BBC News Briefing

2 April, 2026

Jules has short dark hair and a beard. He is wearing round glasses and a white shirt

Jules Darmanin

Hello. Today we're following Artemis II's journey after the Nasa rocket's successful launch. Our chief North America correspondent Gary O'Donohue shares his analysis of US President Donald Trump's speech on the Iran war. And finally, watch football fans in the Democratic Republic of Congo celebrate their team's first qualification to the men's World Cup in 52 years.

TOP OF THE AGENDA

'Emotional moment' as Artemis II blasts off

View from the ground of the Artemis II rocket flying off of the ground.

'We go for all humanity,' astronaut Reid Wiseman said as they launched. Credit: Reuters

Nasa's Artemis II spacecraft is now orbiting the Earth after a successful lift-off that sent a rumble through the crowds of bystanders in Florida on Wednesday evening. Science correspondent Pallab Ghosh vividly described the "emotional moment" the rocket blasted off. The crew are "safe, secure and in great spirits" as they embark on their 10-day journey, a Nasa official said after the launch. At the time of writing, the four astronauts are sleeping, or at least trying to, during their four-hour nap window. They will wake up to perform more tests in Earth's orbit before they get the green light to head to the Moon.

Follow the journey live

Watch: Here is the moment Artemis II blasted into space, bringing many onlookers to the verge of tears, including the BBC's science editor.

In pictures: Review the highlights of the launch from Florida's Kennedy Space Center.

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Chance encounter: Jeremy Hansen began his training after bumping into one of his heroes in 1995 - fellow Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield.

WORLD HEADLINES

Donald Trump standing behind a microphone during an address from the White House.

Trump leaves key Iran war questions unanswered

Trump's address was "largely a rehash of what he has been saying for days", writes our correspondent Gary O'Donoghue.

Read Gary's analysis >

Aftermath of an Israeli strike that targeted a house near a Lebanese army checkpoint (unseen).

Israel intensifies Lebanon attacks

The country has hit areas outside of Hezbollah's control as its troops have moved into the south of Lebanon.

More on the strikes >

A classical building in Crete is enveloped by bright red dust, in front of an orange sky.

Man dies as Saharan dust storm hits Greece

A man was found under a car near Athens while Saharan red dust enveloped the island of Crete.

What happened >

Laura Ann Aime, in a school photo from the 1970s. She has long brown hair parted down the middle and brown eyes, and wears a patterned blouse.

Utah teen identified as victim of Ted Bundy

State officials have closed a 51-year-old cold case after identifying Laura Ann Aime as a victim of the 1970s serial killer.

More on the cold case >

A resident inspects the damage amid rubble at a sports complex in Indonesia.

Magnitude 7.4 earthquake hits off Indonesia

The earthquake struck in the sea off Indonesia's Ternate island, killing at least one person in the highly seismic region.

Read the story >

NEWS FROM THE UK

UK-EU: Britain will pursue closer economic ties with the European Union in light of the war in Iran, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said.

Scott Mills: The BBC sacked the presenter after learning the alleged victim in the closed police investigation was under 16, it is understood.
Making inroads: A blind runner plans to run the Brighton marathon using smart glasses to guide him in real time. Read his story here.

BEYOND THE HEADLINES

The man who could defeat Orban

A man with a blue sweatshirt holds a Hungarian flag with green, white and red stripes

Peter Magyar left Orban's Fidesz party in 2024, lambasting the Hungarian prime minister in a viral interview. Credit: Nurphoto

After 16 years at the helm in Hungary, Prime Minister Viktor Orban is facing his biggest threat to date in Peter Magyar, a former ally vying to defeat him in the 12 April elections. Opinion polls suggest the pro-European conservative, who focused his campaign on the economy and fighting corruption, could win.