Watch: BBC asks Artemis II crew a question in space
Watch: BBC asks Artemis II crew a question in space
Rebecca Morelle, the BBC’s Science Editor, recently interviewed the four Artemis II astronauts during their return journey from a historic lunar fly-by, which set a new record for distance from Earth. As they prepare for splashdown on Saturday, the crew’s final communication with the BBC highlighted their experiences. Mission specialist Christina Koch shared that the most cherished aspect of the mission would be the “camaraderie” among the crew, likening their bond to that of siblings.
Legal Cases and Social Media Criticism
Jasveen Sangha received a 15-year prison sentence for drug-related actions that caused the death of actor Matthew Perry. Rex Heuermann admitted guilt in the murder of eight women killed between 1993 and 2010 on Long Island. These cases were discussed alongside growing concerns over tech giants, as a Los Angeles jury found that Meta and Google intentionally built addictive social media platforms that harm young people’s mental health.
“The camaraderie… as brothers and sisters,”
Meanwhile, a Tampa homeowner discovered a nine-foot alligator in his pool area, prompting police to remove it. A specialist later intervened to rescue the animal. At the same time, the annual ‘Great Marshmallow Drop’ saw over 15,000 fluffy treats fall from a helicopter, with children racing to collect them.
Political Rallies and Economic Sentiment
Large protests against the Trump administration occurred in multiple US cities, representing the third round of No Kings rallies. At the CPAC conference in Texas, conservative attendees showcased a divided perspective on the current state of the economy. The BBC’s Ione Wells engaged with demonstrators and attendees at the Supreme Court hearing regarding President Donald Trump’s executive order.
The former prosecutor has maintained a close association with President Trump, having previously defended him in a criminal hush-money case. Gary O’Donoghue of the BBC spoke with a farmer in Alabama who, despite significant financial strain, remains a steadfast supporter of the president. An art piece titled ‘A throne fit for a king’ was unveiled at the National Mall, serving as a commentary on Trump’s White House renovations.
Transport Delays and Airfield Incidents
The airport is currently facing some of the longest delays in the nation due to TSA agents working without pay during a partial government shutdown. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has been deployed to assist at US airports. The wreckage blocked access to one of two runways at the busy New York City airport, adding to the chaos.
BBC Verify analyzed the events leading up to the fatal collision with a fire truck at the New York airport. The yellow Labrador Retriever, Tessie, sustained no injuries during the fall or rescue and has since returned to her yard after crews addressed the sinkhole. The refinery operator Valero informed the BBC’s US news partner CBS that no injuries were reported in the incident.
Fame and Family
In her initial interview following her mother’s disappearance, Savannah Guthrie detailed the moment she realized her mother was missing and reflected on whether her celebrity status might have made her a target. The average gasoline price in the US has exceeded $4 for the first time since 2022, driven by the ongoing Iran conflict. Trump is hosting a summit on AI, education, and protecting kids in digital spaces.