Canada’s Mark Carney ‘so proud’ of astronauts in call to Artemis II

During a whimsical video call from Canada, Prime Minister Mark Carney engaged with the Artemis II crew, expressing unwavering pride in their achievements. The conversation revolved around their experiences aboard the spacecraft and the lessons they’ve gained from the mission.

Carney also playfully inquired about the astronauts’ breakfast preferences, asking if they favored Nutella or maple syrup on pancakes. This followed a viral moment when cameras captured a jar of Nutella drifting through the microgravity environment of the capsule.

As part of the exchange, the Artemis astronauts showcased a Canadian flag patch featuring Carney’s title, highlighting the nation’s connection to the mission. The leader of Canada’s government extended an invitation for the four astronauts to visit the country after their scheduled splashdown on 10 April.

Other News Highlights

Jasveen Sangha received a 15-year prison sentence for distributing drugs linked to the death of actor Matthew Perry. Meanwhile, Rex Heuermann admitted guilt in the murders of eight women on Long Island, spanning from 1993 to 2010.

A homeowner in Tampa reported discovering a nine-foot alligator in his pool area, prompting police to remove the reptile. At the annual ‘Great Marshmallow Drop’ event, over 15,000 fluffy treats were released from a helicopter, with children scrambling to collect them.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were deployed to US airports to aid TSA during the ongoing partial government shutdown. The refinery operator Valero confirmed no injuries were reported in the incident involving a sinkhole at a New York City airport.

Large demonstrations against the Trump administration occurred in multiple US cities, with protesters gathering for the third No Kings rally. The National Mall hosted an installation titled “A throne fit for a king,” critiquing Trump’s White House renovations.

The BBC’s Ione Wells interviewed participants outside the Supreme Court during a hearing on Trump’s executive order. Gary O’Donoghue spoke with a farmer in Alabama who remains supportive of the president despite financial strain.

Meanwhile, the average gas price in the US surpassed $4, driven by rising fuel costs amid the Iran conflict. The former prosecutor, known for representing Trump in the hush-money case, is also linked to his political strategies.

In her first post-disappearance interview, Savannah Guthrie recounted learning of her mother’s absence and reflected on whether her celebrity status made her a target. A yellow Labrador Retriever named Tessie was unharmed during a recent fall and rescue, returning to her yard after crews filled the sinkhole.

Trump hosted a summit on AI, education, and child safety in digital spaces, with the robot making a guest appearance alongside First Lady Melania Trump at the White House.

“Canadians couldn’t be more proud” of the Artemis II crew, Carney emphasized, underscoring the nation’s support for the mission.

Conservatives at the CPAC conference in Texas shared mixed views on the current economic climate. The airport in question faced record delays due to TSA agents working without pay during the partial shutdown.