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Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution at a Home of a Signer of the Declaration of Independence.

Middleton Place is one of only eleven remaining sites in the United States where visitors can experience the birthplace, home, and landscape associated with a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

In 1776, at just 34 years old, Arthur Middleton signed the Declaration, risking his fortune, his family’s security, and his life in pursuit of independence from Great Britain. The following year, he left the Continental Congress to serve South Carolina more directly. When Charleston fell to British forces in 1780, Middleton was arrested and imprisoned in St. Augustine, Florida. After his release in a prisoner exchange, he returned to Congress in Philadelphia, determined to see the war end in American victory.

Arthur Middleton died at Middleton Place on January 1, 1787 at age 45, only three years after the British formally surrendered. He left behind his wife, Mary Izard Middleton, and their eight children, along with a legacy deeply entwined with both the founding ideals of the nation and the realities of enslavement that shaped life at Middleton Place.

As a National Historic Landmark with profound Revolutionary-era connections, Middleton Place offers a rare Lowcountry setting to explore the layered meanings of liberty and independence. The 250th anniversary of the American Revolution presents an unprecedented opportunity, and responsibility, to examine this history with greater clarity, context, and moral rigor.

As we mark this milestone, we invite you to visit Middleton Place and engage with one of the core stories of our nation: freedom. Throughout the year, visitors can participate in public programs including lectures, guided tours, special events, and hands-on activities for all ages.

A Human-Centered Interpretation of the Revolution

Central to this commemoration is a new exhibition, Conversations of Freedom: The American Revolution at Middleton Place, funded in part by the SC 250th Commission. Presented in the South Flanker House Museum, the exhibition features remarkable 18th-century textiles worn by Henry and Arthur Middleton, alongside a rare silk edition of the Declaration of Independence.

Rather than focusing solely on political milestones, Conversations of Freedom centers the human experience of the Revolutionary period (1770–1783). Visitors will encounter the lives of Arthur Middleton and his family alongside the experiences of the many people they enslaved, revealing how revolutionary ideals were debated, lived, and constrained in practice. Through immersive period rooms and personal narratives, the exhibition examines themes of war, displacement, resistance, and survival, asking visitors to consider who freedom served, who it excluded, and how its meaning has evolved.

Conversations of Freedom: The American Revolution at Middleton Place opens to the public in April and is included with general admission.  Get ticket here

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Adidas is adding 300 full-time positions to its Spartanburg, South Carolina distribution center. The Portland, Ore.-based company is hiring Warehouse Operations Associates and Forklift Operators across all shifts with most openings for night shift.  

Shifts include: Day (Monday – Thursday from 7am-5:30pm), Night (Monday – Thursday from 6pm-4:30am), and Weekend (Friday- Sunday from 7am-7:30pm). 

The company is offering competitive pay starting at $19.75/per hour for Warehouse Operations Associates,$22/per hour for Forklift Operators and $27.50/per hour for Sr. Forklift Operators, plus benefits including health, vision and dental insurance, up to four weeks of flexible time off, 401k matching, tuition reimbursement, performance program and adidas discounts. 

“Our distribution centers are the backbone of our operations,” said James Furlong, SVP Supply Chain Management, adidas North America. “Adding 300 new positions strengthens our network and enhances our ability to meet increased consumer demand with the speed and quality our customers expect, especially during moments of global excitement like the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Summer Olympics.” 

Job seekers can learn more and apply for the open roles online at adidas.com/careers. adidas is also hosting in-person hiring events at SCC (Tyger River Campus) – Spark Center now through May.  

Source: One Spartanburg Inc.

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Since taking office, Mayor Cogswell has prioritized improving the City of Charleston’s Permit Center to make the process more efficient, transparent, and user-friendly for both residents and staff. Those efforts are already delivering measurable results.

Over the past year, the City has significantly streamlined permitting operations without compromising its high development standards. In 2025 alone, the City issued more than 16,000 permits.

Key improvements include:

• Dramatic reduction in backlog: Technical Review Committee (TRC) cases decreased from 67 in early 2024 to just 5 today.
• Expanded online access: Nearly all trade permits are now available online, with approximately 80% of total workload handled online or by phone, reducing the need for in-person visits.
• Faster turnaround times: Clearly defined over-the-counter permits can now be approved the same day, a major benefit for smaller residential projects.
• Improved transparency: Online status updates and enhanced application guides help users better understand the process and requirements.
• Streamlined processes: Updates to the certificate of occupancy (CO) and project closeout process have addressed long-standing pain points.
• Better coordination: A centralized Development Services structure ensures departments are aligned and reviews are no longer siloed.
• Proactive problem-solving: Pre-submittal meetings with builders help identify and resolve issues early, improving outcomes and saving time.
• Enhanced customer support: A Charleston Fire Department representative is now stationed at the Permit Center to assist with fire-related permitting questions in real time.

The Permit Center team has also expanded, growing from four staff members to a team of coordinators and permit technicians who now handle additional responsibilities, including certificate of occupancy processing and license checks. Walk-in hours have been extended from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. to better serve the public.

“I’ve made modernizing and streamlining city processes a priority since taking office, and improving the Permit Center has been central to that effort,” said Mayor Cogswell. “We want this to be a place people can rely on, where they know they’ll receive accurate, timely service from a team that’s focused on getting the job done right.”

The City is also planning additional enhancements, including a redesigned home permits portal and new public education panels to help residents better understand the permitting process for projects such as single-family construction.

These efforts have already gained recognition beyond Charleston. The Home Builders Association has highlighted the City’s website as a model for other municipalities, and Tyler Technologies has identified Charleston as a showcase for best practices.

City officials emphasized that these improvements were achieved without loosening development regulations. Instead, the focus has been on efficiency, clarity, and service.

Source: City of Charleston, SC

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Growth at Arden and Avery Creek sites driven by demand for electrical equipment

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Eaton plans to add about 300 jobs in Buncombe County over the next year, expanding operations at its Arden and Avery Creek facilities to meet growing demand for its electrical equipment products.

The company said Tuesday the new positions will support increased production of its Low Voltage Assembly product line, citing rising national demand. The expansion is expected to boost manufacturing capacity in the Asheville area while creating what officials described as high-tech, high-wage jobs.

Eaton, a global power management firm with operations in more than 175 countries and a workforce of roughly 92,000, has maintained a presence in the Asheville area since 1977, when its local facility began as Westinghouse Electric. The company currently employs nearly 1,500 people across its Buncombe County sites.

“We are excited about the growth opportunities here at Eaton in Asheville,” said Susana Guillen, plant manager for the Arden facility. “We have a great product and a great workforce and will need to fill more well-paying positions to satisfy our customers’ needs.”

Local officials welcomed the announcement, pointing to its potential impact on jobs and the regional economy.

Buncombe County Commission Chair Amanda Edwards said the investment reflects the strength of the area’s workforce and will help expand economic opportunities for residents.

“Economic development begins with strengthening and supporting longtime local employers like Eaton,” Edwards said, adding the expansion would help grow household incomes and the county’s tax base.

Carol Steen, chair of the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County, said the move marks the seventh major manufacturing expansion announced in Buncombe County since Tropical Storm Helene, signaling continued economic recovery in the region.

Company officials said hiring is expected to ramp up over the next 12 months. More information about job opportunities is available on the company’s website and at upcoming regional hiring events, including the WNC Career Expo on April 16.

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Source: 828 News Now

By Mark A. Lemon

South Carolina is once again stepping into the national culinary spotlight, earning three prestigious nominations from the James Beard Foundation for its 2026 Restaurant and Chef Awards. Often referred to as the “Oscars of the food world,” these honors recognize excellence across the country, and this year the Palmetto State is proudly represented in categories spanning Best Chef: Southeast, Outstanding Bakery, and Best New Restaurant. The nominations highlight not only the state’s growing reputation as a food destination, but also the creativity and craftsmanship emerging from its kitchens and bakeries.

Leading the charge is Joe Cash of Scoundrel in Greenville, who earned a nod for Best Chef: Southeast, a highly competitive category covering six states. Meanwhile, Charleston continues to shine with two standout nominations: Weltons Tiny Bakeshop is recognized in the Outstanding Bakery category, and Merci lands on the coveted Best New Restaurant list. Together, these nominations underscore South Carolina’s dynamic and evolving food scene—one that blends Southern tradition with bold, modern innovation on a national stage.

South Carolina saw nominations in three categories: Best Chef: Southeast; Outstanding Bakery; and Best New Restaurant. The full list of nominees in each category are as follows:

Best Chef: Southeast (GA, KY, NC, SC, TN, WV)

• Joe Cash, Scoundrel, Greenville, SC
• Mary Ellen Diaz, Alma Bea, Shepherdstown, WV
• J. Trent Harris, Mujō, Atlanta, GA
• Taylor Montgomery, Montgomery Sky Farm, Leicester, NC
• David Willocks, The Baker’s Table, Newport, KY

Outstanding Bakery

• Cultured, Sister Bay, WI
• Fire Island Rustic Bakeshop, Anchorage, AK
• Super Secret Ice Cream, Bethlehem, NH
• Weltons Tiny Bakeshop, Charleston, SC
• Wild Crumb, Bozeman, MT

Best New Restaurant

• 1033 Omakase, Milwaukee, WI
• Agnes and Sherman, Houston, TX
• Anjin, Kansas City, MO
• Emmett, Philadelphia, PA
• Ki, Los Angeles, CA
• Lei, New York, NY
• Maison Bar à Vins, Washington, D.C.
• Merci, Charleston, SC
• Robin, St. Louis, MO
• Tamba, Las Vegas, NV

Tickets for the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards in Chicago can be purchased here.

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Nonnanest introduces SightAware™, a non-wearable baby monitor that tracks skin temperature from across the crib with no WiFi, no app, and no subscription

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C., April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Nonnanest, Inc., a baby wellness technology company founded in Charleston, SC, today announced that its flagship product, SightAware™ by Nonnanest, has achieved patent-pending status. SightAware is a contactless infrared baby wellness monitor that reads skin temperature from up to four feet away, without requiring a wearable sensor, WiFi connectivity, or a smartphone app.

Founder and CEO Nathan Overbey designed SightAware after a personal experience revealed a gap in the baby monitor market.

“When our son was six months old, he woke up in the middle of the night crying, and he was obviously warm,” said Overbey. “I looked back at the monitor we had and all it could tell me was the room temperature. In that moment I thought, how long had his skin temperature been rising? Why isn’t there something that could have told me that? After months of research I realized there was nothing on the market that worked offline, nothing that offered truly secure connectivity, and nothing that didn’t require strapping a sensor to the baby. The market doesn’t need another high-resolution camera. It needs more awareness.”

SightAware uses a proprietary infrared sensor array to read surface skin temperature contactlessly, similar to the technology used in pediatric no-touch thermometers. The video and skin temperature data transmit via FHSS (Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum), a secure wireless protocol that hops across 80+ frequency channels per second. All data stays local between the nursery camera and a dedicated 5-inch HD parent display. No internet required, no external servers, no accounts to create.

“We made a deliberate decision to keep SightAware offline,” said Overbey. “Parents consistently tell us they’re concerned about connected devices and the security risks that come with them. We didn’t want to bring a product to market that didn’t meet the highest security standards, so we built it on FHSS, a fully encrypted signal that never touches the internet. We also felt strongly that parents shouldn’t be forced to use their phone as the display. A dedicated screen means the monitor works independently. No app, no notifications competing for your attention, no phone battery to worry about at 2 AM.”

Key features of SightAware by Nonnanest include:

• Contactless infrared skin temperature sensing up to 4 feet
• FHSS secure wireless transmission, no WiFi or Bluetooth required
• Dedicated 5-inch HD parent display, no phone or app needed
• Real-time skin temperature and room temperature awareness
• Customizable comfort thresholds with gentle audible alerts
• 355-degree pan, 60-degree tilt, two-way audio, lullabies, and infrared night vision
• 5-minute setup with crib mount and wall mount included

SightAware is priced at $329 with no subscription fees or recurring costs. The product is expected to be available for purchase in spring 2026 at nonnanest.com.

Overbey brings over 15 years of enterprise technology experience from Salesforce, ServiceNow, and Blackbaud, and holds an MBA from the University of South Carolina.

Nonnanest is a wellness device, not a medical device, and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition. Skin temperature readings are for informational purposes only to help parents be aware of general wellness and comfort. For any health concerns, always consult a pediatrician or qualified healthcare provider.

About Nonnanest Nonnanest, Inc. is a Charleston, SC-based baby wellness technology company founded in 2024 by Nathan Overbey. Learn more at nonnanest.com.

Follow Nonanest on Instagram.

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2026 Charleston Airshow Moved to Charleston Harbor

JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. – After careful consideration, Joint Base Charleston officials announced today that the 2026 Charleston Airshow, originally scheduled for May 2-3 on Joint Base Charleston, has been transitioned to a single-day harbor-front show on Saturday, May 2, 2026.

This change is a necessary result of increased operational requirements due to current global events. This increased operations tempo makes hosting the large-scale event on the installation increasingly complex. 

“Our commitment to our operational mission is paramount,” said Colonel Jason Parker, Joint Base Charleston commander. “While we value the tradition of the airshow and our relationship with the Lowcountry community, we must prioritize the demands of our current operations and the support to our deployed warfighters. We are actively working on a safe and exciting alternative to showcase our gratitude for the community’s outstanding support.”

The harbor-front airshow will take place over the Charleston Harbor, South of the Cooper River Bridge between downtown Charleston and Mount Pleasant and will feature the Blue Angels and other aerial performers.

Those that purchased premium seating tickets for the original airshow format will be receiving a refund in the coming weeks.

All questions can be directed to Joint Base Charleston Public Affairs via email at628.ABW.PA@us.af.mil or by phone at (843) 963-5608.

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(CHARLESTON COUNTY) – Summer is coming, and the Lowcountry’s beaches will soon become very busy. To make it as enjoyable and as safe of an experience as possible, Charleston County Parks encouragesbeachgoers to familiarize themselves with important information and best practices before planning their next beach trip. 

The Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission (CCPRC) operates Folly Beach County Park, Isle of Palms County Park, and Kiawah Beachwalker Park. From spring break through September, the beaches are typically quieter on weekdays, with Fridays, weekends and holidays seeing larger crowds. CCPRC encourages beachgoers to take note of the following tips and important information:

Park Capacity

While approaching the islands, CCPRC encourages drivers to look for digital highway signs denoting beach parking capacity. The status of the parking lot for CCPRC’s beach parks will be updated in real time by staff, so guests know before they reach the park if parking is full.

Kiawah Beachwalker Park has 150 parking spots and usually fills to capacity by 10 a.m. in the summer. The Town of Kiawah prohibits vehicles from idling or parking outside the entrance to Kiawah Beachwalker Park. When the park is full, staff can add guests to a virtual line, but they will be directed to move and wait elsewhere. Text notifications alert customers as they move to the front of the queue. Parking for buses, RVs and campers is not guaranteed.

Isle of Palms County Park has 445 parking spots and usually fills to capacity by 10:30 a.m. on weekends and holidays, with spots often becoming available again in the late afternoon. When parking is full, police will allow about 20 vehicles to wait in line for spaces to open. Once the turn lane outside the park is full, police will direct vehicles to move and wait elsewhere. Be aware of City of Isle of Palms parking ordinances. And note that there are only two lanes of traffic leaving Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island. On a crowded day, if weather or another event causes many people to try leaving the islands at once, traffic will back up, and it could take up to two hours for the park to empty. The free CARTA Beach Reach Shuttle is another way to access Isle of Palms County Park. 

Folly Beach County Park has 225 parking spots and usually fills to capacity by 10:30 a.m. on weekends and holidays, with spots often becoming available again in the late afternoon. When the parking lot is full, look for City of Folly Beach parking lots on West Ashley Ave. to prevent blocking roads and driveways. Review City of Folly Beach parking ordinances in order to avoid being towed or ticketed.

The beach surrounding the Folly Beach Pier can be a troublesome location for rip currents. Staff at the pier frequently respond to emergencies when patrons swim too close to the pier and get caught in rip currents. When swimming in the vicinity of a pier, stay at least 200 feet away from the structure. Also, learn how to spot a rip current and how to escape them by swimming parallel to the shore. Learn more on the USLA website at https://www.usla.org/page/RIPCURRENTS.

Pets on the Beach

Pets must always remain leashed within the beach parks, but are not permitted on the Folly Beach or Mount Pleasant Piers. Each municipality has their own ordinances pertaining to dogs on the beach: 

City of Folly Beach, City of Isle of Palms, Town of Kiawah Island

Alcohol & Smoking

Possession and consumption of alcohol, as well as smoking, vaping and tobacco use are prohibited at CCPRC beach parks.

Additional beach park rules and information can be read on the parks’ webpages: https://www.ccprc.com/parks/.

Other safety tips

·   Swim near a lifeguard when possible and obey their commands

·   Watch children at all times

·   Seek shelter when lightning is in the area

·   In case of separation, take a photo of your group when you arrive, to aid in a search if someone were to go missing

·   Bring water and stay hydrated

Other Resources

Keep up to date on the latest beach traffic reports by downloading the Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Government’s Beach Reach app, available for Apple and Android. Also consider taking the free CARTA Beach Reach Shuttle to Isle of Palms County Park.

For more information on Charleston County Parks beach parks and safety, call 843-795-4386 or visit CharlestonCountyParks.com – https://www.ccprc.com/parks/.

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