Watch: BBC asks Artemis II crew a question in space

Watch: BBC asks Artemis II crew a question in space

BBC Science Editor Rebecca Morelle recently spoke with the four Artemis II astronauts as they returned to Earth following a record-breaking lunar flyby. This mission marked their farthest journey from the planet, and their final communication from the capsule before landing featured reflections on the experience.

“I’ll miss the sense of unity we shared,” said mission specialist Christina Koch, emphasizing the close bonds formed among the crew members. “It felt like being part of a family.”

Meanwhile, in unrelated news, Jasveen Sangha received a 15-year prison sentence for distributing drugs linked to the death of actor Matthew Perry. Rex Heuermann admitted guilt in the murder of eight women on Long Island, whose lives were lost between 1993 and 2010.

In Tampa, a homeowner discovered a nine-foot alligator lounging in his pool area, prompting police to intervene and remove the reptile. At the “Great Marshmallow Drop” event, over 15,000 fluffy treats were launched from a helicopter, delighting children who scrambled to collect them.

The former prosecutor has maintained a consistent alliance with President Trump, having defended him in the criminal hush-money case. During a Supreme Court hearing on Trump’s executive order, BBC’s Ione Wells engaged with protesters and attendees, capturing their diverse perspectives.

Meanwhile, the U.S. average gas price exceeded $4 for the first time since 2022, driven by ongoing tensions with Iran. In Alabama, a farmer shared his continued support for Trump despite financial strain, as reported by BBC’s Gary O’Donoghue.

Political commentary also highlighted the installation “A Throne Fit for a King” at the National Mall, critiquing Trump’s White House renovation plans. Large demonstrations against the administration occurred in multiple U.S. cities, including the third No Kings rally.

At New York’s airport, prolonged delays plagued travelers due to TSA staff working without pay during a partial government shutdown. The wreckage from an incident blocked one of two runways, disrupting air traffic.

Conservatives at the CPAC conference in Texas expressed mixed views on the current economic climate. These sentiments emerged after a Los Angeles jury concluded that Meta and Google designed addictive social media platforms, harming youth mental health.

In a post-disappearance interview, Savannah Guthrie detailed the moment she learned her mother was missing, contemplating whether her celebrity might have drawn attention to her.

BBC Verify analyzed the events leading to a fatal collision with a fire truck at the New York airport. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents joined TSA efforts to manage the shutdown, ensuring airport operations continued with minimal disruption.

Valero, a refinery operator, confirmed no injuries were reported in the incident. Additionally, a yellow Labrador Retriever named Tessie was unharmed during a sinkhole event, returning to her yard after rescue teams addressed the situation.