On April 2, 2026, NASA's Artemis II mission successfully launched from Florida, while the U.S. Supreme Court expressed skepticism over President Trump's decree on birthright citizenship, and the U.S. government lifted sanctions on Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, among other developments.
Artemis II Mission Makes Historic Lunar Journey
Four astronauts launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on a mission to orbit the Moon, marking the first human lunar mission in over 50 years. The Artemis II mission aims to break the distance record set by the Apollo program, carrying crew farther from Earth than ever before. Among the payload is Argentina's Atenea microsatellite, a Cubesat designed and built entirely in the country.
Supreme Court Hears Arguments on Trump's Birthright Citizenship Order
During oral arguments, the U.S. Supreme Court showed skepticism towards President Donald Trump's executive order seeking to end automatic citizenship by birth. U.S. Solicitor General D. John Sauer faced questions from both liberal and conservative justices during the first hour of proceedings.
United States Lifts Sanctions on Venezuela's Delcy Rodríguez
The U.S. government removed sanctions on Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela's acting president, as updated in the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control list. Sanctions had been in place since 2018.
Trump Considers Withdrawal from NATO Alliance
President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized NATO and recently stated in interviews that he is considering withdrawing the United States from the alliance. This potential move raises questions about the future of the transatlantic partnership.
14 Mexican Nationals Die in ICE Custody
From January 20, 2025, to March 31, 2026, 14 Mexican citizens died while in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during the current immigration enforcement offensive. Details about the individuals are limited, according to Mexican and U.S. authorities.
In Other Headlines
- The FDA approved a second GLP-1 weight loss pill with fewer usage restrictions.
- Italy's national football team failed to qualify for the World Cup, extending its recent struggles.
- Streaming services announced April 2026 releases, including "Euphoria" season 3 and final episodes of "The Boys".
- U.S. gasoline prices rose to $4.06 per gallon.
- Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum hailed Meryl Streep as "the best actress in the world."
- A border collie was rescued and reunited with its owner after being lost for a week in New Zealand forests.
