🌱 SCCPSS Complaint Investigation + Summer Night Lights Program

Good morning, friends. It's Saturday in Savannah and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on all the most important things happening in the community today.

But first, today's weather:

Times of clouds and sun. High: 92 Low: 75.

From our sponsor:

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Here are the top three stories today in Savannah:

1. The Savannah Chatham County Public School System has been investigated by the state following complaints regarding accommodations for students with disabilities. The school district was found by the state to be at fault for two systemic complaints, which are complaints that involve more than one family or student. It was determined that the district did not provide adequate accommodations for students who needed them. Around 13 percent of district students have a registered disability, and the most recent district budget increased funding for special education programs. (WSAV)
2. A new city program is aiming to reduce crime and gun violence. On Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, the Grant Center Gymnasium and the W.W. Law Center Gym have been open from 6 p.m.-12 a.m. The city is providing basketball, activities, and snacks for the Summer Night Lights program, which has attracted hundreds of young people. The program is led by John Bush, the director of Savannah's Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement, who explained that the goal is to provide a safe option for local teenagers on weekend evenings. (Connect Savannah)
3. A Savannah ice cream shop has been named one of the best in the country by Yelp. Leopold’s Ice Cream ranked in the top 100 ice cream shops, coming in at number 96 and is the only ice cream shop in Georgia to make the list. Leopold’s Ice Cream first opened in 1919 at the intersection of Gwinnett and Habersham Streets and quickly gained popularity as a spot to hop off a streetcar to enjoy a sweet treat. Today, Leopold's often has lines out the door, but customers say it is well worth the wait. (WSAV)

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Today in Savannah:

Saturday, July 1

• Red, White, & Brews: Independence Day Bar Crawl At Boomys (4:00 PM)
• Brian Bazemore At Myrtle And Rose (7:00 PM)
• Mirthless, Planetary Ghost, And Them Damn Kings Show! At The Sentient Bean (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Savannah Music Festival will be hosting a concert by The 502s at Victory North on Jul. 6. The 502s are performing as part of their Fresh Squeezed Happiness Tour. (Savannah Music Festival via Facebook)
• The City of Savannah has announced the implementation of development impact fees that will begin on Jul. 1. These fees are designed to help mitigate the costs of expanding city services and infrastructure. Learn more about the new fees here. (City of Savannah Government via Facebook)
• Chatham County Animal Services is offering free adoptions through Jul. 2. Click here to see the pets that are currently waiting for their forever home. (Chatham County, Georgia Government via Facebook)

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with a new 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.