Latest news with #East Coast
CBC
3 days ago
- CBC
Increasing domestic travel to Halifax driving up flight, hotel prices
Social Sharing Higher summer travel costs haven't hampered domestic air travel to Halifax, according to a tourism expert and a major travel group. Amra Durakovic, the head of public relations and communications at Flight Centre Travel Group Canada, said they have seen huge demand for domestic travel to Halifax in recent months. Some of the increased tourism volume to Halifax is due to changing travel patterns for Canadians, she said, with fewer bookings to the United States, something that is unusual for the summer. As well, airlines have been offering more direct flights to Halifax from other Canadian cities, said Durakovic. "Typically, the East Coast is known to be the more affordable place to travel to. I think that's why suddenly, Canadians decided, 'We're going to go to the East Coast' at the same time," she said. "But when we all decide to do that, that's when we drive up demand. When we drive up demand, that means there are less options, which means the prices are higher." Wayne Smith, a professor of hospitality and tourism at Toronto Metropolitan University, said Halifax "might be one of the hottest destinations in all of Canada this summer." Like Durakovic, Smith said Canadians are making different decisions this summer when it comes to their vacation locales, due in part to the ongoing buy-Canadian movement and a boycott of all things American. "We're seeing that a lot of people who would have gone to Maine and Vermont and stuff like that are going to the Maritimes," Smith said. Halifax is a draw for Canadian travellers since it's the "ultimate safe destination in Canada," he said, though it's not the only place in the country seeing higher travel costs this season. "Prices have been aggressive across Canada, particularly for the hotels and for the airlines," he said. Last-minute bookings raise costs Durakovic said late bookings are also playing a role in the higher prices. She gave an example of a family of three in Toronto trying to book a four-night stay in Halifax this month about a week out from their desired departure date. They wanted to include premium airfare seating as well, so they were looking at a cost of around $6,000. "High seasonal demand, limited availability," Durakovic said. "Everything will be a little bit more expensive, and travelling within Canada has long carried that sort of premium price tag."
Reuters
6 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
Railroad operator Union Pacific's quarterly profit rises
July 24 (Reuters) - Union Pacific (UNP.N), opens new tab reported a rise in its second-quarter profit on Thursday, powered by robust demand for bulk and industrial shipments through multiple modes of transportation. The company's bulk shipments, which consists of grain products, fertilizer, coal and renewables, accounted for 32% of total freight revenues in 2024. Union Pacific, seen as a bellwether for the U.S. economy, has, however, benefited from strong volumes in its grain and grain products segments following a strong harvest season. The company's quarterly profit rose to $3.15 per share, from $2.74 per share, a year earlier. The West Coast rail giant has reportedly been in early-stage talks with its East Coast peer, Norfolk Southern (NSC.N), opens new tab, to explore a cross-continental railroad merger, possibly creating a single-line network stretching from coast to coast.
Daily Mail
22-07-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mail
Scientists: Why 'corn sweat' is to blame for 100-degree heat dome
'Corn sweat' has turned up the heat in the US, pushing temperatures above 100 degrees for nearly 200 million people nationwide. A thick wave of extreme humidity is expected to hit at least 30 states from the Plains to the East Coast boiling in a massive heat dome this week, with temperatures rising over 100 degrees, and scientists say 'corn sweat' is making the heat feel even worse. That moisture gets trapped under the heat dome, turning the region into a huge sauna. That heat dome is like a hot air bubble covering an area and trapping heat like a lid on a pot, keeping cooler air and rainstorms out. This makes everything underneath get hotter and hotter, with no way to cool down. Officials warned that the heat index is expected to reach 110 to 115 degrees in parts of Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, and Indiana . Major Midwest cities like Kansas City, Des Moines, and Chicago are all under heat watches or warnings through the night, as meteorologists have said the air will stay thick and damp even after the sun sets. Justin Glisan, an Iowa State University climatologist, said: 'The phenomenon as being thick and oppressive, particularly if there is no wind, like being fully clothed in a sauna or steam room.' According to AccuWeather, more than 200 million people across 37 states will experience the triple-digit heat wave by Friday. Officials have issued extreme heat alerts for the Mississippi Valley, while the entire Chicago area is under an extreme heat watch through Thursday. This week, humidity from cornfields has intensified the already severe heat dome, extending from Texas to the Great Lakes. Over 100 cities are expected to challenge overnight heat records, raising serious risks for heat stress, especially where there is no air conditioning. The timing of this summer scorcher is no coincidence, as it coincides with the blossoming period of the corn plant. In Iowa alone, corn is planted across millions of acres. On Thursday and Friday, the heat dome will expand further east, covering the regions that rarely see this level of heat and humidity, especially New England and parts of the Northeast. In Maine, where summer temperature usually stay in the 70s or low 80s, it could reach the 90s by Friday. Portland is most likely to hit 94 degrees, but humidity will make it feels live over 100 Fahrenheit. Boston will also get very hot, with temperatures near 100 when you factor in the moisture in the air. Even cities near the coast would not be safe from the heat. Meteorologists say this heat will be short but strong. It's not like the long-lasting heat in the Plains, but it still could cause problems. The heat comes from moisture moving east, mostly from the Midwest's corn fields, which release a lot of water vapor into the air. This makes the air feel even hotter. New York City will see some of its hottest days this month with highs in the mid-90s and nights staying warm near 80 degrees. Many cities in the South and Midwest will also stay hot at night, giving little relief from the heat. Places like Little Rock and Jackson could see nighttime lows only reach the 80s. Corn in states like Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana is at a stage where it releases lots of moisture, which adds to the humidity spreading east. Washington, DC, will hit 97 degrees Friday, but it will feel hotter, between 105 and 110 because of the extra humidity coming from the South and Midwest. According to AccuWeather, Dallas will reach over 100 degrees, and Houston and San Antonio will stay in the triple digits. Forecasters say the Central Plains, including Kansas and Nebraska, could shift from humid to dangerously dry by mid-August. The heat will worsen with dry ground, pushing temperatures from the upper 90s to 100, with some areas possibly hitting 110 degrees Fahrenheit. AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Chad Merrill said: 'The bottom line is that this has the look of a long-lasting heat wave with limited rainfall.' The Corn Belt is not in a drought right now, but that could change. As the ground dries under this heat dome, less water will evaporate to cool the air, and actual temperatures will rise even more. Some areas could climb to 110 degrees or more. Even tropical moisture from the Gulf would not help much. High pressure is blocking it from moving north in most places, and whatever rain does fall likely would not be enough to cut the heat.
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
North Korea bans foreigners from seaside resort weeks after opening
North Korea has announced that its newly opened seaside resort will not be receiving foreign tourists. The Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, opened on 1 July, has been touted as a key part of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's ambitions to boost tourism. In the lead-up to its opening, the resort was promoted as an attraction for both locals and foreigners. But as of this week, a notice on North Korea's tourism website says that foreigners are "temporarily" not allowed to visit. Last week, the first Russian tourists reportedly arrived at the resort in Wonsan - around the same time that Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov met Kim in the city. Lavrov hailed the seaside development as a "good tourist attraction", and said he hoped it would become popular among Russians, AFP reported. The two countries are set to launch direct flights between Moscow and Pyongyang by the end of the month. A Russian tour guide previously told NK News that they had planned several more trips to the resort in the coming months. Wonsan, a city along North Korea's east coast, is home to some of the country's missile facilities and a large maritime complex. It's also where Kim spent much of his youth, among holiday villas belonging to the country's elites. The new seaside resort has lined 4km (2.5 miles) of its beachfront with hotels, restaurants, shopping malls and a water park. It has a capacity of some 20,000 people, according to state media. However, since the resort began construction in 2018, human rights groups have protested the alleged mistreatment of its workers. They point to reports of people being forced to work long hours to finish the massive project, under harsh conditions and inadequate compensation. Russian ambassadors attended the resort's completion ceremony on 24 June, along with Kim and his family. Last year, North Korea allowed Russian tourists to visit North Korea after a years-long suspension of tourism during the pandemic. In February, North Korea also started to receive tourists from the West, including Australia, France, Germany and the UK. It abruptly halted tourism weeks later, however, without saying why. North Korea's Benidorm-style resort welcomes first Russian tourists North Korea to open beach resort as Kim bets on tourism
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- Yahoo
This South Jersey beach has some of the clearest water in New Jersey
The Garden State is home to some of the best beaches and lakes along the East Coast. And some of these bodies of water offer the clearest waters, attracting visitors seeking natural beauty and outdoor activities, according to The online travel blog dedicated to exploring new places and cultures identifies which beach has the Clearest Water in New Jersey. And, that beach is the 96th Street Beach in Stone Harbor, Cape May County. Unlike many Jersey Shore destinations, this beach has no boardwalk or carnival attractions and has a population of 1,000 full-time residents. During the summer, its population rises sharply as tourists descend upon the town. There is also a bird sanctuary and a local museum that preserves the area's history. These locations have several beaches and lakes known for their exceptional water clarity, according to Stone Harbor Beach in Cape May: The water clarity is enhanced by regular monitoring and conservation efforts. Sandy Hook Bay: Sandy Hook maintains a water quality rating that exceeds state requirements, making it a prime location for swimming and other water activities. Island Beach State Park: The park's preservation efforts contributes to the clarity and cleanliness of its waters. Lake Hopatcong: As the the largest freshwater lake in New Jersey, its Foundation conducts regular water quality assessments reflects ongoing efforts to improve water quality and control pollution. Wharton State Forest: The New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry states that water quality in Wharton State Forest is consistently monitored, ensuring a safe recreational environment. The forest's remote nature helps maintain the integrity of the water. This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Cape May County beach has NJ's clearest water, plus 4 more spots
