In an extraordinary feat of endurance and determination, British adventurers Jess Rowe and Miriam Payne have successfully completed a six-month, unsupported rowing journey from Peru to Australia. The duo shared their remarkable story with the BBC, detailing how they navigated the vast Pacific Ocean in a small boat, relying solely on their resourcefulness and resilience. Throughout the arduous expedition, they sustained themselves by catching fish and cultivating their own vegetables, showcasing their ability to adapt to the challenges of life at sea. This incredible journey not only highlights their physical and mental fortitude but also serves as an inspiring testament to human perseverance and the spirit of adventure.
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David Attenborough becomes oldest Daytime Emmy winner
Sir David Attenborough, the renowned naturalist and broadcaster, has made history by becoming the oldest recipient of a Daytime Emmy award at the age of 99. His documentary, ‘Secret Lives of Orangutans,’ earned him the accolade in the outstanding daytime personality, non-daily category. The Netflix production, which delves into the lives of orangutans in the jungles of Sumatra, Indonesia, also secured two additional awards for outstanding music direction and composition, as well as outstanding directing team for a single camera daytime non-fiction programme. Sir David surpassed the previous record held by actor Dick Van Dyke, who won at 98 in 2024. The 52nd annual Daytime Emmys ceremony took place in Pasadena, California, though Sir David, who is approaching his 100th birthday, was not present. With a career spanning over seven decades, Sir David has become a global icon in natural history programming, with notable works including ‘Life on Earth,’ ‘The Private Life of Plants,’ and ‘The Blue Planet.’ His recent film, ‘Ocean,’ underscores his commitment to biodiversity and climate change advocacy. Other winners at the event included ‘General Hospital’ for outstanding daytime drama series and Drew Barrymore for outstanding daytime talk series host.
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Louisiana resident assisted in Hamas 7 October attack, US says
A Louisiana resident, Mahmoud Amin Ya’qub al-Muhtadi, has been accused by US prosecutors of participating in the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, according to recently unsealed court documents. The 33-year-old allegedly armed himself and joined a paramilitary group that fought alongside Hamas during the assault, which resulted in approximately 2,000 deaths and 251 hostages. Since the attack, Israeli strikes in Gaza have reportedly killed over 67,900 people, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, whose data is considered reliable by the UN.
A year after the attack, al-Muhtadi allegedly entered the US on a fraudulent visa and obtained permanent residency. He now faces charges of providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization, as well as visa fraud and document misuse. The FBI complaint identifies him as an operative of the National Resistance Brigades, the military wing of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine. Court documents reveal that al-Muhtadi allegedly coordinated a group of armed fighters to infiltrate Israel during the attack, requesting weapons and ammunition. His phone was reportedly traced to a cell tower near Kibbutz Kfar Aza, a site of a massacre, hours after the attack began.
Al-Muhtadi denied involvement in terrorist activities on his US visa application. After arriving in the US, he lived in several locations before settling in Lafayette, Louisiana, where he worked in a local restaurant. Arrested on Thursday, he appeared in court on Friday, where he claimed innocence, stating through an interpreter, ‘Yes, but there are a lot of things mentioned here that are so false, I’m innocent.’ While the documents do not accuse him of specific killings, federal prosecutors have previously charged senior Hamas members with the deaths of American citizens during the October 7 attack.
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Fire breaks out on train in India’s Punjab, no casualties reported
A fire erupted in a coach of the Amritsar-Saharsa train at Sirhind Station in Punjab, India, early on Saturday, October 18, 2025. The incident prompted an immediate response from Indian railway staff, Government Railway Police (GRP), Railway Protection Force (RPF), and local police teams, who swiftly arrived at the scene. The fire was successfully extinguished, and no fatalities were reported, according to the Ministry of Railways. One passenger sustained minor injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire. Despite the incident, the train safely resumed its journey to its destination. The event has raised concerns about safety measures on Indian railways, though the quick response and absence of major casualties have been noted positively.
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Afghanistan pulls out of cricket series after it says Pakistan air strike killed local players
In a tragic turn of events, Afghanistan has announced its withdrawal from an upcoming tri-nation T20 cricket series following the deaths of three local players in an air strike. The Afghan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed the decision, citing respect for the victims, who were killed in what it described as an attack carried out by the Pakistani regime. The incident occurred on Friday evening in the Urgon district of eastern Paktika province, where the players were having dinner after a match. Eyewitnesses and local officials reported that the strike targeted a residential home, resulting in eight fatalities. Pakistan, however, denied targeting civilians, claiming the operation was aimed at militants. The ACB identified the deceased players as Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon, labeling their deaths as a significant loss for Afghanistan’s sports community. The attack coincided with the expiration of a temporary truce between Afghanistan and Pakistan, which had been in place following deadly border clashes. Pakistan stated that the strike targeted Afghan militants, with at least 70 combatants killed. Meanwhile, Afghan national team captain Rashid Khan and other players paid heartfelt tributes to the victims, calling the attack a ‘heinous crime.’ The incident has further strained relations between the two nations, even as peace talks continue in Doha, Qatar, with both sides seeking to resolve cross-border tensions.
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Pakistan state television announces talks in Qatar with Afghanistan
In a significant development, Pakistan’s state television has announced that high-level talks between Pakistani and Afghan officials are scheduled to take place in Qatar. This announcement comes in the wake of escalating tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, which saw Islamabad conducting air strikes inside Afghan territory. The strikes resulted in the deaths of at least 10 individuals and disrupted a fragile two-day ceasefire that had temporarily eased hostilities in the region. The Pakistani delegation, led by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and intelligence chief General Asim Malik, is set to engage with representatives of the Afghan Taliban in Doha. The talks aim to address the recent surge in violence and explore avenues for de-escalation. The border region has long been a flashpoint for conflict, with both nations accusing each other of harboring militant groups. The upcoming dialogue in Qatar is seen as a critical step toward restoring stability and preventing further loss of life. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis.
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Sharjah warns of Dh2,000 fine for unauthorised camping, bumps up security
As the winter season approaches, drawing thousands of residents and tourists to Sharjah’s desert and open areas for camping, authorities have announced stringent measures to ensure public safety and environmental protection. Unauthorized camping will now incur a fine of Dh2,000, which will double for repeat offenders. These fines are integrated into the Ministry of Interior’s system and must be settled during vehicle registration renewals. To enforce these regulations, the Sharjah Central Region Police Department has deployed comprehensive security measures across key desert areas, including Al Badayer, Al Faya, and Mleiha. Police patrols, supported by rescue units and a dedicated operations room, have been active since early October to respond swiftly to emergencies, locate lost campers, and provide first aid. Authorities have also established checkpoints to monitor compliance and detect unlicensed drivers, while barbed wire fencing has been installed along major desert roads to prevent accidents involving stray animals. Campers are warned against irresponsible behaviors such as reckless off-road driving, loud music, and creating disturbances, which could lead to serious accidents or injuries. The police emphasized that these measures aim not only to maintain order but also to protect Sharjah’s fragile desert environment. By adhering to safety guidelines and preserving natural habitats, residents and visitors can contribute to a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable winter camping experience.
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Work begins to restore power to Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant
KYIV, Ukraine — Efforts to restore the damaged power supply to Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant have commenced, according to Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The repairs aim to end a precarious four-week outage during which the plant relied on backup generators. Grossi emphasized the importance of restoring off-site power, describing it as ‘crucial for nuclear safety and security.’
In a rare display of cooperation, Russian and Ukrainian forces established special ceasefire zones to facilitate the safe execution of repairs. Grossi commended both sides for their constructive engagement with the IAEA, enabling the complex repair plan to proceed. Ukrainian Energy Minister Svitlana Grynchuk confirmed the involvement of Ukrainian specialists in restoring power lines to the plant. She highlighted the plant’s stable operation and connection to the Ukrainian power grid as essential to preventing a nuclear incident. This marks the 42nd time since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022 that power lines to the plant have required restoration.
The Zaporizhzhia plant, Europe’s largest nuclear power station, has been operating on diesel backup generators since September 23, when its last external power line was severed in attacks. Both Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of responsibility for the attacks. Although the plant is under Russian control and not in service, it requires reliable power to cool its six shutdown reactors and spent fuel, averting potential catastrophic nuclear incidents.
Meanwhile, the conflict continues to escalate elsewhere in Ukraine. Ukraine’s Air Force reported that Russia launched three missiles and 164 drones overnight, with Ukrainian forces successfully intercepting 136 of the drones. In the Zarichny district of Sumy, northeast Ukraine, two women aged 51 and 53 were injured after Russian drones targeted a gas station, according to local officials. On the other side, Russia’s Ministry of Defense claimed its air defenses had shot down 41 Ukrainian drones overnight.
For ongoing coverage of the war in Ukraine, visit AP’s dedicated hub at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine.
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Trump extends tariff relief on imported auto parts, formalises truck duties
In a significant move impacting the automotive industry, former US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday, October 18, 2025, extending tariff relief on imported vehicle parts while formalizing new duties on medium and heavy-duty trucks. The order prolongs the 3.75-percent offset program for automakers until 2030, maintaining the percentage without reductions. Simultaneously, a 25-percent tariff on imported trucks and their parts will take effect starting November 1, 2025. This decision follows a Section 232 investigation initiated earlier this year to assess the national security implications of truck imports. Trump has frequently utilized such probes, authorized under the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, to impose tariffs aimed at bolstering domestic manufacturing and addressing perceived trade imbalances. The automotive sector, alongside steel and aluminum industries, has been a focal point of these measures. The extension of the offset program is seen as a continuation of Trump’s April 2025 initiative to ease tariff burdens on US automakers. Under this program, companies importing parts for vehicles assembled in the US can offset 3.75 percent of a vehicle’s list price, a benefit now secured until 2030. Additionally, a similar offset framework is being established for medium and heavy-duty trucks, also extending through 2030. While the new tariff regime imposes steep duties on imported trucks, certain favorable treatments under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) will remain. For instance, trucks qualifying for USMCA benefits will only face the 25-percent tariff on non-US content. However, imported buses will not receive such favorable treatment and will be subject to a 10-percent tariff. The trade pressures have already impacted Mexico, with its heavy vehicle exports to the US declining by nearly 26 percent year-on-year from January to August 2025. Canada and Mexico continue to negotiate with Washington to mitigate the effects of these tariffs.
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Deference and disappointment as Zelensky leaves White House empty-handed
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s high-stakes visit to the White House ended in disappointment as he failed to secure the much-needed American long-range Tomahawk missiles. The meeting, described by Zelensky as ‘pointed,’ starkly contrasted with the optimism his delegation had harbored before their arrival in Washington. Just hours before landing, news broke of a two-and-a-half-hour phone call between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, followed by an announcement of an upcoming summit between the two leaders. This development cast a shadow over Zelensky’s visit, leaving Ukrainian hopes for decisive U.S. support unfulfilled.
Trump, who had previously expressed frustration with Putin, now appeared confident that the Russian leader was ready to negotiate. ‘I think he wants to make a deal,’ Trump stated, framing the conflict as a personal dispute rather than a geopolitical crisis. Zelensky, cautious not to challenge Trump directly, praised the U.S. president’s peacemaking efforts but made it clear that he did not share Trump’s trust in Putin’s intentions. ‘We understand that Putin is not ready,’ Zelensky said.
The meeting concluded with Trump suggesting that the war be frozen along existing battle lines, a proposal that falls short of Ukraine’s demands for security guarantees and military aid. For Ukraine and its allies, the conflict is not a personal grievance but a war of aggression by an authoritarian state with imperial ambitions. The absence of U.S. commitments leaves Ukraine to continue its fight against Russia, relying on its own resilience and determination.
In Kyiv, residents expressed mixed feelings about the outcome of the talks. Volodymyr Tsepovatenko, a shop owner repairing damage from recent missile strikes, warned that any peace deal now would only allow Russia to prepare for future aggression. Oleksandr Vilko, whose car was destroyed in the attacks, emphasized that Ukraine’s fate ultimately lies in the hands of its army. ‘With or without [Tomahawks], Ukrainians will fight on,’ he said. Despite the challenges, Ukraine remains steadfast in its resolve to defend its sovereignty and freedom.