Snow no longer a no-show

USA TODAY

Flakes are flying as a blast of arctic air makes its way across the United States. Former President Donald Trump clinched a quick victory at Monday’s Iowa Caucuses. And a look at who took home Emmy Awards.

👋 Well, hello there!Laura Davis here. I’ve safely returned to the frozen tundra of Denver after a road trip to visit my sister in Florida! I hope you are having a good year so far and are staying warm. Let’s get to Tuesday’s news!

🚩 But first: No room for Ozempic in your budget? Stay away from "budget Ozempic" tricks for DIY weight loss. Here's why.

The Short List is a snappy USA TODAY news roundup. Subscribe to the newsletter here.

Arctic air sweeps across the US

Brrrr! Travel was chaotic and the federal government shuttered offices around the nation's capital Tuesday as a wall of bitter cold temperatures, ice and snow descended on a broad expanse of the country. The sweeping mass of arctic air crashing down from Canada was forecast to deliver subfreezing temperatures to three-fourths of the nation, and 68 million Americans were under a winter weather advisory Tuesday. New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, D.C., saw an end to snow droughts that lasted almost two years. At least 11 deaths have been linked to the weather over the past few days, and more than 60,000 homes and businesses were without power Tuesday afternoon. A reprieve from the snow is expected Wednesday – but another surge of arctic air is forecast to sweep across the Plains and Deep South by Thursday or Friday. ❄️ Here's the full frigid forecast.

A snow storm blankets Western Ave. that devoid of vehicles on Monday, January 15, 2024 in Knoxville, Tenn.

Trump defeats Republican rivals in pivotal Iowa race

Former President Donald Trump scored a record-setting win in the Iowa Caucuses, leaving his Republican rivals far behind in the race to be the 2024 presidential nominee. His victory doesn't guarantee he will claim the nomination at the Republican National Convention in Wisconsin this summer. But his unprecedented 51% finish, crushing Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley by 30 percentage points, left his would-be challengers scrambling to articulate a credible path to slow Trump's roll. But the race isn't over yet.

After scoring sixth in the Iowa Caucuses, Asa Hutchinson drops out of 2024 race.

Gary Leffler attends a rally for Former President Donald Trump,Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024, at Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa.

Real quick

What caused a hot air balloon carrying 13 people to crash into the desert?
These divers scour Florida for sunken cars to unlock secrets about missing people.
32 things we learned in NFL playoffs' wild-card round: More coach drama?
After the Alaska Airlines incident, should people be concerned about flight safety?

The Short List is free, but several stories we link to are subscriber-only. Consider supporting our journalism andbecome a USA TODAY digital subscriber today.

U.S. attacks Houthi missile sites in Yemen for third time

The U.S. military launched its third strike Tuesday against Houthi militants in Yemen, destroying four anti-ship ballistic missiles prepared to launch at ships in the Red Sea, according to U.S. Central Command.

What's been going on? The U.S., along with Great Britain, had attacked dozens of missile and radar sites used by Iranian-backed Houthi militants in Yemen since Thursday. The Biden administration defended moving ahead with strikes last week on Houthi targets even though the actions have not deterred Houthi militants from conducting more attacks in the Red Sea.
What's the reason for the attacks? The Houthis have launched about 30 attacks aimed at commercial and military ships in the Red Sea since November. They maintain the attacks are in response to Israel’s invasion of Gaza. 👉 Here's what we know.
Four flashpoints in Israel-Hamas conflict that could spark wider war in Middle East.

Houthi supporters attend a protest against the United States-led airstrikes on Friday, Jan 12, 2024, in Sanaa, Yemen. The U.S. and British militaries bombed more than a dozen sites used by the Iranian-backed Houthis. The military targets included air defense and radar sites, drone and missile storage and launching locations. (AP Photo) ORG XMIT: DV110

The biggest moments of the 2024 Emmy Awards

The 75th annual Emmy Awards broadcast started on a high note Monday night thanks to an emotional, self-deprecating address by actress Christina Applegate, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2021. More tears came when Quinta Brunson, creator and star of “Abbott Elementary,” won her first Emmy for best comedy actress, moments after friend Ayo Edebiri brought home best supporting actress for “The Bear.” Kieran Culkin collected his first Emmy for best drama actor for the final season of “Succession,” which also took home best drama. The best comedy win went to “The Bear.” 🏆 Check out the full list of winners (and losers).

Matthew Perry tribute at Emmys leaves 'Friends' fans in tears.
What you didn't see: Kieran Culkin explains his 'rude' baby request.
After the show, it's the after-party: Stars kept the celebrations going. See photos.

(L-R) Abby Elliott, Oliver Platt, Edwin Lee Gibson, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Liza Colo?n-Zayas, Ayo Edebiri, Jeremy Allen White, Lionel Boyce and Matty Matheson, winners of Outstanding Comedy Series for "The Bear," at the 75th Emmy Awards.

A break from the news

🙇‍♀️ Ask HR: How do you handle a personal crisis at work?
💰 Some states still tax Social Security. Do you live in one of them?
😴 Lose sleep for 'me' time? You may be a revenge bedtime procrastinator.

Laura L. Davis is an Audience Editor at USA TODAY. Say hello:laura@usatoday.com. This is a compilation of stories from across the USA TODAY Network. Support quality journalism like this?Subscribe to USA TODAY here.