🌱 Lawmakers Crack Down On State Taxes + Man Sentenced For Hit-and-Run

Good morning, neighbors! Joyce Nash here with your fresh copy of the Savannah Patch newsletter, full of all the things you need to know about what's happening in town.

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny. High: 86 Low: 67.

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Here are the top three stories today in Savannah:

1. Georgia's General Assembly has continued to double down on their state tax incentives by forming a committee of legislators that will examine every tax credit and exemption in the books. This committee will begin meeting on Wednesday, Jun. 14 with a goal of determining which aspects are providing tax payers with a good return in terms of economic development versus which ones are just wasting public dollars. Lawmakers in Georgia started scrutinizing about state taxes roughly two years ago when they passed legislation calling for independent cost-benefit audits each year up to five tax credits. (Capitol Beat)
2. After a high-speed chase about two years ago in Savannah, the 37-year-old suspect finally appeared before Chatham County Court and was sentenced to life in prison. Kenneth Wright was being chased by police when he struck and killed Stephen Milton, and has officially been convicted for one count of felony murder, four counts of vehicular homicide, and driving under the influence. Wright was initially pulled over for speeding, and will now spend the rest of his life in prison without the possibility of parole. (Fox28 Savannah)
3. The Savannah Impact Program and the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement have officially opened their new storefront in Savannah. The new building is around 7,400 square feet and took more than a year to complete renovations costing around $2 million total. Some of the renovations included asbestos abatement and disposal, replacement of the entire storefront, updating all electrical needs, and improving plumbing and HVAC systems. (Savannah Now)

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Today in Savannah:

Saturday, June 10

• Juneteenth Free Family Day at Jepson Center (10:00 AM)
• AURA Festival 2023 at Southbound Brewery (1:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• On Saturday, Jun. 10, the Telfair Museum will be hosting its Juneteenth Free Family Date celebration at the Jepson Center in Savannah. The event will begin at 10:00 a.m. and feature a variety of special programming including traditional arts demonstrations, hands-on activities, live performances, and more. If you're interested in attending this amazing celebration, visit here for more information. (Savannah CEO)
• The first-ever BIGGBY COFFEE is coming to Chatham County after local residents and 38-year industry professionals, Jill and Scott Novinski, decided to open a new location. This brand-new opening will be the first location of the coffee franchise in Southern Georgia and a milestone that the owners are very proud of. Overall, the coffee connoisseurs have a goal of opening 1,000 units by 2028. (Savannah CEO)
• Looking for a new comedian to see perform live? Popular social media star Matt Rife will be making his way to the Johnny Mercer Theatre in late October and tickets are officially on sale. If you're interested in attending, visit the link for more information on how to score tickets. (Savannah Civic Center)

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You're all caught up for today. I'll see you soon!

— 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.