A powerful winter storm sweeping across the US Northeast and Great Lakes disrupted peak post-Christmas travel, grounding thousands of flights and prom.

Mr Oravec said the storm was moving from the north-west toward the south-east, with the largest snowfall in the New York City area reaching over 15cm in central eastern Long Island. Further north in the Catskills, communities saw as much as 25cm of snow.

Times Square’s iconic Ball will help launch America250 celebrations, with the new Constellation Ball and glowing 2026 numerals symbolizing the countdown to the nation’s 250th birthday. Organizers will relight the display in a patriotic ceremony and have confirmed the ball will return for Independence Day.

New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, in an interview with MS NOW's Jacob Soboroff, emphasized that the NYPD will not assist ICE, will uphold sanctuary city laws, and stressed that anyone who breaks the law,

People step out a shelter with free meals in New York City, the United States, Dec. 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo) A man eats free food received from a shelter in New York City,

More than 9,000 domestic U.S. flights on Saturday were canceled or delayed as of early-evening, with many in the New York area.