Daily
Savannah
Friday, January 2nd, 2026
Good morning, Savannah. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 2nd of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ After a teen with cerebral palsy was turned away from a local mall nail salon earlier this week, technician Monica Green brought a professional manicure to her home today — turning a disappointing moment into a positive start to the New Year. The kind act has inspired other local nail techs to offer their help. WTOC 11
- ➤ On New Year's Day, Savannah welcomed its first baby of 2026 when Jordan and Jeremy Tuten delivered Jett at Telfair BirthPlace in Candler Hospital — his labor lasted nine minutes despite a due date of Jan. 19. WTOC 11
- ➤ On New Year's Day, hundreds plunged into 56°F ocean waters at Tybee Island Pier and Pavilion during the annual Tybee Polar Plunge. The event featured costume contests and photo ops + offered a refreshing, community-filled start to 2026. Savannah Morning News
- ➤ In the early minutes of New Year’s Day, Savannah welcomed its first baby of the year when Jett Ryder Tuten was born at 12:16 a.m. at Telfair BirthPlace at Candler Hospital (he arrived after nine minutes of labor) and both mother and baby are doing well. WJCL
- ➤ Senior Citizens Inc. launches its 21st annual blanket drive Monday at 10 a.m. at its headquarters (3025 Bull Street) to collect new blankets for local older adults in need, with additional drop-offs and cash donations accepted until Feb. 13. WTOC 11
- ➤ Maceo Harrison (an Effingham County graduate and Savannah Bananas player) performed in Times Square on New Year’s Eve with Ryan Seacrest, marking a proud moment for local talent showcased on a national stage. WTOC 11
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Pooler’s National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force was named Best Museum in the 2025 Best of Georgia Awards by Georgia Business Journal after receiving the highest public vote among more than 30 contenders; it is celebrated for teaching visitors about the historic air force. WJCL
- ➤ The Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum celebrated 30 years by hosting exhibits that highlight civil rights milestones for the local community. It showcased stories of change and legacy (events began on Jan. 1). WTOC 11
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ UGA’s Terry College of Business hosts the 2026 Georgia Economic Outlook luncheon on Jan. 7 in Savannah, where business + community leaders will hear research-driven insights from the Selig Center for Economic Growth. The 43rd annual event will provide trusted economic forecasts for planning ahead. Savannah Business Journal
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Gabriel Tvrdy, one of 17 recipients, was awarded the 2025 Thomas B. Crowley Sr. Memorial Scholarship today recognizing academic excellence and interest in maritime careers + Crowley has invested over $3 million in scholarships for students on the U.S. mainland, Puerto Rico, and Central America. Savannah Business Journal
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Baby Jett Ryder, the first Savannah-born child of 2026, was born at 12:16 a.m. at Telfair Birthplace & is healthy at 18 inches and 7 lb 12 oz. Parents Jordan and Jeremy Tuten drove from Ridgeland, S.C. and hope for a discharge tomorrow so he can meet his big brother. Savannah Morning News
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Over a thousand residents and visitors plunged into the mid-50s Atlantic Ocean at Tybee Pier for the annual New Year’s Day Polar Plunge on Jan. 1 (family-friendly and fun) while contestants competed in a Gang of Goofs contest, with proceeds boosting local events. WJCL
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Georgia football entered the Sugar Bowl against Ole Miss on New Year's Day; the team, coming off a month-long break, aimed to break last year’s playoff bye curse while Ole Miss marked its first College Football Playoff appearance. WTOC 11
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Eric Bailey Stand-Up Comedy Show
10:00-11:30 PM — Front Porch Improv: Savannah's Home for Comedy — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of laughter and live music with rising star Eric Bailey.
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Ghost Tour: Savannah's Comedic Haunts
1-hour adventure — River Street Marketplace — Check local listings — A hilarious trolley ride blending spooky tales with cheeky humor.
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Rodeo Savannah
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Enmarket Arena — Tickets required — Experience thrilling competition as the finest rodeo cowboys showcase their skills in this fast-paced family-friendly event.
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Savannah Campus Open House
5-7 p.m. — Galen College of Nursing - Savannah — Free entry — Explore nursing programs and meet faculty during an informative open house event.
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Candlelight: Best of Bridgerton on Strings
8:45-9:45 p.m. — The DeSoto Savannah — Ticketed event — Experience the enchanting melodies from Bridgerton performed by a string quartet in a candlelit setting.
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Bridge City Battle Cheer Competition
10 AM – 6 PM — Savannah Convention Center — Entry fee may apply — Experience thrilling all-star cheerleading performances showcasing talent and teamwork.
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Oysters on the Bluff
3-6 p.m. — TPG Isle of Hope Marina — Cost information not provided — Enjoy a delightful afternoon feasting on oysters with community vibes along the beautiful Bluff.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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