Verbatim

‘I told my kids that Daddy was coming home.’

Naghmeh Abedini, wife of Iranian-American pastor Saeed Abedini, after Iran released him and three other detained Americans as part of a prisoner exchange; the swap coincided with the final implementation of last year’s nuclear deal between Iran and Western powers

SpaceX

The company successfully launched into orbit a satellite to track rising ocean levels

GOOD WEEK

BAD WEEK

SpaceX

But its rocket exploded while attempting to land back on Earth

‘It has me thinking about unconscious prejudice and what merits prestige in our culture.’

Lupita Nyong’o, actor, on growing controversy surrounding the lack of minority nominees for this year’s Oscars

26

Average age of first-time mothers in the U.S., a new high

$21,500

Amount that at least one thief stole in coins (worth £15,000) from three houses in northwest England

‘I’m sorry most of all that I let you down.’

Rick Snyder, Michigan governor, apologizing for his handling of the water contamination crisis in Flint

5

Length, in feet, of a live blacktip shark that was found in the swimming pool of a Florida condominium complex

‘No more pussyfootin’ around.’

Sarah Palin, 2008 Republican vice-presidential candidate, endorsing Donald Trump for President

‘Experience does not necessarily equate to judgment. Dick Cheney had a hell of a lot of experience.’

Bernie Sanders, Democratic presidential candidate, questioning the value of rival Hillary Clinton’s foreign policy experience