Artemis II blackout, US fuel at $4 and shutdown delays

We’re tracking four big threads you’re likely seeing in your feeds today: NASA’s Artemis II moment of radio silence behind the Moon; US petrol (gasoline) crossing $4 a gallon; a Department of Homeland Security shutdown spilling into airport queues; and a Los Angeles jury decision about addictive social media. Here’s the what, the why, and how to read each story like a pro.

First, the Moon. As Orion slipped behind the lunar far side, Artemis II lost contact with Earth for about 40 minutes - exactly as planned. The Moon itself blocks radio signals; once Orion re‑emerged, the Deep Space Network locked back on and the crew checked in. NASA’s live updates and Associated Press reports confirm the distance milestone and the brief “loss of signal.” Christina Koch’s first words back - “It is so great to hear from Earth again” - were carried by multiple broadcasters. (nasa.gov)

What it means for you learning this: “blackout” here isn’t danger; it’s physics. Because radio needs line‑of‑sight, crews vanish behind the Moon on every far‑side pass. Agencies sometimes use relay satellites to avoid this, but Artemis II didn’t need one for a fly‑by. If you see dramatic headlines, check whether the silence was scheduled. NASA’s own blog explains the timing. (nasa.gov)

One very human detail has captured attention on this 10‑day mission: the new Universal Waste Management System - NASA’s ‘space loo’. Reporters noted a few start‑up hiccups with the toilet; controllers even told the crew to use backup kit at one point, before troubleshooting resumed. That’s the point of Artemis II: test life‑support with people aboard, not just hardware. NASA’s materials and AP coverage outline how the UWMS works and why it matters. (nasa.gov)

Back on Earth, the average US price at the pump pushed above $4 a gallon for the first time since 2022. AAA figures shared by AP, Bloomberg and others peg the national average around $4.02–$4.06 last week, with analysts tying the jump to the Iran war and disruption around the Strait of Hormuz. Being a net exporter doesn’t insulate the US from global crude prices; refiners still buy in a world market. If prices are up roughly a third since February, a driver who spent $60 a week could now be nearer $80. (apnews.com)

Quick classroom takeaway: fuel prices move through a chain - crude oil cost, refining, distribution, taxes, and local competition - and shocks travel that chain fast. That’s why a refinery flare‑up can make news, but broad price moves usually trace back to global supply and shipping. Use that model when you read price stories, and look for the source data: AAA and GasBuddy are common references journalists cite. (apnews.com)

On politics, conservatives at CPAC - held this year outside Dallas - showed open divisions over the Iran war even as many still back President Trump. Generational splits were visible in on‑the‑record interviews, AP reported, with older activists tending to back forceful action and younger delegates more sceptical about costs. When you watch clips, note who’s speaking and whether they’re rank‑and‑file, organisers or elected officials; that tells you how representative a view might be. (apnews.com)

Government funding also matters for your travel plans. With DHS funding lapsed since mid‑February, TSA officers have worked without pay in stretches, and the administration deployed ICE staff to help at airports. AP and the Washington Post detail the plan and efforts to restore pay while Congress haggles. If you’re flying this week, allow extra time; the same reports note knock‑on delays, especially where staffing is thin. (apnews.com)

Separate from shutdown queues, New York’s LaGuardia suffered significant disruption after a deadly runway collision on 22–23 March. An Air Canada Express CRJ‑900 hit a firefighting truck during landing; investigators say the crash killed the pilot and co‑pilot and injured dozens. When you see airport video online, check the date and the outlet - AP, the Guardian and aviation authorities have verified details and timelines. (apnews.com)

About those refinery headlines: a major blast at Valero’s Port Arthur, Texas site triggered a shelter‑in‑place order - but the fire was contained and, crucially, the operator and local officials reported no injuries. This is a good example of scoping impact: big visuals, small direct casualty toll - and only limited effects on overall fuel supply. AP’s updates carry the key facts. (apnews.com)

In Los Angeles, a jury reached a first‑of‑its‑kind verdict against Meta and Google’s YouTube, finding they designed features that addict young users and harm mental health, and awarded damages in the single‑plaintiff case. AP and the Los Angeles Times note both firms plan to appeal. What it means for you: thousands of similar cases are pending; this ruling doesn’t rewrite the law overnight, but it pressures platforms on design and warnings. (apnews.com)

A different kind of public debate is playing out in Canada’s Supreme Court, where Quebec’s Bill 21 - the secularism law restricting some public‑sector workers from wearing religious symbols - is under challenge. Coverage from Canada and the UK highlights Muslim women who say they’ve paid the highest price in lost jobs and belonging. As you read, watch for the legal hinge: Quebec invoked the ‘notwithstanding clause’ to shield the law from parts of the Charter of Rights. (aol.com)

Human stories matter too. Savannah Guthrie returned to TV while pleading for information after her 84‑year‑old mother’s disappearance in Arizona. In her first interview since February, she described doors left open and a family in “agony”. AP’s timeline is useful here: when a case spans weeks, a clear sequence helps you sort confirmed facts from speculation. (apnews.com)

Art as commentary also made the news. A 10‑foot “A Throne Fit for a King” - a golden toilet on a marble‑style plinth - appeared on the National Mall, satirising President Trump’s White House renovations. Reuters and the Washington Post report a guerrilla collective claimed credit. When you see viral images, check for location shots and a plaque - small details that help confirm context. (investing.com)

And a palate‑cleanser: firefighters on Cape Cod rescued Tessie, an 11‑year‑old yellow Lab, from a 12‑foot sinkhole - with help from pepperoni snacks. She wasn’t hurt and the hole was filled the same day, local outlets report. If you ever face a similar scene, the advice from crews was simple: call for help; unstable ground can collapse under would‑be rescuers. (nbcboston.com)

Media literacy tip to finish: live feeds mix fast‑moving threads. Anchor yourself with times and sources. Ask three quick questions - who’s saying it, what’s the timestamp, and is there primary data linked (like a court filing, agency blog, or official price series)? If yes, you’re in a strong place to explain it to your students, peers, or family.