Good morning. Police are pledging a thorough investigation into yesterday’s massacre at one of Australia’s most popular beaches. More on that below, along with updates on winter in Ukraine and flooding in B.C. Let’s get to it.
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Bystanders watch emergency responders at work after a mass shooting at Australia’s Bondi Beach on Sunday.Matthew Abbott/The New York Times
TOP STORYWorld reacts to Bondi Beach shooting
The latest: A celebration of the first night of Hanukkah turned to bloodshed yesterday when two men opened fire on a gathering at Sydney’s popular Bondi Beach. At least 15 people are dead and dozens wounded in what political leaders called a targeted attack on Jewish Australians. One gunman was fatally shot by police and the second, who was arrested, was in critical condition, authorities said.
Hailed as a hero: Video circulated on social media showing a bystander, identified by local media as 43-year-old fruit shop owner Ahmed al Ahmed, tackling and disarming an armed man during the attack.
International reaction: Countries expressed shock and sympathy, while Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the mass shooting “an act of evil antisemitism, terrorism, that has struck the hearts of our nation.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lashed out at Australia’s leader, saying he had warned Albanese against recognizing a Palestinian state.
Reaction at home: Canada’s Jewish community is reeling and calling on the government to take steps to protect their safety. Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was “horrified by the anti-Semitic terror attack.”
What’s next: Australian police on Monday said they were probing possible terrorism links to the attackers. Officials urged the community not to respond with further anger and hate.
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One of Kyiv’s central districts is pictured during a blackout on Dec. 11.Olga Ivashchenko/The Globe and Mail
WorldKyiv digs in for a war-weary winter
The latest: Kyiv is about to enter the fourth winter of war. There’s the whirlwind of events: rolling blackouts, air-raid alarms, explosions, U.S. negotiations, and a corruption scandal in the office of President Volodymyr Zelensky. Here’s a snapshot of what it was like to live in Kyiv during the first full week of cold and dark December.
What now: Ukraine has relinquished its aim to join the NATO military alliance in exchange for Western security guarantees as a compromise to end the war with Russia, Zelensky said Sunday as peace talks got under way in Berlin.
What’s next: Zelensky’s adviser Dmytro Lytvyn said the President would comment on the talks on Monday once they were completed.
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Eliana Bray, left, and Joanna Schlosser survey the scene at Niche Winery in Kelowna, B.C.Lyndsay Manyluk/The Globe and Mail
How We LiveA new generation of Indigenous tastemakers
The latest: A new generation of Indigenous winemakers, sommeliers and winery owners are reshaping the culture of wine in the Okanagan Valley. Nk’Mip Cellars was a pioneer in the industry, calling itself Canada’s first Indigenous-owned and operated winery. But today, new talent such as Cree sommelier and chef Eliana Bray is growing in the region. Some say discovering the art of wine has been a source of reclamation.
What’s next: Bray started Cree-ation Nation, merging her viticulture training with Cree customs. In January, she will begin crossing the valley in a food and wine-tasting trailer, pairing Indigenous dishes with local pinots and sparkling wines.
For the holidays: Our wine and spirits writer suggests nine cozy white wines to enjoy this winter.
British ColumbiaB.C. has lifted evacuation orders after floods
The latest: Drier conditions and receding waters allowed the City of Abbotsford to reopen a major highway and lift evacuation alerts for more than 1,000 properties over the weekend, but flood warnings remained. A portion of Highway 3 is still closed, with 21 sites seriously damaged by landslides, culvert blowouts and road washouts.
What’s next: Residents and farmers in the Fraser Valley are hoping for water levels to continue falling as they begin to take stock of the damage inflicted by floods. However, a second stormy weather system is expected to bring significant rainfall through the region into Monday.
TechnologyOttawa funds quantum computer developers
The latest: After watching Canada squander its early advantage in artificial intelligence, the federal government will unveil a program aimed at supporting key homegrown players in the emerging quantum computing space to ensure they stay here and become industry leaders.
What’s next: Today, Ottawa will announce the Canadian Quantum Champions Program, which commits up to $23-million apiece to four companies that have shown early promise in the field: Xanadu Quantum Technologies Inc. of Toronto; Montreal-based Anyon Systems Inc.; Photonic Inc., based in Coquitlam, B.C.; and Sherbrooke’s Nord Quantique.
BookmarkedBreaking news: Director Rob Reiner and wife Michele have been found dead in their Los Angeles homeLong read: An Irish town searches for truth as it digs for a long-suspected mass graveFollow up: CAF member accused of espionage had been in protracted dispute with military over disciplinary action For your finances: This year was easy for investors. Don’t expect a replay in 2026, Ian McGugan writesFor your fashion: The rise, fall and resurgence of the quarter-zip sweaterConversation starter: The Liberal government has cribbed from the Conservative playbook as opponents on the left and right have faltered. But in 2026, it may face new challenges – including a renewed oppositionThe Quote
I am autistic, but I didn’t know that back then. At the time, I only knew I was in trouble. Again.
— Brandy Schillace, a Cleveland-based historian and author
Americans with autism are being forced to hide their true selves again. But I refuse to pretend.
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photo illustration The Globe and Mail; source AP/GettyThe Globe and Mail
Canada’s fractured sports streaming landscape has even diehard fans feeling shut out. Check out a Globe interactive widget that helps you find where to watch the NHL, PWHL, MLB, NBA and CFL – and calculate how much it costs.
