Watch the moment Artemis II blasts into space on historic mission

NASA’s Artemis II crew has launched on a 10-day orbital journey around the Moon, potentially reaching a distance from Earth unmatched in history. While the mission does not include a lunar landing, the astronauts will trace a path farther out than any previous crewed voyage. This follows the successful Artemis I unmanned test in 2022, marking the first step toward deeper space exploration, with Mars as the ultimate target by the 2030s.

The BBC is providing live updates on the launch. Meanwhile, at the White House, First Lady Melania Trump welcomed a robot during a summit focused on AI, education, and safeguarding children in digital environments. A yellow Labrador Retriever named Tessie survived a fall and rescue, returning to her yard after crews addressed a sinkhole incident.

A timelapse captures rescuers navigating a vessel through blizzard conditions near Mackinac Island, Michigan, as snow nearly sealed off a resident’s home. Over 129,000 people in the state are without power. In New York, a collision between a passenger plane and a firefighting vehicle unfolded on the airport’s runway, with no injuries reported, according to Valero, a refinery operator.

Autumn Durald Arkapaw, recipient of the best cinematography Oscar for *Sinners*, urged “all the women in the room to stand up” during her acceptance speech. The Chicago River continues its annual tradition of being dyed green to honor Irish heritage. A fireball, confirmed by NASA, broke the sound barrier before landing near Cleveland, creating a thunderous impact.

As Canada’s Supreme Court reviews Bill 21, a secularism law, Muslim women share their experiences of the law’s effects. A Hollywood action star, whose breakthrough came in 1972’s *Way Of The Dragon* alongside Bruce Lee, has passed away at 86. The US National Weather Service forecasts the heatwave in the West to expand eastward over the coming days.

Before securing a legal victory, Afroman defended his home against a raid, calling it “a mistake” in court. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents are assisting TSA at US airports during a partial government shutdown. A former reality TV star completed a 1,000-mile (1,609-kilometer) race in nine days, seven hours, and 32 minutes, guiding his dogs through the challenge.

The Kentucky senator recounted an assault from a neighbor in 2017, which took place in his yard. BBC Verify analyzed the moments preceding a fatal fire truck collision at a New York airport. Valero also noted the collision’s aftermath, emphasizing the absence of casualties.