A new political era began as Martin Walsh was sworn in as the new mayor of Boston, succeeding the city’s longest-serving chief Thomas Menino, who retired after more than two decades in office.

A winter storm with fierce winds has struck the north eastern United States dumping nearly two feet of snow in some parts and whipping up blizzard-like conditions.

A strong winter storm pounding north-east America with stiff winds and punishing cold has dumped nearly two feet of snow in parts of Massachusetts today.