Latest news with #SavannahMorningNews
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Memorial Day Weekend violence in Savannah: fatal stabbing occurred Friday afternoon
A stabbing Friday in Savannah left one woman dead and led to another being charged with murder. The Savannah Police Department (SPD) released a statement about an investigation into a fatal stabbing that occurred around 2:30 p.m. Friday, May 23 in the 2000 block of Camelia Court. SPD received a report of a medical emergency at the residence Friday afternoon. According to a SPD press release, once officers arrived, "they discovered the victim and conducted immediate life-saving measures, but the victim ultimately succumbed to her injuries at the scene." An initial investigation led officers to arrest Michelle Williams, 30. She was charged her with murder and aggravated assault. This is a developing story. Joseph Schwartzburt is the education and workforce development reporter for the Savannah Morning News. You can reach him at JSchwartzburt@ and JoeInTheKnow_SMN on Instagram. This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Savannah Memorial Day weekend incident led to death, arrest
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms officially launches governor campaign
One of Georgia's top Democrats has officially jumped into the race for the state's top elected office with former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms formally announcing her bid for governor Tuesday. Bottoms, who most recently served as an advisor to former President Joe Biden, said she is running to fight for Georgians amid what she described as "chaos and uncertainty" coming out of Washington, D.C. "People are looking for someone to fight for them, to make sure that they are able to put food on their tables, that they are able to provide a quality education for their children, that they are able to live in thriving communities, that your businesses are able to prosper," Bottoms said in a phone interview. "I am a fighter, and I want to be a fighter on behalf of people across Georgia." Background: Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms considers potential run for Governor Bottoms acknowledged the importance of Georgia's coast during the interview, saying she intends to "lean in" to policies that promote economic prosperity particularly on the coast. She pointed to the thriving Port of Savannah as a critical element of the economy. Top policy priorities for Bottoms include expanding Medicaid and ending state income taxes for teachers to address teacher shortages. Such shortages are no stranger to Chatham County, where the local school system has reported roughly 150 vacancies this year, according to reporting by the Savannah Morning News. "We not only have a problem recruiting teachers, but we've had an issue retaining teachers, and I believe that will help address that issue," Bottoms said. The campaign released a video for Tuesday's announcement, which criticizes President Donald Trump while touting other priorities such as cracking down on corporate landlords to make housing more affordable. Bottoms said during the interview her experience as Atlanta's mayor during Trump's first presidency means she knows how to "stand up and fight even when it's difficult and challenging." Tuesday's announcement comes after Bottoms filed paperwork in late April to begin fundraising for a run in the governor's race, according to reporting by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Bottoms joins state Sen. Jason Esteves in the Democratic field. Those running for governor in 2026 will be vying for an open seat with Gov. Brian Kemp term limited after his two consecutive terms in the seat. Attorney General Chris Carr is one prominent candidate already in the field for Republicans. The former Atlanta mayor said she intends to visit Georgia's coast during the campaign and hear from coastal Georgians about the issues important to them. Chatham County is typically a Democratic stronghold that delivers the largest number of Democratic votes outside of metro Atlanta. "This election is going to be about meeting voters wherever they are, so Chatham County is extremely important," Bottoms said. Senate race: Gov. Brian Kemp announces he will not be running for U.S. Senate in 2026 Bottoms added that she is no stranger to the region. She spoke at Savannah State University's December commencement in 2023 and also visited Savannah to campaign for Mayor Van Johnson during his reelection bid that same year. Johnson, who is one of the region's most prominent Democrats, said in April before Bottoms entered the race that he hopes to see the candidates' vision for his home city. "For me, I want to make sure who is including Savannah, who is including coastal Georgia?" Johnson said. "... I am expecting to host those opportunities for folks to come down here and make their case to the issues that we're facing here in coastal Georgia." Evan Lasseter is the city of Savannah and Chatham County government reporter for the Savannah Morning News. You can reach him at ELasseter@ This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Atlanta Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms announces bid for governor
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Savannah teacher tells school board about issues at West Chatham Middle
West Chatham Middle School Spanish teacher Lauren Waura apologized to the Savannah-Chatham County Board of Education for any mistakes she might potentially make as she read a letter on behalf of herself and her colleagues. "I am terribly nervous," she said at the podium during the board's May 7 Regular Meeting. She then went on to say that she and her fellow educators felt silenced and many others had wanted to join her but "do not feel safe or supported enough to speak out publicly." She then detailed the teachers' opinion that the middle school has seen a "decline in school climate, staff, morale and overall functionality" under its current leadership. "Teachers and staff are severely burnt out, and morale is nearly nonexistent. Many teachers in our building, myself included have lost much of the joy formerly found in teaching," she said. She stated that teachers felt overwhelmed with the burden of discipline, stability and safety without strong leadership. She said the issues have led to lost instructional time and control of classrooms. She stated that the school has had 242 disciplinary referrals processed this school year. "And we expect more before the year is done," she added before noting that some teachers do not even bother to write referrals, having lost confidence they will be pursued properly. The teachers feel the lack of consequences "embolden students to misbehave, disrupting the learning environment and preventing other students from receiving the education they're entitled to." Waura explained that when district leaders were made aware of the concerns, leaders suggested the issues were the result of a new principal's growing pains and not uncommon. "We were told to give it have. West Chatham does not have any more time to waste," she said. She called the issues more than a "matter of adjustment" but rather long-term challenges that have affected the health of the school community. Waura expressed the educators' desire for "a strong veteran leader who knows how to work with their staff and lean on them when necessary, someone who leads with integrity, compassion and strength, who shows genuine care for the students, who sees teachers as partners, not subordinates, and who inspires trust and a spirit of community and collaboration." Waura was approached by district leaders after the meeting ended. She could not be reached for additional comment prior to publication. Sept. 2024 SCCPSS Principals List: Savannah-Chatham County schools' principals list for 2024-25 Joseph Schwartzburt is the education and workforce development reporter for the Savannah Morning News. You can reach him at JSchwartzburt@ and JoeInTheKnow_SMN on Instagram. This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Middle school teacher asks for help with school leadership
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Renovations for multiple parks underway in Effingham County
Effingham County is continuing with its plans to ensure residents have a safe space for outdoor the county will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for a new playground at Sand Hill Ball Park at 4 p.m. Residents are encouraged to bring their little ones to the ceremony which will include free snacks and Kona Ice. The area will feature canopy covered play structures for children ages 2-12. Facelifts are also planned for other area parks as part of the county's ongoing commitment to improve recreation areas so that families can have a space outside to enjoy. The county is set to make improvements to Baker Park to include a lighting project that will enhance visibility and safety, giving residents peace of mind. According to the county, Baker Park is its second busiest park behind the Clarence E. Morgan Complex. The park is closed for construction but once it reopens this fall, families will enjoy a refreshed restroom building, four pickleball courts, a kayak launch, fishing pier and more. Renovations will cost $3.3 Park is slated for improvements as well. Although a timeline has not been announced, the county plans to renovate the playground, tennis court and basketball court, as well as add a walking trail. Latrice Williams is a general assignment reporter covering Bryan and Effingham County. She can be reached at lwilliams6@ This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Parks all around Effingham County are getting a facelift
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
US News & World Report best states: How Georgia scores on health, crime, money, education
U.S. News & World Report recently released its annual rankings of the best and worst states in the U.S. How did well did Georgia rank? U.S. News & World Report ranked states based on eight factors: Education Health care Natural environment Opportunity Economy Crime and corrections Infrastructure Fiscal stability. See where Georgia, populated with over 11 million people, ranked. According to this report, no. U.S. News & World Report ranked Georgia No. 21 overall, here's why: Crime & Corrections: 22 Economy: 18 Education: 27 Fiscal Stability: 5 Health Care: 37 Infrastructure: 13 Natural Environment: 20 Opportunity: 32 "As one of the original 13 colonies, Georgia has a rich history that continues today as one of the most populous states in the U.S." the website wrote. Utah New Hampshire Idaho Minnesota Nebraska Florida Vermont South Dakota Massachusetts Washington Here are the rankings from worst, with Louisiana being 50th. Louisiana Alaska Mississippi New Mexico West Virginia Alabama Arkansas Michigan Oklahoma Pennsylvania South Carolina Vanessa Countryman is the Trending Topics Reporter for the the Deep South Connect Team Georgia. Email her at Vcountryman@ This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: US News & World Report best states: How GA scores on health, money, more
