Signs

Citizen science data reveals early flowering, nesting and insect activity as global heating accelerate seasonal changeBluebells are flowering, swallows are returning and orange-tip butterflies are flying in what could become Britain’s earliest recorded spring.Records for early spring occurrences are being smashed as 2026 looks to be the earliest this century for frogspawn laying, blackbirds nesting, brimstone butterflies emerging and hazel flowering, according to Nature’s Calendar, which has logged citizen science records of seasonal change since 2000. Continue reading...

• QMusic CEO Kris Stewart resigned suddenly on April 3, 2026, following board accusations of improprieties in awarding lucrative media contracts for major events. • The resignation highlights governance issues in the music industry organization. • Stewart's departure raises questions about transparency in entertainment event deals.

Agreement comes after Wellington halted millions in aid to its former colony after Cook Islands formed strategic partnership with Beijing New Zealand and the Cook Islands have signed a defence and security declaration, ending a year-long diplomatic row that erupted after the Cook Islands struck strategic agreements with China.The Cook Islands was a dependent New Zealand colony from 1901-65 but has since operated as a self-governing nation in “free association” with New Zealand. Its roughly 17,000 citizens hold New Zealand citizenship. There are obligations between the two nations to regularly consult on matters of defence and security. Continue reading...

• Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed the state's version of the SAVE America Act on April 1, 2026, requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration. • The law mandates in-person submission of documents like passports or birth certificates, drawing criticism from voting rights groups. • Civil liberties organizations filed a federal lawsuit within hours, arguing it imposes undue burdens and risks disenfranchising eligible voters.

• President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 'Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors' on March 26, 2026, mandating a clause in all federal contracts prohibiting racially discriminatory DEI activities by contractors and subcontractors. • The clause subjects non-compliant parties to False Claims Act liability, contract termination, and potential debarment, with enforcement prioritized by the U.S. Attorney General including review of whistleblower qui tam actions. • This builds on prior Trump actions eliminating federal DEI programs and aligns with EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas's warning letter to the 500 largest U.S. companies about Title VII liabilities from DEI practices.

President has falsely claimed ‘legendary’ fraud for limiting mail-in ballots and himself voted by mail last weekDonald Trump signed an executive order directing his administration to compile a national voter file and to restrict the use of mail-in ballots, an unprecedented move that is probably unconstitutional.The executive order directs the Department of Homeland Security to work with the Social Security Administration to compile a list of verified US citizens who can vote in every state. It also directs the United States Postal Service (USPS) to begin rule-making on a process that would require states to notify the agency of voters who intend to receive a mail-in ballot and prohibit them from receiving one unless they are on a USPS-approved list of eligible voters. Continue reading...

Bharat Pankhania shared posts on X suggesting Golders Green arson attack on Jewish volunteer service was staged The Liberal Democrat mayor of Bath has resigned after sharing social media posts that suggested a recent arson attack on Jewish community ambulances was staged by Israel.Bharat Pankhania had shared posts on his personal X account about the attack on the four ambulances run by Hatzola, a volunteer-led ambulance service, in north-west London. Continue reading...