will say one of Tay's favorite gifts that I got her was the bread slicer," Travis told Jason and his wife,Kylie, who was that episode's guest.

"[I bought it] because she's been throwing together so much f---ing sourdough," Travis joked of Taylor's knownsourdough bread obsession.

Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce

Travis and Taylor announced theirengagementin August after more than two years together. The couple have been keeping their plans under wraps, but asource recently told PEOPLEthat they are "equally involved" in the preparations for their big day.

"When it comes to wedding planning, nothing feels rushed or one-sided," a source exclusively told PEOPLE earlier this month. "They're both equally involved and excited, and this isn't something one or the other is carrying on their own. They're approaching it as a partnership, talking things through together and enjoying the process in a way that feels natural to them."

Perry Knotts/Getty

However, all the details are likely to be kept under wraps, with another source previously telling PEOPLE that the A-listers plan to keep their celebrations private.

"It willdefinitely be a private affairand not a spectacle," the source explained in September. "They both have a close circle of friends, and they'll respect their privacy."

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Travis Kelce Says Taylor Swift Gave Him the 'Best' Christmas Gift But Refuses to Share It: 'We're Trying to Keep in House'

Travis Kelce/Instagram NEED TO KNOW Travis Kelce said his fiancée, Taylor Swift, got him his favorite Christmas gift this year But the NF...

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How Did Betty White Die? Inside the “Golden Girls” Star's Final Days (and Her Touching Last Words)

Bryan Bedder/Getty

NEED TO KNOW

• Betty White died on Dec. 31, 2021

• Her cause of death was later revealed to be a stroke, which she had suffered from six days before her death

• The actress was 99 when she died, and only days away from becoming a centenarian

Betty Whitedied an icon.

The Emmy-winning actress, comedian and producer was about to celebrate her 100th birthday when shedied in her sleepon Dec. 31, 2021. Her agent and close friend,Jeff Witjas, echoed what many of her fans felt after learning about her passing: "Even though Betty was about to be 100, I thought she would live forever. I will miss her terribly."

According to her death certificate, White died from a cerebrovascular accident, which is more commonly known as a stroke. A source told PEOPLE that she had suffered "a mild stroke" six days before she died.

At the time of her death, theGolden Girlsstar had been gearing up for her 100th birthday on Jan. 17, and had opened up to PEOPLE just weeks earlier about how she felt about reaching that milestone age.

"I'm so luckyto be in such good health and feel so good at this age," White said in December 2021, later joking that her secret to longevity was to "avoid anything green."

So, how did Betty White die? Here's everything to know about the actress's death, including what her last words were.

How did Betty White die?

Brendan Hoffman/Getty

White died of natural causes. Days after Witjas told PEOPLE that the actress "died peacefully in her sleep at her home" in the early morning hours of Dec. 31, 2021, her cause of death was revealed to be from a stroke she had suffered six days earlier.

Though Witjas said the actress was "under a doctor's care" during her final years, she was only "being careful with COVID." No other prior illnesses had been reported, and Witjas denied the rumors that White died from a COVID-19 booster shot, confirming that she had not received it days before she died as was being reported.

"People are saying her death was related to getting a booster shot three days earlier, butthat is not true," her agent said in January 2022. "She died of natural causes. Her death should not be politicized — that is not the life she lived."

Where did Betty White die?

Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic

TheHot in Clevelandactress died ather homein Brentwood, Calif., a neighborhood in Los Angeles. White lived there for over 50 years, and had purchased the five-bedroom, six-bathroom, 3,000-square-foot home in 1968 with her late husband,Allen Ludden.

"[She] was really simply spending each day at her home," Witjas told PEOPLE. "She didn't go out."

The house sold for $10.5 million in May 2022 and wasdemolishedless than a year before the first anniversary of her death.

How old was Betty White when she died?

Frank Carroll/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

Born on Jan. 17, 1922, in Oak Park, Ill., White was 99 years old when she died. The animal lover and activist spoke frequently about her thoughts on aging and longevity, always noting that perspective was key.

"I have no fear or dread of death," she said during an October 2012TimesTalks conversation. "I'm happy as a lark to stay around as long as I can."

White credited her mother for passing on what she called "a wonderful approach to death."

"She always thought of it as ... 'We know we have managed to find out almost anything that exists, but nobody knows ... what happens at that moment when it's over,' " the actress explained. "And she said, 'It's the one secret that we don't know.' So whenever we would lose somebody very close and very dear, she would always say, 'Well, now he knows the secret.' And it took the curse off of it somehow."

What were Betty White's last words?

D Dipasupil/FilmMagic

Vicki Lawrence— who costarred with White onThe Carol Burnett ShowandMama's Family— toldE! News'Daily Popin January 2022 that the actress's final words were a call to her late husband.

"[Carol Burnett] texted me back and she said that she spoke to Betty's assistant who was with her when she died," Lawrence said. "Her assistant said the last word out of her mouth was 'Allen.' She said, 'How sweet and loving is that?' "

The actress added, "I said, 'It's so sweet and so loving and, god, I hope it's true.' "

White and Ludden, a popular TV game show host, were married for nearly 20 years before hedied of stomach canceron June 9, 1981. The actress never remarried, tellingAnderson Cooperin a 2011 CNN interview: "I had the love of my life. If you've had the best, who needs the rest?"

What was the public's reaction to Betty White's death?

ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty

News of White's death resulted in an outpouring of love from the actress's fans and Hollywood peers, whom many dubbed a "national treasure."

"The world looks different now,"Ryan Reynolds, who starred inThe Proposalwith White in 2009, wrote onX. "She was great at defying expectation. She managed to grow very old and somehow, not old enough. We'll miss you, Betty."

PresidentJoe Bidenand First LadyDr. Jill Bidenalso addressed the entertainer's death, calling her "a lovely lady," per aCNNreporter. Despite the nearly unanimous praise and affection she inspired, Witjas said she was often taken aback by just how deeply she was cherished.

"Every time I told her, 'Betty, you're loved,' she would look at me with a wry smile and say, 'Really?' " he told PEOPLE. "I hope she knew. I think she did. It was something beyond love."

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How Did Betty White Die? Inside the “Golden Girls” Star's Final Days (and Her Touching Last Words)

Bryan Bedder/Getty NEED TO KNOW Betty White died on Dec. 31, 2021 Her cause of death was later revealed to be a stroke, which she had suf...

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Travis Barker’s 20-Year-Old Daughter Defends Him For Buying Her Lingerie For Christmas

Alabama Barker is clapping back at the critics who slammed her dad, Travis Barker, for gifting her lingerie for Christmas.

In aTikTok videoposted Monday, Alabama, the daughter of the Blink-182 drummer and his ex-wife Shanna Moakler, accused her nearly 6 million followers of trying to make her dad's gift to her "a thing" after the rocker faced backlash online.

Buzz:Mel Gibson, 69, Separates From Longtime Partner, 35, After 9 Years

"Hold on, I have to go on a ******* rant. Why the **** are you guys trying to make this lingerie thing a thing. It's never going to be a thing, Gretchen," she began in the clip, apparently referencing the 2004 film "Mean Girls."

The 20-year-old went on to re-clarify that her stepmom, Kourtney Kardashian Barker, was the person who actually selected the intimate clothing items for her. The reality star and Barker tied the knot in 2022.

"You think my dad's like, 'I'm going to pick out my daughter lingerie'? No. It was on my Christmas list and he wanted to make it happen for me, so he let Kourtney go pick out the lingerie," she continued. "God forbid a girl wanted cute panties and bras. Literally leave me alone."

Alabama added, "I'm literally never going to do another Christmas haul. I hate you guys."

The social media personality's remarks came after her initial Dec. 27 Christmas haulTikTok video, in which she gushed that her "dad went a little crazy at Agent Provocateur" as she showed off numerous corsets and undergarments, caused a stir online. In the clip, she also revealed several other luxury gifts that she received from other family members.

After a TikTok user commented on her follow-up video that "they better not never do Mr. Barker like that again," Alabama doubled down on defending her dad, writing back, "Right don't play with him."

Buzz:Kim Kardashian Asks For 'Grace' After North's Controversial Outfit Choices

Reps for Travis Barker did not respond to a HuffPost request for comment.

In November 2023, a then-17-year-old Alabama wascondemnedby online critics for donning a skin-tight dress that showed off her stomach and décolletage.

The singer defended herself in herInstagram stories, writing, "Let's stop getting mad on my page that you felt the need to oversexualize me and have a problem with it."

She added: "I'm not going to wear long sleeves, etc., to make the internet not sexualize the body I was born with. If you have a problem, unfollow me."

Related...

• Shanna Moakler Reveals She And Ex Travis Barker 'Don't Speak Anymore'

• Kourtney Kardashian Reveals She Caught COVID After Making Out With Travis Barker

• Travis Barker's Teen Daughter Shuts Down 'Delusional' Plastic Surgery Rumors

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Travis Barker’s 20-Year-Old Daughter Defends Him For Buying Her Lingerie For Christmas

Alabama Barker is clapping back at the critics who slammed her dad, Travis Barker, for gifting her lingerie for Christmas...

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Sydney sends message of peace for New Year's after Bondi terror attack

Sydney has welcomed the New Year with a message of peace following the Bondi Beach mass shooting, as huge crowds gathered to watch the city's annual fireworks display.

The words peace and unity were projected onto the Sydney Harbour Bridge, as thousands of heavily armed police officers patrolled the streets - a rare and stark sight in Australia - as part of heightened security measures.

New South Wales (NSW) Police said more than 2,500 officers were on duty across the city, and some officers were authorised to carry high-grade weapons.

The attack on 14 December targeted Australia's Jewish community and killed 15 people at a Hanukkah festival.

• Follow live coverage from New Year's celebrations around the world

The Sydney Harbour Bridge was lit up by a white light to symbolise peace, and a Jewish menorah was projected on to the pylons of the bridge to show solidarity with the Jewish community.

Official New Year's Eve parties were paused at 23:00 local time (12:00 GMT) for a minute's silence to commemorate the victims of the attack.

Pictures from Sydney Harbour - where thousands gather every year to watch the famous fireworks display - showed officers patrolling the crowds with longarm weapons.

In the lead up to the event, Premier Chris Minns had warned that some people may find the sight "confronting", with police "carrying firearms and weapons that you haven't seen before".

"But I don't make any apology for that. We want people to be safe in our community," he added.

British tourists Joe and Lucy said the increased police presence reassured them.

The pair - who timed their Australia trip to coincide with the fireworks - were in Melbourne when the shooting occurred.

"We had our worries about coming for New Year's Eve," Joe told the BBC, adding, "but we were reading more recently in the news... how more police were going to be here, it would be a bit safer".

Separately, Minns had urged Sydneysiders to not let the "horrible criminal terrorist event" at Bondi change the way they live, as he called on people to "show defiance" and celebrate the new year.

This sentiment was shared by some of the spectators.

Out among the crowds at Barangaroo's Observatory Hill, a close spot to the Sydney Harbour Bridge, was Hélène from Belgium.

She told the BBC people "cannot live in fear" following the attack.

Hours ahead of the countdown, hundreds of thousands of people flocked towards the harbour, with many official viewing areas filling to capacity by early evening.

On the harbour, sailboats dotted the water - one of the best spots to watch the midnight fireworks display.

Sydney's celebration - with its iconic fireworks display - kicked off a chain of events, from Dubai, to London and New York.

Additional reporting by Harry Sekulich

• Alleged Bondi gunmen acted alone and did not train in the Philippines, police say

• Bondi bravery: Lifeguards, a 'superhero' mum and a couple who died fighting

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Sydney sends message of peace for New Year's after Bondi terror attack

Sydney has welcomed the New Year with a message of peace following the Bondi Beach mass shooting, as huge crowds gathered to watch the city...

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