Spring

Dozens of people gathered outside the hospital where the 47-year-old was being treated five days after the five-year-old girl disappeared•Warning: This article contains references to and images of Indigenous Australians who have diedGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastAn angry crowd has clashed with police outside a hospital in Alice Springs where a 47-year-old man arrested by police in connection with the death of five-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby was being treated.The arrest of Jefferson Lewis was confirmed in a brief statement by Northern Territory police just before 10pm local time on Thursday night. Continue reading...

Coroner says none of the five civilians killed in incident in Belfast during Troubles should have been shotBritish army soldiers “lost control” and used force that was “not reasonable” in the killing of five civilians in Northern Ireland in 1972, an inquest judge has ruled.Four of the victims – two teenagers, a father of six and a Catholic priest – posed no risk when they were shot in the Springhill and Westrock areas of west Belfast on 9 July 1972, Mr Justice Scoffield said on Thursday. Continue reading...

Experts say counterfeits lack UV filters, increasing the risk of eye damage, and urge shoppers to check for safety marksWhile many will be enjoying the spring sunshine, experts have cautioned against wearing fake designer sunglasses, warning they could do more harm than good.As the College of Optometrists notes, sunglasses not only protect the eyes against glare on sunny days, but can also shield them from harmful ultraviolet (UV) light. Continue reading...

Sources say German group may struggle to recoup its investment as titles shift to less profitable modelsAxel Springer did not complete due diligence on the Telegraph before sealing its £575m takeover, with sources saying the German media company could struggle to recoup its eye-watering investment as the titles shift toward less-profitable digital subscribers.To wrap up the deal quickly, Mathias Döpfner, the chief executive of Axel Springer, decided to forgo the usual extensive due diligence process to vet the value and prospects of a company, according to multiple sources. Continue reading...

One blaze broke out north-west of Fort Lauderdale in Florida, a state known for its wetlands and evergladesMuch of the US is battling a widespread drought after a very dry winter and start to spring. South-eastern areas, in particular the states of Florida and Georgia, are experiencing some of the worst of this prolonged bout of dry weather, with calls for the risk to be labelled a level 4 “exceptional” drought in the region, the most severe category. In recent days, strong winds and low humidity conditions have brought an increased fire risk. These ingredients combined with such unusually dry ground have led to multiple large wildfires, particularly across Florida, a state known for its wetlands and everglades.A fire broke out early on Tuesday morning in Broward County, Florida, just north-west of Fort Lauderdale, scorching an area of more than 9,200 acres as of Thursday afternoon. The National Guard helped Broward Sherriff Fire Rescue tackle the blaze, which has since been brought to 50% containment. Residents nearby and farther west have been warned of reduced air quality as a result of travelling smoke. Fires have been breaking out elsewhere, with multiple active blazes across northern Florida, Georgia and into Alabama. Abnormally dry weather is set to continue over the next few weeks before the arrival of the rainy season, usually around June, with the drought and fire risk set to last. Continue reading...

First recorded in 687BC, the meteoroids were once part of the tail of a comet discovered in 1861This week, the annual Lyrid meteor shower returns to the spring skies. Although active since 16 April, the shower peaks during the late evening of Wednesday 22 April and early the next morning.The chart shows the view looking east from London at 00.01 (BST) on Thursday 23 April. The origin point of the meteors, known as the radiant, is labelled Lyrids. It sits in the constellation of Lyra, the Lyre, close to the bright star of Vega. Continue reading...

• Russian forces launched coordinated attacks across multiple fronts in Donetsk and Luhansk regions on April 17-18, capturing several villages and pushing Ukrainian defenses back by up to 3 kilometers in key sectors. • Ukraine's military command reports increased use of glide bombs and artillery strikes, with casualty figures on both sides rising significantly; Ukrainian officials estimate Russian forces have committed 50,000 additional troops to the spring campaign. • Military analysts warn the offensive marks Russia's most sustained push since winter 2023, potentially threatening critical Ukrainian supply lines and regional logistics hubs.

• Finance ministers and central bank governors gathered in Washington for IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings are confronting an unprecedented global energy shock caused by the Iran war and Strait of Hormuz closure, according to IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva. • Georgieva warned that "there will be no neat and clean return to the status quo ante," indicating long-term economic impacts regardless of ceasefire outcomes or efforts to reopen shipping routes. • The energy crisis is already affecting hundreds of millions of people globally, with decisions made at the meetings regarding resource allocation and emergency funding expected to have tangible impacts on livelihoods in the coming weeks.

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...

• Russia launched a major barrage of cruise and hypersonic missiles targeting Ukrainian power plants and industrial facilities on April 12, damaging critical energy infrastructure across multiple regions. • Ukrainian air defense systems intercepted approximately 60% of the incoming missiles, but strikes on Kharkiv and Dnipro left thousands without electricity and damaged a major steel production facility. • The escalation comes as Russian forces advance in eastern Ukraine, with military analysts warning the campaign aims to weaken Ukraine's ability to sustain military operations through summer.

• Original E Street Band drummer Vini Lopez, 77, publicly pushed back against Bruce Springsteen's political attacks on President Donald Trump during his ongoing Land of Hope and Dreams Tour. • In a California Post interview, Lopez urged Springsteen to 'gotta respect' Trump and argued politics should stay out of live music performances. • The comments highlight tensions within Springsteen's circle amid the singer's vocal criticisms on stage.

• 95% of HR and benefits professionals view workplace mental health as vital to 2026 business strategy. • 61% of HR leaders report mental health leaves increased in the past year, with 16% noting 25% or more rise. • 36% of employees identify sleep issues tied to mental health as a top challenge, signaling burnout risks.

Iranian authorities cut access to internet on 28 February leaving many with limited information about warIran’s internet shutdown, which began shortly after the first US-Israel strikes in late February, is now the longest national-scale blackout since the Arab spring, monitors have said.Iranian authorities cut all access to the internet on 28 February, the day the war began, after an earlier shutdown in January during nationwide protests. This current blackout has lasted more than 38 days. Continue reading...

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...

• Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band kick off the 'Land of Hope & Dreams American Tour' on March 31, 2026, at Target Center in Minneapolis. • The tour follows the release of 'Streets of Minneapolis' in late January, honoring residents after federal officers shot Renee Good and Alex Pretti amid immigration crackdowns. • Springsteen announced stops in Portland, Oregon, and Los Angeles next, ending May 27 in Washington, D.C., with planned remarks for the White House.

• Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band announced their 'Land of Hope and Dreams' tour launching this spring, with dates spanning from Minneapolis to California, Texas, and Washington D.C. • The tour represents a significant return to the road for the legendary rock artist and his longtime backing band. • According to reports, Springsteen indicated the tour is 'going to be political,' suggesting the performances will carry thematic resonance beyond typical rock concerts.

• 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.

• The Cincinnati Reds lost to the Milwaukee Brewers 4-1 in their final exhibition game of spring training on March 24, 2026. • The Reds will open their regular season on March 26, 2026, against the Boston Red Sox in downtown Cincinnati. • In related news, Joe Flacco is returning for his 19th NFL season as backup quarterback to Joe Burrow with the Cincinnati Bengals.

• General Motors and LG Energy Solution are diversifying production at their Ultium Cells plant in Spring Hill, Tennessee, to manufacture LFP batteries for energy storage systems. • The shift responds to surging demand for stationary battery tech amid EV market uncertainties. • This move enhances US energy infrastructure resilience and supports grid-scale storage projects nationwide.

Record 171 million passengers are expected to fly this spring, even as TSA funding lapse risks longer airport linesSpring breakers in the US could see their long-awaited trips to party destinations disrupted by a trifecta of issues: airport security delays, high gas prices, and chaotic weather.The potential for flight delays comes as US airlines expect that they will see a record-shattering spring travel season. Airlines for America, an aviation industry group, said that 171 million passengers are expected to fly – a 4% increase from the 2025 spring travel period. Continue reading...

• A University of Alabama student disappeared in Spain while on spring break, with foul play fears growing as of March 19, 2026. • U.S. authorities and Spanish police are searching for the student, last seen in a popular tourist area, amid reports of potential abduction risks. • The case underscores vulnerabilities for American travelers abroad during global tensions, drawing State Department involvement.

• State officials are warning that spring break 2026 travel season could facilitate the spread of measles across the United States as travelers move between regions with varying vaccination rates. • Health authorities are concerned about potential measles transmission during the high-travel period, with implications for public health preparedness and disease surveillance. • The warning underscores ongoing challenges in maintaining herd immunity and controlling vaccine-preventable diseases during major travel seasons.

Detroit Tigers narrowly beat Toronto Blue Jays on March 14 in Dunedin, Fla., during MLB Spring Training, aired on MLBN at 1 p.m. The close victory helps Detroit fine-tune its roster ahead of the regular season. Key performances from Tigers pitchers and hitters shone in the Grapefruit League matchup. Both teams continue preparations for Opening Day.

Houston topped the New York Mets 6-4 in MLB Spring Training on Saturday in Palm Beach, Florida, powered by Jose Altuve's three hits and two RBIs. Mets prospect Jett Williams hit his first spring homer but couldn't rally late. Astros' bullpen held firm for the victory, now 10-7 in exhibition play. Game highlights position players for final roster cuts next week.

Detroit defeated Toronto 4-3 in MLB Spring Training on Saturday in Dunedin, Florida, with Riley Greene's two-run homer in the seventh proving decisive. Tarik Skubal pitched 3 scoreless innings for the Tigers, striking out 5. This win improves Detroit's spring record to 12-5, building momentum for Opening Day. Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. went 2-for-4 in the loss.

Houston Astros beat St. Louis Cardinals 5-3 at 6 p.m. ET in Jupiter, Florida, during MLB spring training, highlighted by Yordan Alvarez's RBI double. Cardinals' bullpen faltered in the 7th inning. Astros improve to 12-6-2 in exhibition play. Focus shifts to rotation health with Opening Day nearing.

New York Yankees defeated Atlanta Braves 6-4 in spring training action on Friday at 1 p.m. ET in North Port, Florida, with Aaron Judge hitting a two-run homer. Other key games included San Diego vs. Oakland split squad and Houston vs. St. Louis in Jupiter. These exhibitions feature top prospects and tune up rosters ahead of Opening Day on March 27. Injuries reported: Yankees' Jazz Chisholm day-to-day with hamstring strain.