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Northeast Winter Storm Disrupts Holiday Travel, Thousands of Flights Affected

  A powerful mix of snow and ice sweeping across the U.S. Northeast has caused major travel disruptions, leading to thousands of flight delays and cancellations across the region. The storm, which hit early Saturday, prompted states of emergency in New York and New Jersey and forced officials to warn residents to stay off treacherous roads. Airports in the New York metropolitan area—including JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark Liberty —were among the hardest hit, with airlines struggling to manage the post‑holiday travel surge. According to flight‑tracking data, more than 5,580 flights were delayed and at least 860 were canceled as of Saturday afternoon. Snowfall totals ranged from 15 to 25 centimeters across parts of New York, Connecticut, and Long Island, with New York City recording 2 to 4 inches in Central Park. Crews worked through the morning to de‑ice aircraft and clear runways as passengers faced long waits and rebooking challenges. New York Governor Kathy Hochul emphasized...
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Mixed Reactions as Federal Government’s GST Holiday Takes Effect

 

The federal government’s two-month GST holiday, which began on Saturday, has elicited mixed reactions from both businesses and shoppers across Canada. The temporary tax break, aimed at easing affordability concerns during the holiday season, waives the five percent goods and services tax on a range of items including restaurant meals, children’s clothing, and toys.

Businesses Struggle with Compliance

Many businesses have found the implementation of the GST holiday to be an administrative burden. Patrick Neault, general manager of Raffin Bookstore in Montreal, mentioned that his staff had to work extra hours to ensure compliance with the new regulations. “It’s not that much of a deal. It’s like a few percent discount on a transaction,” Neault said, expressing doubt about whether the benefits outweigh the extra work.

Shoppers Show Limited Enthusiasm

Shoppers have also shown lukewarm enthusiasm for the tax break. While some, like Katrina Rose from Halifax, took advantage of the savings on holiday purchases, others, like Jennifer Matthew, felt the savings were too minimal to make a significant impact. “I don’t think it’s going to put a big dent in my wallet by any means,” Matthew said.

Conclusion

As the GST holiday continues until February 15, 2025, businesses and shoppers alike are cautiously optimistic about its potential benefits. While some appreciate the temporary relief, others remain skeptical about its long-term impact.




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