A huge fire erupted at the Chevron oil refinery in El Segundo, Los Angeles, late Thursday, authorities confirmed. Videos showed bright flames and thick smoke rising into the night sky. Witnesses reported feeling blasts and hearing loud roars. California Governor Gavin Newsom has been briefed, and local and state agencies are coordinating to ensure safety. No injuries or evacuations have been reported so far. Traffic is being diverted away from the area. The refinery, built in 1911, processes about 276,000 barrels of crude daily and has its own fire department. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

At least 2 people were killed in Morocco after police opened fire to stop protesters from storming a police station in Lqliaa, near Agadir. The deaths mark the first since youth-led Gen Z protests began on Saturday, demanding better healthcare and education instead of new football stadiums for the 2030 World Cup. Demonstrators chanted, “Stadiums are here, but where are the hospitals?” Violence spread to Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier, and Marrakesh, with police and private vehicles torched. Over 400 people were detained. Authorities said 260 police officers and 20 protesters were injured. The government pledged dialogue with youth groups. (PC: AFP via Getty Images)

Police have named the two men killed in Thursday’s terror attack outside Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester. The victims were Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66. The suspect, 35-year-old Jihad al Shamie, a British citizen of Syrian descent, drove a car at the synagogue gates before stabbing people. Security staff stopped him from entering, and police shot him dead, fearing he carried explosives. Three others remain seriously injured. Greater Manchester Police said patrols near synagogues and Jewish areas will increase to reassure communities. Three people have been arrested on suspicion of terrorism-related offences. (PC: AP)

Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK) has erupted in violent protests, leaving at least 12 civilians dead and over 200 injured. Pakistani forces opened fire and used tear gas to disperse demonstrators in Muzaffarabad, Dheerkot, and Dadyal. Protesters, led by the Awami Action Committee, are demanding tax relief, cheaper flour and electricity, and the end of reserved assembly seats for refugees. Markets remain shut and communication services blocked. Slogans of “Kashmir is ours” echoed across towns, directly challenging Pakistan’s rule. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has formed a negotiation committee, while appeals for UN intervention highlight the region’s worsening humanitarian crisis. (PC: India Today)

Two people were killed and three others injured in a car ramming and stabbing outside a synagogue in Manchester, UK, on Yom Kippur. Greater Manchester Police declared the incident a terror attack. The suspect was shot by armed officers and is believed to be dead, though bomb experts are checking suspicious items on his body. The attack sparked fear among residents, with witnesses recalling loud bangs. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the assault was “horrific” and ordered extra police at synagogues nationwide. King Charles III also expressed sadness, calling the attack deeply shocking for the Jewish community.

Israel intercepted a flotilla carrying aid to Gaza and detained 443 activists, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg. The boats, part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, were stopped in international waters, which critics called illegal. Israel said the vessels violated its naval blockade. Colombia expelled Israeli diplomats and ended its trade deal with Israel, calling the act a “crime.” Amnesty International called the blockade unlawful, while protests erupted across Europe and Asia. Israel said all detainees are “safe and healthy.” The flotilla had sailed from Spain with food and medicine for Gaza, where UN reports confirm famine. (PC: BBC)

Eyewitnesses described scenes of shock and fear after a terror attack at the Heaton Park synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester, on Yom Kippur. Greater Manchester Police said two people were killed and three seriously injured when a car rammed pedestrians before the attacker began stabbing. The suspect was shot dead by armed police. Witnesses reported hearing “bang, bang,” sirens, and seeing chaos outside the synagogue. Locals said children and elderly were present early in the prayers, making the attack “horrendous.” Community members expressed fear and sadness, saying antisemitic hatred has been rising. Extra police have been deployed to protect synagogues nationwide. (PC: Reuters)

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer promised full support to the Jewish community after a terror attack outside a Manchester synagogue on Yom Kippur. Greater Manchester Police said two people were killed and three seriously injured when a car was driven at pedestrians and a man was stabbed near the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation in Crumpsall. The attacker was shot dead by police and the incident confirmed as terrorism. “Hatred is rising once again, and Britain must defeat it once again,” Starmer said. He vowed to “wrap our arms around the Jewish community” and ensure their safety and security. (PC: PA)

Police in the UK have declared the Manchester synagogue attack a terrorist incident. The attack happened during Yom Kippur at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation. A car rammed into people and a stabbing followed, leaving two people dead and three seriously injured. The suspected attacker, who had suspicious items strapped to his waist, was shot dead by armed officers after ignoring warnings. Two others have been arrested. Police believe they know the attacker’s identity but have not confirmed it. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said more police will be deployed at synagogues nationwide to protect the Jewish community. (PC: BBC)

On October 1, 2025, the Israeli Navy intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, detaining activists including Swedish climate advocate Greta Thunberg. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) released footage showing the vessels sprayed with water cannons. Israel labeled the flotilla as provocative and linked to Hamas, while organizers called the interception illegal, alleging ramming and communication interference during a peaceful mission. The incident sparked global outrage, with protests in Italy, Greece, Argentina, Tunisia, Colombia, and Mexico. Despite the interception, organizers vowed to continue highlighting Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, intensifying international attention and debate.