🌱 Homicides Down From 2022 + New Children's Art Museum Open Today

Hello, neighbors. It's Saturday in Savannah and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in the community.

But first, today's weather:

Couple of thunderstorms. High: 92 Low: 76.

Here are the top three stories in Savannah today:

1. According to data from the Savannah Police Department, homicides in the city are 76 percent lower than they were last year. However, the number of shootings is about the same as a year ago. Savannah Mayor Van Johnson attributes the lower homicide rate to the healthcare workers at the city's trauma centers. City officials have also taken steps to try and reduce crime, such as the mayor's still-active gun buyback program. (WSAV)
2. The new Children's Museum of Art is set to open this weekend at the Telfair Museums Jepsen Center. The two-level museum offers hands-on activities, a toddler's gallery, a clubhouse, a landscape gallery, and more. The museum will have immersive activities for children and families to engage young people's creativity. The museum has been in development for over a year and will open to the public on Saturday, Jul. 8. (WTOC)
3. Following a three-year hiatus, the Savannah Police Department has announced that it is relaunching its Explorer's Program. Before the program shut down due to COVID-19, there were 12 participants in the police mentorship program. The program offers a curriculum that is similar to the police academy in order to give participants the chance to explore a career in law enforcement. The department's goal is to restart the program with 12 participants, but they currently only have six. To learn more about the Explorer's Program, click here. (WTOC)

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Today in Savannah:

Saturday, July 8

• Saturday Market At Forsyth Park (9:00 AM)
• Leanne Morgan: Just Getting Started At Johnny Mercer Theatre (7:00 PM)
• Red, White, & Boots At The Clyde Venue (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Family Promise of the Coastal Empire is seeking donations of furniture, clothing, and baby items. If you are able to make a donation, contact Director of Programs and Services Kimberly Paulk at kpaulk@familypromisece.org. (Family Promise of the Coastal Empire via Facebook)
• In case you missed it, Savannah Jazz will be presenting Spyro Gyra in a live performance on Jul. 15 at the Lucas Theatre at 7:00 p.m. Click here for tickets. (Savannah Jazz via Facebook)
• Attention, birdwatchers! Over 150 bird species have been spotted at the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens. If you'd like to attract more birds to your own yard, research indicates that having lots of native plants can help. (Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens via Facebook)

You're all caught up for today! See you soon for another update.

— Joyce Nash

About me: Joyce is a freelance writer and poet whose work has appeared in the Hello Gloria newsletter and Nine Cloud Journal. Her background ranges from journalism to fitness instruction and spans the east coast to the West. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with her husband and two cats.