⚓ What's Up Today in Newport County: Thursday, January 30

Good Morning! It’s Thursday, January 30, 2025.

Misinformation, disinformation (lies), and rumors were spread widely on social media on Wednesday regarding ICE activity in Newport - leading to some chaos and confusion. Let’s get down to the facts and what we can confirm;

👉 Newport Police say one person was arrested Wednesday in a targeted immigration enforcement action on Thames Street near Cottons Court.

The individual was taken into custody in connection with other criminal offenses, according to Lt. Joseph C. Carroll. Carroll stresses there were no other immigration-related law enforcement activities by federal authorities in Newport on Jan. 29. Read more about the police activity.

👉 Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain sent a communication to families Wednesday afternoon addressing rumors of ICE activity that had impacted schools earlier in the day. The superintendent emphasized that no ICE agents or federal agents had visited any Newport schools or inquired about students or their families.

The concerns arose when some Rogers High School students received alarming texts from outside sources at the end of the school day. In response, school administration offered to transport these students home in a school van instead of having them ride the bus.

“At no time did ICE or any ICE agents enter the building or were students/staff in any danger,” Jermain stated in her letter to families. Read more from Jermain.

👉 Editor’s Note: In a fast-paced social media world, we all need to remind ourselves now more than ever to consider the sources of what we’re reading and ensure that they are sourcing their information from reputable sources. Don’t fall for the chaos some bad actors are trying to create for a few more likes on social media.

Federal authorities apprehended one individual on Thames Street for criminal offenses, no other immigration-related activities reported.

No ICE agents entered schools, but altered dismissal procedures led to rumors and concern

Kristaps Porzingis scored 26 of his season-high 34 points in the first half, and the Boston Celtics coasted to a 122-100 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night.

Sebastian Thomas had 22 points in Rhode Island’s 88-82 victory against UMass on Wednesday night.

Colleen Burns Jermain discusses building progress, strategic plan implementation, and legislative priorities during monthly conversation with What’sUpNewp

Dawn Euer invites Newport and Jamestown residents to voice concerns until February 14

Exclusive programs offer behind-the-scenes look at Newport Mansions’ curatorial work and collections

Starting pay ranges from $64,358 to $88,756, with additional stipends for criminal justice degrees and specialized units

Three-day construction project to disrupt traffic from January 29-31, with daily closures during business hours

Jamestown police share video of close call, urge drivers to slow down and move over for emergency vehicles

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Weather: Sunny, with a high near 30. West wind 13 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Tonight - Increasing clouds, with a temperature rising to around 39 by 4am. Southwest wind 7 to 16 mph.

Marine: NNW wind 11 to 14 kt becoming WNW in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 24 kt. Sunny. Seas 1 ft or less. Tonight - WSW wind 6 to 9 kt becoming SSW 11 to 14 kt after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 22 kt. Increasing clouds. Seas 1 ft or less. The coastal water temperature is 40 degrees.

Sun, Moon & Tide: Sunrise at 6:58 am. Sunset at 4:58 pm. High tide at 8:05 am & 8:29 pm. Low tide at 1:19 am & 2:05 pm. The lunar phase is a New Moon.

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