Good morning, Savannah.

The MLK Observance Day Association hosted its annual Business and Community Unity Luncheon on Saturday, Aug.

15, at the Savannah Marriott Riverfront (attended by about 270 community leaders) where Dr. Jermaine Whirl of Savannah State University delivered a Practice Unity speech that earned a standing ovation.

Last Sunday, a District Live jazz concert at Plant Riverside District celebrated Teddy Adams’ 85th birthday with vibrant live performances by Huxsie Scott and Cynthia Utterbach, while former Mayor Otis Johnson highlighted Adams’ role in reviving Savannah’s jazz scene.

The Savannah-Chatham Public School Board approved a $135,000 design contract with LS3P Associates on Aug.

19 to renovate its former HQ at 208 Bull St into an educational hub, funding the project with $25M from a sales tax referendum and $60M from reserves though members worry costs may exceed $85M.

Forty international college students from 20 countries have been chosen for the GRSP next academic year; the program will kick off tomorrow, Aug.

21st – 23rd, at The DeSoto Hotel in Savannah where Mayor Van Johnson will welcome them and their Rotarian sponsors.

US News & World Report released its 2026 high school rankings on Aug.

19 showing Savannah Arts ranked 10th statewide, adding local pride to the list. Other top schools include Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science and Technology, Columbus High School and Innovation Academy.

Twenty-seven retired educators gathered in Jesup on Wednesday, Aug.

12 for the Area 5 & 6 meeting hosted by ChathamREA, where GREA leaders shared updates and members socialized, won prizes+ enjoyed a meal. The association will hold its next meeting on Monday, Sept. 14 at 11:00 a.m. at Luxe Elite Event Center in Savannah.

The Savannah Branch NAACP will host Sheriff Richard Coleman on Sunday, Aug.

23 at 4 p.m. at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church (1008 May Street) where he will discuss safety initiatives and answer community questions to boost trust with the sheriff's office.

Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools have set protocols to protect students from heat by reducing outdoor time and requiring water bottles, as nurses monitor for symptoms during classes and activities.

Georgia officials are considering allowing private couriers to ship medical cannabis directly to patients (similar to pharmaceutical deliveries) following a federal reclassification of the drug from schedule 1 to schedule 3.

The change could soon help patients in remote areas avoid long trips to dispensaries.

A proposed high-rise to replace the 1958 building at 15 Bull Street is drawing mixed reviews near City Hall at Johnson Square as residents debate its impact on Savannah’s historic vibe & future development.

Mayor Van Johnson said zoning will be reviewed amid concerns about retail space and aesthetics.