Federal Government Operating Status in the Washington, DC, Area. The following message applies only to Monday, March 2, 2009. The report comes from OPM.gov.

Boston Public Schools are closed today. Boston Public Libraries are open. Community centers are open on a limited basis. Boston City Hall is open for business.

Freezing temperatures, combined with snow over the past few days, have caused travel problems throughout Europe and been responsible for the death of 10 people. On Monday, a strong winter storm moved across Europe, covering parts of Europe with several inches of snow in France and the United Kingdom.

China's transportation system, which has been paralyzed by the worst snowy weather in half a century, glimpsed an encouraging sign on Sunday with the reports of less cancelled flights and more resumed trains and buses.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said in Beijing on Monday that China is confident and capable in achieving the final victory in combating disasters incurred by low temperature, ice and heavy snow.

Roads, railways and air traffic are slowly returning to normal in China, where the worst snowstorms in 50 years have stranded millions of travelers trying to get home for this week's Lunar New Year holiday. As VOA's Stephanie Ho reports from Beijing, the severe weather also affected the shipment of fresh vegetables throughout the country.

Amid China's worst snow disaster in decades, the Chinese leaders have shown the public a hands-on approach by visiting people working on the front lines of the weather crisis.

China's transportation system is on the road to recovery after being paralyzed by harsh weather, with stranded trains on the move and some expressways and airports back in action.

President Hu Jintao has ordered the military to spare no effort in disaster relief, as severe weather conditions have been forecast to continue nationwide.

China's transportation system is on the road to recovery after being paralyzed by harsh weather, with stranded trains on the move and some expressways and airports back in action.

A Chinese official says harsh winter weather is threatening food production and adding to inflationary pressures. Political pressure is also building on the government for its failure to anticipate and solve the problems. Daniel Schearf reports from Beijing.

China's leaders are rushing to oversee disaster relief efforts and limit the effects of the most brutal winter weather to hit the nation in decades. VOA's Stephanie Ho reports from Beijing.