分类: society

  • Thousands of US flights disrupted as winter storm looms

    Thousands of US flights disrupted as winter storm looms

    A severe winter storm is sweeping across the northeastern United States, creating massive disruptions during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Meteorological authorities have issued winter storm warnings effective from Friday afternoon through Saturday, predicting accumulations of up to nine inches (23 cm) in New York City and southern Connecticut regions.

    The aviation sector is experiencing significant operational challenges, with nearly 1,500 flight cancellations and over 5,400 delays recorded nationwide by Friday afternoon. Major transportation hubs including John F. Kennedy International, Newark Liberty, and LaGuardia airports are bearing the brunt of the disruptions, with substantial impacts also reported at Philadelphia, Detroit, and Toronto Pearson International airports.

    Leading carriers have implemented widespread cancellations, with JetBlue Airways scrubbing 227 flights and Delta Air Lines eliminating 213 routes. Republic Airways and Southwest Airlines have cancelled 157 and 146 flights respectively, while American Airlines and United Airlines have each grounded approximately 100 flights.

    Transportation authorities are urging extreme caution for those who must travel. New York Governor Kathy Hochul emphasized the importance of preparation and additional travel time, stating: ‘Avoid unnecessary trips, but if travel is essential, plan ahead, take it slow, and leave plenty of time to reach your destination safely.’ Similar advisories have been issued by governors in neighboring states including New Jersey and Connecticut.

    Municipal preparations are underway across affected regions, with New York City deploying snow plows that will begin operations once two inches of accumulation occurs. This represents the second significant snowfall event of the season for the region, following the December 14th winter weather occurrence that left several inches of accumulation.

    Travelers are strongly advised to monitor flight statuses directly with their airlines and exercise extreme caution when road travel becomes necessary during the expected peak snowfall period between 6:00 PM and midnight.

  • NYE 2026 in Dubai: Parking, free shuttle buses; what you need to know

    NYE 2026 in Dubai: Parking, free shuttle buses; what you need to know

    Dubai authorities have implemented an extensive traffic management strategy for the upcoming New Year’s Eve celebrations at Burj Khalifa, featuring progressive road closures and enhanced public transportation options. Beginning at 4pm on December 31, 2025, all major arteries surrounding the celebration venue will undergo systematic closures to accommodate the anticipated massive turnout for the iconic fireworks display.

    The Dubai Mall metro station is scheduled to cease operations at 5pm or upon reaching maximum capacity, while both metro and tram services will extend their operating hours to facilitate movement across the city. For motorists, designated alternative parking facilities at Al Wasl Club and Al Kifaf areas will provide complimentary shuttle bus services operated by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

    Early arrivals are encouraged to utilize Emaar’s extensive parking infrastructure, comprising over 20,000 spaces distributed across Dubai Mall Parking, Zabeel Dubai Mall Parking, Pointview Parking, and beneath the Boulevard. All public parking along Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard will operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Stringent parking restrictions will be enforced on key thoroughfares including Al Khail Street, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai Eye Street, and Oud Metha Street in both directions, with additional prohibitions on all major arterial roads adjacent to the celebration zone.

    Post-event evacuation measures include dedicated shuttle services transporting attendees to metro stations, taxi stands, and private vehicle parking facilities. Two primary taxi collection points have been established at Al Wasl Club Parking and Al Kifaf Parking, accessible via complimentary shuttle buses.

    For those seeking to avoid peak hour congestion, complimentary shuttle services will operate between 4pm and 8pm from Swissôtel Al Murooj Dubai to the alternative parking facilities, ensuring seamless transportation throughout the celebration period.

  • Lijiang authority calls on Xiaohongshu to tighten review oversight

    Lijiang authority calls on Xiaohongshu to tighten review oversight

    The Cultural and Tourism Bureau of Gucheng District in Lijiang, Yunnan Province, has formally requested that lifestyle-sharing platform Xiaohongshu enhance its monitoring and regulatory measures concerning negative consumer reviews targeting local wedding photography businesses. This official appeal has ignited substantial online discourse regarding platform responsibility and consumer protection mechanisms.

    In a publicly released communication dated Tuesday, the bureau asserted that Xiaohongshu has inadequately managed potentially fabricated negative content. According to their investigation, certain users allegedly post misleading complaints to coercively obtain refunds from businesses even when service providers have fulfilled their contractual obligations. The bureau claims this regulatory gap has created significant challenges for companies seeking to dispute questionable posts, resulting in substantial reputational harm and widespread order cancellations.

    Data from the Gucheng District Wedding Photography Industry Association indicates that as of December, allegedly deceptive cautionary posts have directly caused order cancellations valued at over 1 million yuan ($142,716), with estimated indirect losses surpassing 5 million yuan.

    Contrasting perspectives emerged from third-party sources close to Xiaohongshu, who told Jiupai News that current evidence doesn’t substantiate claims of consumers fabricating personal experiences. The platform has initiated a dedicated communication channel with local photography businesses and proposed implementing case-by-case verification procedures for negative reviews.

    However, industry representatives have rejected this proposal as insufficient compensation for incurred losses and indicative of inadequate sincerity. The association has announced intentions to pursue legal recourse.

    Lijiang’s popularity as a wedding photography destination continues to grow, attracting approximately 100,000 couples in 2024 alone. The ancient town currently hosts over 600 photography businesses with a market value exceeding 1 billion yuan, ranking first in Yunnan Province.

    The platform maintains its commitment to authentic experience sharing, with customer service representatives emphasizing ongoing efforts to address fabricated content while providing businesses with multiple channels to report disputes and submit evidence for prompt investigation.

  • Not just fireworks: Dubai Frame to host drone shows for first time to ring in New Year

    Not just fireworks: Dubai Frame to host drone shows for first time to ring in New Year

    Dubai is poised to revolutionize its New Year’s Eve celebrations with an unprecedented integration of technology and traditional fireworks. For the first time in its history, the iconic Dubai Frame will serve as the centerpiece for a dazzling drone light spectacle alongside its customary fireworks display on December 31, 2025.

    Engineer Adel Al Marzooqi, CEO of Dubai Municipality’s Waste and Sewerage Agency, revealed that the Dubai Frame exhibition constitutes just one component of an expansive emirate-wide celebration strategy. The comprehensive plan encompasses fireworks presentations across 40 distinct locations, culminating in an extraordinary total of 48 separate pyrotechnic shows throughout the evening.

    In a significant move toward ensuring family-oriented festivities, municipal authorities have designated all public beaches as exclusive family zones during the New Year’s Eve celebrations. This initiative forms part of an intricate preparedness strategy developed through coordinated efforts between Dubai Municipality, Dubai Police, the Roads and Transport Authority, and the Dubai Resilience Centre.

    The multi-faceted safety and comfort program addresses numerous aspects of public welfare including beach management, park operations, recreational facilities, waste management protocols, and public health standards. Enhancing accessibility for family viewing, fourteen public parks will extend operational hours until 1:00 AM, providing secure and comfortable vantage points for celebration spectators.

    This technological advancement in celebration methodology represents Dubai’s continuous innovation in public entertainment while maintaining its commitment to safety and family values, setting a new benchmark for global New Year’s events.

  • NYE 2026 in Dubai: Sheikh Zayed Road, Burj Khalifa metro station to close; timings revealed

    NYE 2026 in Dubai: Sheikh Zayed Road, Burj Khalifa metro station to close; timings revealed

    Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has implemented an elaborate traffic management strategy for New Year’s Eve 2026 celebrations centered around Burj Khalifa, featuring phased road closures and enhanced public transportation options. The comprehensive plan aims to ensure safety and accessibility for the anticipated massive gatherings while maintaining urban mobility.

    The operational blueprint initiates progressive road closures starting at 4:00 PM on December 31, 2025, with initial restrictions affecting key arteries including Al Asayel Street, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, and Burj Khalifa Street. Subsequent phases will see Al Sukook Street closing at 8:00 PM, Upper Financial Centre Street at 9:00 PM, and critical segments of Sheikh Zayed Road between Al Maidaan intersection and Commercial Centre roundabout commencing at 11:00 PM.

    Public transportation infrastructure will undergo significant adaptations, with the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station closing to entries from 5:00 PM or earlier if capacity is reached. In a remarkable service expansion, both Red and Green Metro lines will operate continuously for 43 hours from 5:00 AM on December 31 through midnight on January 2, 2026. Similarly, Dubai Tram services will maintain uninterrupted operations for 43 hours from 6:00 AM December 31 until 1:00 AM January 2.

    The RTA has designated alternative parking facilities at Al Wasl Club and Al Alkifaf Parking with complimentary shuttle services to the celebration venue. Early arrivals can utilize over 20,000 parking spaces in Emaar zones including Dubai Mall Parking and Pointview Parking. Strict parking prohibitions will be enforced on major thoroughfares including Al Khail Street, Sheikh Zayed Road, and Oud Metha Street.

    Post-fireworks transportation measures include dedicated shuttle buses to metro stations, taxi stands, and parking facilities. Two primary taxi collection points at Al Wasl Club Parking and Al Kifaf Parking will be accessible via shuttle services. For early departures, complimentary shuttle buses will operate from Swissôtel Al Murooj Dubai between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM.

    All pedestrian bridges and elevators spanning Dubai Creek will close from 4:00 PM onward to facilitate traffic flow and ensure public safety during the celebrations.

  • China’s Genhe city witnesses extremely cold weather

    China’s Genhe city witnesses extremely cold weather

    The northern Chinese city of Genhe, renowned as the nation’s coldest permanent settlement, has been gripped by an intense cold snap with temperatures plummeting to a bone-chilling -45°C (-49°F) on Friday morning. Located in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, this frigid community experienced one of the most severe temperature drops of the winter season on December 26, 2025.

    Despite the extreme arctic conditions, daily life continued with remarkable resilience. Morning markets remained operational as local residents ventured out to purchase essential supplies, demonstrating their adaptation to the harsh climate that characterizes this remote region. Photographic evidence captured citizens navigating the frosty environment while engaging in routine shopping activities, their breath visible in the supercooled air.

    Meteorological officials have confirmed that such extreme temperatures, while notably low, remain within seasonal expectations for this area situated near China’s northern frontier. Genhe has long held the unofficial title of ‘China’s cold pole’ due to its consistently frigid winter conditions, which regularly rank among the most severe nationwide.

    Local authorities have implemented standard cold weather protocols, ensuring that infrastructure remains functional and that vulnerable populations receive appropriate support during this period of intensified cold. The city’s unique geographical position and high latitude contribute to its extreme winter climate, which has become both a challenge for residents and a point of fascination for climate observers.

  • 4 UAE residents who helped accident victims honoured for saving lives

    4 UAE residents who helped accident victims honoured for saving lives

    In a ceremony recognizing exceptional civic responsibility, Abu Dhabi Police have formally honored four residents for their courageous intervention at a traffic accident scene. The individuals demonstrated remarkable composure and humanitarian spirit by providing critical first aid to multiple injured victims following a collision.

    The recognition was announced through Abu Dhabi Police’s official social media channels, highlighting the residents’ swift response and effective emergency care that significantly contributed to preserving lives and minimizing the accident’s severity. Brigadier Mohammed Dahy Al-Humairi, Director of the Central Operations Sector at Abu Dhabi Police, personally commended the honorees for their exemplary cooperation, profound sense of responsibility, and humanitarian courage.

    Brigadier Al-Humairi emphasized that such acts of bravery reflect deepening community awareness and social solidarity, which substantially enhance public safety systems. The initiative aligns with Abu Dhabi Police’s ongoing commitment to encourage and celebrate community members who proactively assist others during critical emergencies. These values of compassion and altruism represent fundamental principles that the police force continuously promotes throughout the emirate.

    The recognition ceremony underscores how civilian intervention during the crucial golden hour following accidents can dramatically improve outcomes for trauma victims. Abu Dhabi Police reaffirmed their dedication to fostering a culture of mutual assistance and community responsiveness, where citizens and residents alike actively participate in safeguarding public welfare.

  • Man sentenced to death for killing his children

    Man sentenced to death for killing his children

    In a landmark ruling that has shocked the nation, a Chinese court has imposed the death penalty on a father convicted of deliberately poisoning his two young children. The Zunyi Intermediate People’s Court in Guizhou province delivered the verdict on Friday, December 26, 2025, following a thorough examination of the horrific case.

    The convicted individual, Liu Zhongjie, received the maximum punishment after being found guilty of intentional homicide for administering a lethal insecticide to his own children. According to court documents, the tragic incident occurred amid unresolved marital conflicts between Liu and his spouse.

    The court established that Liu exploited his parental relationship to manipulate his vulnerable children, aged 10 and 7, into consuming DDVP—a highly toxic pesticide. Judicial authorities emphasized that the defendant not only deceived the minors into ingesting the poisonous substance but also deliberately withheld medical assistance, resulting in their agonizing deaths.

    In its first-instance judgment, the judiciary characterized Liu’s actions as particularly cruel and morally reprehensible, representing a fundamental violation of both ethical standards and legal principles. The ruling further noted that the severity of the crimes, combined with their devastating social impact, warranted the most severe punishment available under Chinese law.

    Beyond the death sentence, the court additionally ordered the permanent deprivation of Liu’s political rights, reflecting the gravity of his offenses against society and the basic tenets of human decency. The case has sparked widespread discussion about parental responsibility, child protection laws, and appropriate punishment for crimes against vulnerable family members.

  • UAE issues law to protect children from digital risks, ensure safe use of technology

    UAE issues law to protect children from digital risks, ensure safe use of technology

    The United Arab Emirates has established comprehensive federal legislation addressing child protection in digital environments through a new decree-law focused on safeguarding minors from online risks. This pioneering legal framework emerges as the nation prepares to designate 2026 as the ‘Year of the Family,’ reflecting the government’s commitment to enhancing children’s quality of life in the digital age.

    The legislation imposes binding obligations on internet service providers and digital platforms operating within or targeting UAE users, encompassing an extensive range of services including websites, search engines, mobile applications, messaging services, social media, online gaming platforms, streaming services, live broadcasting platforms, podcast services, video-on-demand platforms, and e-commerce marketplaces. The law additionally delineates specific responsibilities for caregivers regarding the digital safety of children under their supervision.

    Core provisions establish a robust national framework for child digital protection that promotes responsible technology usage while shielding minors from harmful content and practices affecting their physical, psychological, and moral development. The legislation mandates creation of a specialized Child Digital Safety Council, which will operate under the Minister of Family’s leadership and receive oversight from the Education, Human Resources, and Community Development Council to coordinate national efforts toward building safer digital environments for children.

    Further measures significantly enhance privacy protections for minors by implementing clear regulatory controls for handling children’s personal data. The law establishes an integrated approach defining responsibilities across digital platforms, internet providers, and parents with emphasis on preventive measures and guidance. Additionally, it creates a national awareness framework targeting families and children to foster cultures of positive technology use while strengthening familial roles in protection and prevention. The legislation also formalizes reporting mechanisms for harmful content targeting children and ensures expedited handling of cases involving digital abuse or exploitation.

  • Dubai: 48 fireworks displays across 40 locations to light up New Year’s Eve 2026

    Dubai: 48 fireworks displays across 40 locations to light up New Year’s Eve 2026

    Dubai is poised to host its most ambitious New Year’s Eve celebration to date, announcing a citywide extravaganza featuring 48 distinct fireworks displays across 40 strategic locations for December 31, 2025. This represents a significant 33% increase from the previous year’s 36 displays, setting a new benchmark for global New Year’s festivities.

    The scale of the event has necessitated an unparalleled security and logistical operation, officially declared the most comprehensive in the emirate’s history. A formidable force of over 23,000 security personnel will be deployed to ensure public safety. This coordinated effort brings together 55 government and private entities, meticulously planning for the influx of millions of residents and international tourists anticipated to descend upon the city.

    Leading the security front, Dubai Police will commit 9,884 officers, bolstered by an additional 13,502 private security staff. The multi-faceted surveillance strategy will encompass 1,625 security patrols, 36 bicycle units, 34 mounted patrols, and a fleet of 53 marine rescue boats for comprehensive land and sea coverage.

    Addressing the critical challenges of transportation and medical readiness, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will mobilize an extensive network. This includes 14,000 taxis, 1,300 public buses, and 107 metro trains, all managed by 5,565 RTA employees to facilitate seamless public mobility. Concurrently, a robust medical response system will be on high alert, featuring 236 ambulances, 635 paramedics, and 1,900 medical professionals. Twelve hospitals and numerous outdoor clinics are prepped for potential incidents, supported by the Civil Defence’s contingent of 1,754 personnel and 165 emergency vehicles.