Hebron arrests and demolitions, Gulf energy costs, US SNAP enrollment

Israeli forces carry out arrests and demolitions in Hebron

Israeli forces carried out arrests and demolitions in Hebron after a 23 October attack. Residents told the Guardian they were ordered from homes later used by troops; the Israeli military said people left voluntarily. Hebron municipality estimates that 370 families left Ein Deir Baha, while the defence minister has made their return conditional on the military’s work.

In August, 10,977 patients in Wales waited at least 12 hours for ambulances

August figures show 10,977 patients in Wales waited at least 12 hours for an ambulance, down 6.3% from the previous month. Community responders can assess some patients without hospital transport; the Welsh government plans an emergency-care framework this autumn to improve access.

Saudi-led coalition says it intercepts missiles and a drone

The Saudi-led coalition says it intercepted Houthi missiles and a drone targeting Riyadh and southern Saudi Arabia. Saudi Civil Defence says interception debris wounded two people and damaged property, while Fortune says families in besieged Taiz have begun rationing water as grocery shortages drive up prices.

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SNAP enrollment drops by 5 million; state costs rise

US SNAP enrollment fell by about five million as states took on more administrative costs. Michigan’s food-bank council has temporarily suspended its helpline, and Feed Louisville says its daily supplies run out. A proposed delay to the next state funding increase still awaits congressional approval.

Gulf energy disruptions raise Europe’s costs ahead of winter

Gulf supply disruptions are raising Europe’s energy costs. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen put the extra fossil-fuel import bill at €106 billion on October 16; the US is pressing European governments to release emergency diesel stocks as one response.

Iowa pollution permits cover 4% of federally tracked livestock farms

Iowa has discharge permits for 162 of nearly 4,000 federally recognized livestock facilities. Central Iowa Water Works says it operated nitrate removal for nearly 200 days in 2026 and estimates full-capacity costs at $10,000 a day to meet drinking-water limits.

Cocaine deaths reach a record in England and Wales

Cocaine deaths have reached a record in England and Wales, with people over 40 accounting for more than half of deaths registered in 2025. Drug-market specialist Josh Torrance says earlier drug education and help accessing services could reduce future harm.

Weightlifting federation awards Moscow the 2030 world championships

The International Weightlifting Federation awards its 2030 championships to Moscow and its 2029 senior event to Ahmedabad, India. The decision follows the federation’s restoration of Russian athletes' eligibility four months earlier and gives competitors an Olympic qualifying event for Brisbane 2032.

Dakar rally organisers move 2027 event out of Saudi Arabia

Dakar organisers have decided to move the 2027 rally out of Saudi Arabia after seven consecutive editions there. They describe the change as one-off and say Saudi Arabia will host the rally’s 50th running in 2028.

SpaceX gains access to restricted US military orbital data

SpaceX gains enhanced access to a military catalogue used to track satellites and avoid collisions. The exchange supplements its own observations with more accurate military tracking, while giving the US government access to Stargaze sensors.