Artemis II Astronauts Share Moon Journey; NYC Machete Attack; Iran Peace Talks

Artemis II Astronauts Back on Earth, Share Historic Moon Mission

The four astronauts of the Artemis II mission have returned safely to Earth, marking the farthest journey ever taken by humans. Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialists Christina Cook and Jeremy Hansen splashed down in the Pacific Ocean late Friday. Speaking for the first time since their return, the crew shared their awe and gratitude at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. They described the intense 10-day mission, which orbited the far side of the moon, as a profound experience that has bonded them forever. “I have not processed what we just did, and I’m afraid to start even trying,” said one crew member, reflecting the mission’s monumental nature. This successful flight is a key step in NASA’s ambitious plans to return humans to the lunar surface. NASA plans to announce the crew for Artemis III, which will test equipment for a lunar landing, soon. The ultimate goal is to land humans on the moon again with Artemis IV in 2028.

Machete Attack Shocks New York City Subway

New York City was shaken by a terrifying machete attack on a subway platform near Grand Central Station. Police say a man, identified as 44-year-old Anthony Griffin, randomly attacked three people Saturday morning. Griffin, who police say had prior arrests, was reportedly behaving erratically and claiming to be Lucifer. When he refused to drop the machete and advanced on officers, one police officer shot him. The suspect was pronounced dead at the hospital. The three victims are in stable condition. Mayor Eric Adams stated that major crime is down citywide, despite this shocking incident. Body camera footage of the event will be released within 30 days, according to department policy, as part of an effort to increase police transparency.

High-Stakes Peace Talks with Iran Underway

Historic, high-level talks between U.S. and Iranian officials are taking place in Islamabad, Pakistan, aiming to end a prolonged war. Vice President J.D. Vance is leading the American delegation, with President Trump’s special envoy and son-in-law also present. This marks the highest-level engagement between the U.S. and the Islamic Republic in 47 years. A major point of contention is the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for oil and gas, which has been closed since the war began. The U.S. announced two Navy destroyers safely passed through the strait, though Iran’s state media denied this, claiming a U.S. ship was warned away. The talks are described as intense and ongoing, with leaders negotiating through multiple rounds and working dinners. The potential reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is seen as crucial for stabilizing the region and easing economic pressures, including a significant rise in gas prices in the U.S. since the war started.

Congressman Eric Swalwell Faces Sexual Assault Investigation

California Congressman Eric Swalwell is under investigation by Manhattan prosecutors following accusations of sexual assault by a former staffer. Multiple women have come forward with allegations of sexual misconduct against the gubernatorial candidate, including one claim of rape. Swalwell has vehemently denied the accusations, calling them “absolutely false” in a video posted online. He admitted to past “mistakes in judgment” but stated they were private matters. The allegations, detailed in reports by the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN, include sharing nude images and instances of alleged sexual assault after drinking. These accusations have led several Democrats and labor unions to withdraw their endorsements, urging him to end his campaign for governor. One Republican congresswoman plans to introduce a motion to expel him from Congress.

Extreme Weather Hits Across the U.S.

The nation is experiencing a range of severe weather events. In Hawaii, heavy rain caused boulders to tumble onto a highway near Honolulu. The Plains region faced flash floods due to intense rainfall, while the Northeast is dealing with a heightened risk of wildfires, with brush fires already seen in southern New Jersey.

Search Intensifies for Missing Mom in the Bahamas

An urgent search is underway in the Bahamas for an American woman, Lynette Hooker, who disappeared a week ago. Bahamian police are detaining her husband, Brian Hooker, as part of their investigation. His attorney stated that investigators will need to charge him or release him by Monday night. The husband claims his wife fell from their dinghy, but police reportedly believe he caused harm that resulted in her death. The search for Lynette Hooker has now become a recovery operation. Police have interviewed Brian Hooker for hours, and he denies causing his wife’s death, expressing hope for her safe return.

Car Repossessions Spike, Signaling Economic Concerns

A dramatic increase in car repossessions across the country is raising concerns about the health of the U.S. economy. The Federal Reserve reported that 3.88% of auto loans were delinquent in the third quarter of 2025, the highest rate since March 2010. Borrowers with lower credit scores are disproportionately affected, with nearly 16% of those with subprime credit payments late. Experts suggest refinancing loans to lower monthly payments or extending loan terms as potential solutions. Auto loan refinancing companies report that extending loans to 84 months can save borrowers around $179 per month. Lenders may also offer flexible payment options for those struggling to keep up.

High School Seniors Celebrate College Acceptance

In uplifting news, high school seniors across the country are celebrating life-changing moments as they receive college acceptance letters. Many shared emotional reactions to getting into their dream schools, including Audrey Schrader for Columbia University, Camden Wallace for Morehouse College, Breanna Zhang for Harvard, and Azalea Zach for UCLA. Parents expressed immense pride and gratitude for their children’s hard work and for the opportunity to witness their dreams come true. These moments highlight the support systems and aspirations driving the next generation forward.

Source: NBC Nightly News Full Episode – April 11 (YouTube)