The killing comes as the monthly U.S. death toll rose sharply in March to 14 with the start of the spring fighting season when the Taliban and other insurgents take advantage of improved weather to step up attacks.

NPR: Afghan Teenager Fatally Stabs US Soldier

But at this point, people in the Rockies and Midwest would have been happy if it felt like spring when the season officially began -- on Wednesday -- as winter won't go quietly.

CNN: Spring snowstorm rocks Rockies, menaces Midwest

Swing changes are the stuff of spring training optimism, but when the changes lead to regular-season success it is worth at least a raised eyebrow.

WSJ: Don't Blame the Yankees' Replacements

The avalanche occurred on a spring weekend when many skiers and snowboarders took advantage of late season snowfall in the Rocky Mountains.

NPR: 5 Snowboarders Killed In Colorado Avalanche

It felt too similar to what he went through last season, when he battled with Josh Lindblom until the last day of spring training for the final spot in the Los Angeles Dodgers' bullpen.

WSJ: At Last, a Big-Leaguer

One setback after another kept him from realizing his athletic potential at McKay and his star-crossed athletic career seemed in jeopardy once again early this spring, when a hamstring injury delayed the start of his final high school track season.

FORBES: The Ryan Bailey Story As A Tax Tale

Late spring and early summer, when the weather is at its most pleasant, is prime festival season in the city.

BBC: Celebrate New Orleans, from Mardi Gras to Jazz Fest

Although the seasonal equinoxes and solstices seem to divide the year into four equal parts, when you count the days of what we officially call winter, spring, summer and fall, each season is different, says Bing Quock, acting chairman of the Morrison Planetarium at the California Academy of Sciences.

NPR: Not All Seasons Are Created Equal