VIDEO: After two years of imprisonment on terror charges, American pastor Andrew Brunson was released Oct. 12, 2018, by a Turkish court. Now home with his family, how does Pastor Brunson view his time in prison? VOA’s Turkish Service sat down with Pastor Brunson and his wife, Norine Brunson .

ON THIS DAY IN AMERICAN HISTORY On October 26, 1825 the Erie Canal opens. The canal linked the Great Lakes with the Atlantic Ocean via the Hudson River. Construction of the 584-kilometer canal began in August of 1825, and when it was completed, it was the second longest canal in the world. The economic impact of the canal was massive and caused settlers to pour into western New York and the upper Midwest. Today, the canal is mostly used by recreational boats, but some cargo does continue to pass through it.

Packages with explosive devices sent to news outlets and to prominent Democrats like former President Barack Obama and his former secretary of state, Hillary Clinton, highlight the challenges the U.S. Postal Service faces in responding to the threat of explosives and hazardous substances.

Japan and China took an important step Friday to elevate their relationship, marking what Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called a historic turning point in ties between the two Asian neighbors.

Americans are expected to spend about $9 billion on Halloween this year as they buy costumes, decorations, greeting cards and, of course, candy. Bulk candy dealer CandyStore.com looked through 11 years of data to come up with the favorite Halloween candy in each U.S. state .

VIDEO: Since the 20th century, submarine movies have reflected the times. World War II gave rise to nerve-wracking thrillers such as the German “Das Boot.” The Cold War gave us Tom Clancy’s “The Hunt for Red October” and “Crimson Tide.” Now, filmmaker Donovan Marsh gives us “Hunter-Killer,” which focuses on perils at sea and the delicate balance of power in the Post-Cold War era.