Melania Trump: ‘I never had a relationship with Epstein’
First Lady Denies Ties to Epstein
First Lady Melania Trump has dismissed any links to Jeffrey Epstein, stating to reporters at the White House that claims connecting the two “must end today.” In an unexpected statement on Thursday, she urged congressional investigations into survivors of Epstein’s alleged sex trafficking network.
“I never had a relationship with Epstein,”
she asserted, emphasizing the need for clarity.
Artemis II Mission Breaks Records
Jeremy Hansen, Canada’s first astronaut to venture into deep space, received a call from the prime minister during the Artemis II mission. The BBC’s Science Editor Rebecca Morelle spoke with the crew ahead of their projected Saturday splashdown, highlighting their historic journey. The four astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft set a new Earth departure distance record, marking the first crewed Moon mission in five decades.
Astronauts on the Artemis II mission are now on their third day exploring the Moon’s far side. Via video link, the crew shared updates with families, recounting their experiences so far. NASA scientists developed a “universal waste management system”—dubbed the space loo—to support the 10-day mission.
Training for the Artemis II flight began at the Johnson Space Center in Texas after the crew was selected in 2023. The mission’s spacesuits are engineered to protect astronauts during launch, landing, and potential emergencies. The spacecraft’s journey has already surpassed previous milestones, with Rebecca Morelle observing the launch from Florida’s coastline.
Other Developments
The average fuel price in the U.S. has climbed to $4 per gallon, the highest since 2022, fueled by ongoing tensions with Iran. Gary O’Donoghue of the BBC interviewed an Alabama farmer who continues to back President Trump despite economic challenges.
At the National Mall, an art installation titled “A Throne Fit for a King” critiques Trump’s White House renovations. Meanwhile, the airport faces prolonged delays due to a partial government shutdown, with TSA agents working without pay.
Protesters and attendees gathered outside the Supreme Court for a hearing on Trump’s executive order, while conservatives at the CPAC conference in Texas offered mixed views on the economy. The No Kings rallies, now in their third cycle, underscore widespread discontent with the Trump administration.
