SpaceX launched four astronauts on Thursday for a six-month mission to the International Space Station, with Jessica Watkins becoming the first Black woman to lead a crew to orbit and Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk preparing to welcome a child while in space. PICS/AFP, TEXT/AP

French President Emmanuel Macron backed a proposal for Canada to become the European Union's first associate member as he and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney moved to deepen strategic ties spanning space, defence, energy and business. (Pics/AFP)