Quick take: Nationwide immigration protests and boycotts are planned today as the U.S. braces for an intensifying Arctic blast that could shatter dozens of low‑temperature records and a bomb cyclone threatening the Southeast. Senators report a deal to avert a shutdown but no vote has been held. President Trump nominated Kevin Warsh to be Fed chair and has escalated tariff threats against Canada. The WHO confirmed two Nipah virus cases in eastern India — a rare disease with a high fatality rate and no approved vaccine.
5 Things to Know — Jan. 30: Nationwide Immigration Protests, Arctic Blast & Bomb Cyclone, Fed Nominee, Canada Tariffs, Nipah Cases
Frozen sections of the Hudson River alongside New York City this week. - Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu/Getty Images
Nationwide demonstrations and planned boycotts over the Trump administration’s immigration policies are expected today, with organizers urging people to skip schools, workplaces and shopping in cities across the United States. CNN and other outlets are tracking dozens of rallies and marches in major metropolitan areas including Minneapolis, New York City and Atlanta.
Arctic Blast and Bomb Cyclone Threaten Wide Swathes of the U.S.
A brutal surge of Arctic air is forecast to strengthen this weekend, potentially breaking more than 200 daily low-temperature records from today through Monday across the eastern half of the country. Many states are still recovering from last weekend’s historic winter storm, which officials say has been blamed for at least 85 deaths in the U.S. Temperatures in parts of the South and East could fall more than 30 degrees below normal.
At the same time, a powerful bomb cyclone is expected to bring heavy snow, hurricane‑force winds and coastal flooding to parts of the Southeast. Residents should monitor local watches and warnings and consult maps and charts for the latest tracking information.
Senate Says It Reached A Deal — Vote Still Pending
Senators say they have reached a compromise to avert a government shutdown, but lawmakers have not yet taken a vote. With less than a day before the funding deadline, a partial shutdown remains a real possibility. According to sources, the agreement would separate Department of Homeland Security funding from the broader spending package as Democrats press for reforms to immigration enforcement.
Former Federal Reserve governor Kevin Warsh speaks during the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Spring meetings in Washington, DC, in April 2025 - Tierney L. Cross/Bloomberg/Getty Images
Trump Nominates Kevin Warsh For Fed Chair
President Donald Trump announced he is nominating Kevin Warsh to be the 17th chair of the Federal Reserve. Warsh served as a Fed governor from 2006 to 2011, having been appointed at age 35 — the youngest person ever to serve on the Fed’s board. Now 55, Warsh has shifted publicly in recent months from a hawkish stance on inflation to supporting lower interest rates. If confirmed by the Senate, he would replace Jerome Powell.
Tensions With Canada Escalate Over Aircraft Certification And Tariff Threats
The administration said it was decertifying certain Canadian-made aircraft and threatened a 50% tariff until American-made Gulfstream jets are certified there. The comment is the latest episode in a growing trade and diplomatic spat with Canada. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said he expects the United States to respect Canada’s sovereignty amid reports that some separatist activists from Alberta sought meetings with U.S. officials.
WHO Confirms Two Nipah Virus Cases In Eastern India
The World Health Organization reported two confirmed cases of the Nipah virus in an eastern Indian state. Nipah is a rare pathogen with a high case fatality rate and no approved vaccines or treatments; the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention classifies it at the highest biosafety level used for dangerous agents. Outbreaks have so far been limited and mostly confined to parts of Asia, with transmission historically linked to direct contact with infected animals such as bats or pigs. Public health officials will be monitoring the situation closely.
Other Headlines And Quick Hits
- Apple reported quarterly results that beat expectations, driven largely by strong iPhone 17 sales.
- Researchers warn Iran may move to further limit or "retire" public access to the internet, potentially increasing digital isolation.
- A new video game aims to simulate life inside a criminal underworld; experts and players are weighing in.
- Pop culture: Rapper Nicki Minaj posted a photo of what’s been described in some reports as President Trump’s so‑called “Gold Card,” an immigration visa pathway reportedly allowing wealthy foreigners to expedite applications for a fee.
Editors’ note: This digest was compiled to provide quick, accurate updates for readers starting their day. Check local forecasts and official guidance for weather and public-safety information.
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