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Artemis 2 astronauts lift off for NASA’s first manned moon mission in over 50 years

Four astronauts boarded the Orion spacecraft on April 1 and lifted off that evening from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida as part of Artemis 2, NASA’s first manned lunar mission since Apollo 17 in 1972.

What you need to know: Artemis 2 is sending NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen on a 10-day mission to orbit the Earth and moon, according to NASA’s website.

Quote of note: “Building on the uncrewed Artemis I mission, which sent Orion 1.4 million miles beyond the moon and back, Artemis II will begin with two Earth orbits including a high‑Earth orbit before the crew embarks on a trajectory that will take them thousands of miles beyond the lunar far side—the farthest any humans will have traveled from Earth," Texas A&M professor Dr. Bonnie Dunbar, a former NASA astronaut who has flown five shuttle missions, said in the release.

 
Stay In The Know
San Jacinto College launches artificial intelligence certification

San Jacinto College is now offering the artificial intelligence foundations advanced technical certificate, which is designed to support practical skills and applications, according to a March 31 news release from the college.

What you need to know: The coursework explores AI fundamentals, its applications in cybersecurity and policy, as well as broader ethical and legal concerns, such as privacy and bias, according to the news release. The certification is open to individuals who already hold an associate degree or higher, according to the news release.

Why now: "Our goal is to demystify AI,” said Rizwan Virani, San Jacinto College’s senior director of cybersecurity programs. “As artificial intelligence becomes embedded in nearly every industry, it’s critical that professionals understand not only how AI works, but how to apply it responsibly and effectively.”

 
Across The Region
From egg hunts to brunch: 11 things to do for Easter in Greater Houston

From Easter egg hunts and Easter brunches to photo opportunities with the Easter bunny, there are several events to celebrate Easter this year.

Old Town Spring Easter Event
During the Old Town Spring annual Easter Event, participating shops will be passing out candy to the kids. Children are encouraged to dress up in their best Easter outfits and bring their baskets.

  • April 4, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • Free
  • 419 Gentry St., Ste. 203, Spring

Meet the Easter Bunny
Play Street Museum Cypress invites the community to celebrate Easter with an event featuring Easter activities, a visit from the Easter bunny and a special gift.
  • April 4, 11:30 a.m.
  • $32.48 (admission)
  • Play Street Museum Cypress, 25712 Hwy. 290, Ste. E, Cypress

Rooftop Cinema Club Houston
Rooftop Cinema Club Houston invites guests to an Easter visit from the Easter bunny. The egg hunt will be followed by a screening of "Zootopia 2."
  • April 5, 1:30 p.m.
  • Free
  • 1700 Post Oak Blvd., Fifth Level, Houston

 

Your Weekend To-Do List

Check out these weekend events across the metro area.

Disney on Ice

Run & Done 3.1

April 2-5, times vary
Houston

April 4, 7 a.m.
The Woodlands

Learn more.

Learn more.

 

Katy Easter Exchange

Pups & Pints

April 4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Katy

April 4, 4-10 p.m.
League City

Learn more.

Learn more.

 
To submit your own event, click here.

Key Information
April 2 voter registration deadline nears for Greater Houston area city council, school board races

Eligible Texans have until April 2 to register to vote if they would like to cast a ballot in the May 2 elections. Races that will be up for election include city council member seats and school district board of trustee spots across the Greater Houston area.

What you need to know: Texas requires voters to be registered 30 days before election day. Missing the deadline could prevent eligible residents from casting a ballot, unless they qualify for a limited ballot during early voting.

Key dates include:

  • April 2: voter registration deadline
  • April 20-28: early voting
  • May 2: election day (7 a.m.-7 p.m.)

Also of note: Voting by mail options are available for eligible elderly or disabled Texans. To apply to vote by mail for the May 2 election, applications must be received by April 20.

 

Your local team

Haley Velasco
Editor

Papar Faircloth
General Manager

Email [email protected] for story ideas, tips or questions.

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