On Wednesday, it brought temperatures as low as minus 28 in Minneapolis and upended daily life for many in the Midwest, halting planes and trains, shutting schools, and prompting officials to open emergency centers.

The bitter weather is believed to be tied to at least eight deaths, and health officials warned residents to go outdoors only if necessary.

For you: Exposed skin can quickly lead to frostbite. Chicagoans shared cold-weather survival tips.

Trump pushes back against intelligence officials

President Trump has accused the nation’s intelligence agencies of being “passive and naive” about the dangers posed by Iran, a day after the agencies gave their annual assessment of the biggest threats to the U.S.

Lawmakers and former intelligence officials condemned Mr. Trump’s attack, calling it inappropriate and dangerous. But the president’s defenders noted the threat assessment came from the very national security establishment the president has vowed to disrupt.