• The biopic 'Michael' premiered in US theaters over the opening weekend, chronicling Michael Jackson's early life and career ascent as the King of Pop.
• Prince Jackson served as executive producer, with streams of Jackson's music surging 95% in the US following the release.
• The film explores Jackson's impact and lasting legacy, as discussed by contributor Justin Tinsley amid strong box office interest.
What began as a tiny space above the founder’s stables became the beating heart of the city’s performing arts. Its leader Jimmy Fay reflects on recent hits and reveals what audiences can expect from the theatre’s anniversary year‘The Lyric gives voice to everyone in Northern Ireland,” says the theatre’s boss, Jimmy Fay. “It’s a beacon.” Fay views the 2026 programme, celebrating 75 years of the Lyric, as an opportunity to showcase current creative talent, as well as honouring the theatre’s past.One of the plays from the repertoire that Fay was keen to revive is Christina Reid’s Tea in a China Cup, from 1983. With a cast including Marie Jones, the new production – which runs in May – is directed by Dan Gordon, who performed in the original. Reid’s play traces the daily lives of Protestant working-class women in Belfast across three decades, from the second world war to the Troubles, with humour and poignancy. Continue reading...
Officials hope more casual attire for public servants will save electricity during Iran war as summer approachesPublic servants working for the Tokyo metropolitan government are being encouraged to swap their suits for shorts this summer to combat sweltering heat and rising energy costs caused by the US-Israel war on Iran.Inspired by the country’s Cool Biz energy-saving initiative, Tokyo officials hope the measure will cut dependence on air conditioning. Continue reading...
Six candidates clashed over homelessness and cost of living crisis in first debate since Eric Swalwell’s exit – with a clear frontrunner still yet to emergeSix candidates vying to become the next governor of California sparred on Wednesday in the first debate since the already topsy-turvy race was plunged into upheaval by the sudden collapse of former congressman Eric Swalwell’s campaign after sexual assault and misconduct allegations.With a clear frontrunner still yet to emerge, the unusually wide-open race to replace the outgoing governor Gavin Newsom in the heavily Democratic state has left nearly a quarter of voters undecided ahead of the 2 June primary. Continue reading...
Research shows natural hazards linked to climate crisis disrupted 23 elections in 18 countries in 2024Democracy is under mounting threat from the climate crisis, with new analysis documenting how elections are increasingly shaped not only by political forces but also by floods, wildfires and extreme weather.At least 94 elections and referendums across 52 countries have been disrupted by climate-related impacts over the last two decades, researchers found. Continue reading...
‘If we celebrate the impact of physical storytelling, we must acknowledge the artists behind it,’ says Equity body, calling out the lack of movement categories in major awardsChoreographers and movement directors in theatre are undervalued by awards ceremonies and deserve greater acknowledgment, says the Equity group representing both disciplines.At last weekend’s Oliviers ceremony, the award for best theatre choreographer went to Fabian Aloise for Evita at the London Palladium. In a statement, Equity’s Choreographers and Movement Directors Network (CMDN) said it was “brilliant to see choreography recognised on major stages like the Olivier awards” but drew attention to the movement directors who worked on nominated productions yet went unrecognised with their own category. The ceremony “opens up a bigger conversation about what language we use to describe how theatre is made, and questions who gets named in that process – especially when it comes to movement and choreography”, said the CMDN. Continue reading...
• The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences released shortlists for 10 categories on April 16, narrowing 300+ films to 15 each for the 99th Oscars ceremony on March 7, 2027.
• Standouts include 'Dune: Part Two' with 8 nods and 'Wicked' securing spots in song and score, per The Hollywood Reporter analysis.
• Industry insiders predict 'Anora' leading Best Picture contenders with 92% odds from Gold Derby, impacting awards season campaigns worth millions.
Trump ally grilled by lawmakers over ‘terrible decisions’ on vaccines, public health and funding cuts to key programsUS politics – latest updatesVaccines and public health dominated a frequently contentious hearing with Robert F Kennedy Jr on Thursday before the US House ways and means committee.Kennedy, the controversial health secretary and a longtime vaccine opponent, has overseen sweeping changes to routine vaccination recommendations and has promoted misinformation even amid the biggest measles outbreak in decades. Continue reading...
Nadia Fall calls for bold thinking as she announces new shows including anti-Trump version of Thelma & LouiseTheatres facing financial difficulty can only prosper by “programming their way out of it”, according to the Young Vic artistic director, Nadia Fall, who has announces her new slate of shows, including an anti-Trump musical version of Thelma & Louise.Fall, who took the helm at the Young Vic in 2025 and oversaw staff cuts after a £500,000 deficit in the last financial year, said theatres must put on unmissable productions in order to balance the books. Continue reading...
Intense heat in cities like New York, Philadelphia and Washington DC is unusual for April, weather experts sayA long-lasting weather pattern is poised to blast hot air like a furnace across the eastern United States, with the unusual heatwave threatening to shatter record high temperatures on Wednesday in big cities including New York, Philadelphia and Washington DC.The heat is unusual for April, not only because it’s scorching much of the nation so early in the year but also for its duration. The near-record temperatures are expected to last into this weekend, forecasters say. Continue reading...
Record temperatures led to colourful displays of tulips, hyacinths, wisteria and daffodils as gardeners prepare for showsColourful tulips, hyacinths, wisteria and daffodils have made a remarkable display across England after a heatwave followed by a cold snap caused excellent conditions for spring blooms.There were record temperatures last week in many parts of the UK as the country recorded one of the hottest April days in the last 80 years. Continue reading...
• Eastern Conference NBA play-in games finalized with Miami Heat visiting Charlotte Hornets for elimination matchup on Tuesday.
• Orlando Magic head to Philadelphia 76ers for win-and-advance game in the East play-in.
• These outcomes shape the final playoff seeds amid tight regular season races.
The continental US registered its most abnormally hot month in 132 years of records, according to Noaa data March’s persistent unseasonable heat was so intense that the continental United States registered its most abnormally hot month in 132 years of records, according to federal weather data. And the next year or so looks to turn the dial up on global warmth even more, as some forecasts predict a brewing El Niño will reach super strength.Not only was it the hottest March on record for the US but the amount it was above normal beat any other month in history for the lower 48 states. March’s average temperature of 50.85F(10.47C) was 9.35F (5.19C) above the 20th-century normal for March. Continue reading...
Analysis of six extreme heatwaves found when temperature and humidity were accounted for, all were potentially deadly for older peopleExtreme heat is already creating “non-survivable” conditions for humans in heatwaves that have killed thousands and likely many more, according to new research that warns people are more susceptible to rising temperatures than first thought.Scientists re-examined six extreme heatwaves between 2003 and 2024 and found that when temperature, humidity and the body’s ability to stay cool were accounted for, all were potentially deadly for older people. Continue reading...
Bread and biscuits made from Crispr-edited wheat showed substantially reduced acrylamide levels, even after toastingGene-edited wheat which can make bread less carcinogenic when toasted has been successfully developed by scientists.Researchers at Rothamsted Research in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, used Crispr genome editing which allows researchers to selectively edit the DNA of living organisms. This revolutionary technology was adapted for use in the laboratory from naturally occurring genome editing systems found in bacteria. Continue reading...
• Philadelphia Eagles star wide receiver A.J. Brown subject of intensifying trade discussions as contract tensions rise.
• Reports indicate multiple teams inquiring, with Brown's 1,400+ yard seasons making him prime target.
• Trade could reshape Eagles' offense and signal rebuild if executed before deadline.
Protesters held on Sunday after joining a Lakenheath Alliance for Peace encampment outside airbase in SuffolkSeven people have been arrested under suspicion of supporting banned group Palestine Action after a protest in Suffolk.They were arrested on Sunday morning after joining a peace encampment to create a blockade outside the main gate of Lakenheath airbase. Continue reading...
Researchers warn the high-pressure conditions could disrupt marine life and ecosystems if it continuesSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxFor more than a century, shoreline stations operated by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography have measured water temperatures along the California coast. This year, they are flashing a warning sign.Over the last three months, several stations have repeatedly posted record-breaking daily high temperatures – with the La Jolla station registering temperatures a full 10F above historical average at one point last month. Continue reading...
• The Monadnock region in New Hampshire and nearby Vermont feature a packed April 3-4 weekend with live music, Peking Acrobats at Colonial Theatre in Keene at 7 p.m. for $50 adults/$30 youth, and Easter events.
• Gaslight Tinkers perform global-Celtic fusion at Next Stage Arts in Putney, VT until midnight, while Fat Angus AC/DC tribute hits Charlestown's Clubhouse at 9 p.m. for $12.51.
• Saturday offers TAKAAT punk-rock at Nova Arts and Mike Block Trio roots music at The Showroom in Keene, alongside family egg hunts at East Hill Farm.
• Hollywood's The Drama, starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, is scheduled for theatrical release on Friday, April 3, 2026, promising psychological tension and suspense.
• The film's trailer highlights emotional storytelling and personal conflicts between the lead characters, drawing fans with its intense drama.
• This release contributes to a packed April 2026 lineup of major Hollywood films, boosting theater attendance amid diverse genres.
• The iconic film 'The Sound of Music' celebrates 61 years since its nationwide U.S. theatrical release on April 1, 1965.
• Produced by 20th Century Fox, the movie starred Julie Andrews as Maria and Christopher Plummer as Captain von Trapp.
• The musical remains a cultural staple, continuing to captivate audiences with its timeless story and songs.
Jurors hear 19-year-old recount FaceTime call after alleged cliffside attack on Oahu during wife’s birthday tripSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxThe son of a Hawaii doctor accused of trying to kill his wife testified on Tuesday that his father told him that his wife had been cheating on him and that he had “tried to kill her”.Emile Konig, 19, told jurors that he had received two FaceTime calls from his father, Gerhardt Konig, 47, on the morning of 24 March 2025 – the same day prosecutors allege that Gerhardt attempted to murder his wife, Arielle Konig, 37, during a hike on Oahu’s “Pali Puka” trail. Continue reading...
Heathrow wanted changes to fund multi-billion pound upgrade, but airlines had warned steep rises would be passed on to passengersBusiness live – latest updatesThe UK aviation regulator has partially rejected plans by Heathrow to significantly raise its landing fees to fund a multi-billion pound upgrade, arguing the airport can still invest without steep hikes to ticket prices.The Civil Aviation Authority said the average charge per passenger should rise from £28.40 to £28.80 between 2027 and 2031. Continue reading...
• The Academy announced Thursday a 10-year agreement with AEG to move the Oscars ceremony from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood to the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles, 9 miles away, beginning in 2029.
• The move coincides with the telecast's transition from ABC to YouTube in 2029, marking a significant shift in both the ceremony's broadcast home and physical location.
• The Dolby Theatre will host the final years of the ceremony on ABC, concluding with the 100th Academy Awards in 2028.
• Yuma, Arizona, hit a March record of 109°F on March 25, 2026, 28 degrees above normal, while sites near Yuma, Martinez Lake, Ogilby, and Winterhaven reached 112°F, tying the US high.
• Sweltering conditions extended across several Southwest states and into Mexico, with Hermosillo setting a new March record at 108°F.
• This extreme early heat signals intensifying climate patterns, challenging weather records and infrastructure in arid regions.
Other winners include Inter Alia’s Rosamund Pike, Ivo van Hove for All My Sons and Hayley Atwell who beat her Much Ado co-star Tom Hiddleston to best Shakespearean performanceBrendan Gleeson has been named best actor at the Critics’ Circle theatre awards for his West End debut in Conor McPherson’s pub drama The Weir. He beat fellow nominees including Bryan Cranston and Paapa Essiedu, both recognised for All My Sons, and James Hameed and Arti Shah, the duo who together portray Paddington in the new musical about Michael Bond’s bear. The Weir, directed by McPherson, was entirely omitted from the nominations for this year’s Olivier awards and is being turned into a film with Gleeson and the rest of the West End cast.All My Sons, a critically adored production of Arthur Miller’s 1946 classic at Wyndham’s theatre, won in two categories at the Critics’ Circle awards: best revival of a play or musical and best director for Ivo van Hove. A new production of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s Into the Woods, directed by Jordan Fein at the Bridge theatre, also won two prizes – best designer (Tom Scutt) and the inaugural award for best ensemble or cast. Continue reading...
President called practice ‘mail-in cheating’ at Monday event after voting in Florida House race via mail on SaturdayUS politics live – latest updatesSign up for the Breaking News US newsletter emailDonald Trump has described voting by mail as “cheating” at an event in Memphis, Tennessee, just two days after casting a mail‑in ballot himself.“Mail-in voting means mail-in cheating. I call it mail-in cheating, and we got to do something about it all,” the US president said on Monday, in remarks to a roundtable on his administration’s crime taskforce. Continue reading...
Experts say brutal temperatures in west threaten to melt sparse snowpack – and warn hot, dry conditions here to stayA stunning heatwave that shattered records in the US west is threatening to rapidly melt the sparse snowpack and ramp up wildfire risks in the seasons ahead.March has already been historically hot, but the early onset of summer weather across the region may be here to stay. There’s little reprieve in forecasts, which show more heat records may fall this spring. Continue reading...
• Director Kirill Sokolov’s thriller 'They Will Kill You,' featuring Zazie Beetz, Tom Felton, and Patricia Arquette, premieres in theaters across the United States on March 24.
• The film arrives alongside other releases like Independent Film Company’s 'Forbidden Fruits' starring Lili Reinhart, Lola Tung, Alexandra Shipp, and Emma Chamberlain.
• This national rollout highlights a busy day for independent and genre films targeting US audiences.
• Recent research links extreme heat exposure, gaps in obesity coaching, cancer treatment delays, ACA premium cost spikes, and income inequality to widening health disparities across the US.
• These factors exacerbate vulnerabilities in underserved populations, with global implications but focused US data.
• Findings underscore needs for targeted interventions in public health equity amid rising climate and economic pressures.
