Lunar flyby

on schedule

HOUSTON (AP) — The Artemis II astronauts — three Americans and one Canadian — were expected to reach their destination today, performing a lunar flyby and then coming straight back home.

They are the first moonbound crew in more than half a century, picking up where NASA’s Apollo program left off.

On the downside, their toilet was on the blink again. Until it is fixed, Mission Control has instructed the astronauts to break out more of the backup urine collection bags. The toilet malfunctioned following Wednesday’s liftoff and has been hit and miss ever since.

Pope Leo

urges peace

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Leo XIV has celebrated his first Easter Mass as pontiff, urging peace through dialogue and calling for an end to conflicts worldwide. He departed from tradition by not listing global woes in his Urbi et Orbi blessing.

Leo, the first U.S.-born pope, emphasized Easter’s message of hope and transformation. With ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, he acknowledged indifference to the suffering caused by wars. Leo announced a prayer vigil for peace on April 11.

In the Holy Land, Easter celebrations were subdued due to restrictions on public gatherings, while Gazan Christians celebrated the first Easter since a ceasefire. Armenian Christians gathered in the Iranian capital during the fifth week of war.

‘Super Mario’

has big debut

(AP) — “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” has scored the biggest opening of the year for a Hollywood film. Studio estimates on Sunday say the Illumination and Nintendo co-production earned $130.9 million over the weekend and $190.1 million in its first five days in North America.

Released globally on Wednesday, the film capitalized on kids’ spring break vacations. It earned an estimated $182.4 million from 80 overseas markets, totaling a $372.5 million debut. Despite mixed reviews, audiences were enthusiastic.

The movie features returning voice actors like Chris Pratt and Jack Black. It played in over 4,000 theaters in the U.S. and Canada.