We all know the challenges many face to make a sustainable income to provide for the basic necessities for our health and well-being. Often times, low-income families are placed in situations that require legal assistance but they just can’t afford it. That is where Charleston Pro Bono Legal Services steps in.
As of early December, Charleston Pro Bono Legal Services received 3750 applications and have closed 1680+ cases.
About Charleston Pro Bono Legal Services
Charleston Pro Bono Legal Services provides civil legal aid to eligible low-income residents of Charleston County at no cost to the clients. We are able to do this through various government and foundation grant awards, in addition to the incredible support of the Charleston legal community. Through donations and volunteer services, as well as through engagement in CPB sponsored events like Art on the Beach and our upcoming annual auction, we are able to continue our important work. We field thousands of requests for services and help hundreds in our community every year. Now, more than ever, access to justice is needed in our community. Your tax-deductible donations enable our organization to provide critical legal aid at no cost to the client.
Location: 111 Church Street, Charleston, South Carolina
You can help to continue offering free services to residents in Charleston County. Please donate to support our mission and efforts. https://charlestonprobono.org/donate-2/
Halls Chophouse Charleston has been named the Second Best Steakhouse in America by Yelp—and the only restaurant in South Carolina to make the 2024 list!
From the perfectly cooked cuts to the warm Southern hospitality that makes every visit unforgettable, this honor is thanks to all the customers who continue to celebrate Halls.
Here is what Yelp said about Halls:
This special-occasion Southern charmer from the Hall family has won legions of fans for its “tender,” “juicy” steaks “prepared to absolute perfection.” The “melt-in-your-mouth” cuts come from Allen Brothers of Chicago, purveyors of top-grade meat since the 1800s. “We source only the finest beef, which is expertly prepared and aged to enhance tenderness and flavor,” says General Manager Sara Faienza.
Yelper favorites include the 34-ounce tomahawk rib-eye, 14-ounce New York strip, and 16-ounce slow-roasted prime rib (with a side of their “absolutely incredible” she-crab soup) — all accompanied by nightly live music. While the Halls now own 10 restaurants, diners appreciate that they still stop by tables to chat at this original Charleston spot. “They truly make you feel special,” says Wendy L.
Yelpers say: “Managed to snag a last-minute reservation for the highly sought-after Gospel Brunch at Halls, and it was absolutely worth it!… For my meal, I went all in with the bacon-wrapped filet (because let’s be real — when you’re at Halls, you get the steak) paired with fried over-hard eggs and hash browns. The filet was cooked to absolute perfection, tender and flavorful.” —Yelp Elite Brandy G.
Click HERE for the complete Yelp List of the Top 25 Steakhouses in the U.S.
Paisley was born in 2014 with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), meaning she only has half a heart and required three open heart surgeries. While being treated at MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital, her parents found a safe haven at RMHC Charleston for 58 nights.
“Knowing that while we’re not able to stay in our own home, we have a safe place where people know our names, love my baby, and make us feel warm and cared for is priceless.” – Kim, Paisley’s Mother
While Paisley still needs the occasional treatment, the Ronald McDonald House of Charleston has and will continue to be a “Home-away-from-home” for her and her family.
Click HERE to learn more about the Ronald McDonald House of Charleston.
Click HERE to read more about the amazing work of MUSC Kids.
December 24, 2024 – JOHNS ISLAND, SC Charleston Collegiate School (CCS) is thrilled to announce that senior Brooke Farfone has officially signed with the University of South Carolina (USC) to join their prestigious equestrian program. This remarkable achievement highlights Brooke’s dedication, talent, and commitment to excellence both on campus and on horseback.
Brooke, a standout equestrian athlete, has consistently demonstrated her passion and skill in competitive riding, earning numerous accolades throughout her career. Her hard work, perseverance, and sportsmanship have made her a role model for her peers at CCS and beyond. By joining USC’s equestrian team, Brooke will compete at the highest collegiate level, furthering her journey in the sport she loves.
“We are thrilled to have Brooke join the team next year,” said Coach Carol Gwin of the University of South Carolina Equestrian Team. “I always love to have South Carolina athletes and we are building something special here at South Carolina. Brooke fits quite well with the team culture, athletic ability, and excellence in the classroom that we are promoting within Gamecock Equestrian.”
“We are incredibly proud of Brooke and all that she has accomplished,” said Jim Duggan, Head of Athletics at Charleston Collegiate. “Her dedication to her sport and her academics is truly inspiring. We can’t wait to see her excel at USC.”
The University of South Carolina equestrian program is one of the top programs in the nation, competing in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and boasting a tradition of success. Brooke’s signing marks an exciting milestone, as she joins a legacy of elite student-athletes who balance rigorous academics with competitive excellence.
Charleston Collegiate School congratulates Brooke Farfone on this incredible achievement and looks forward to cheering her on as she continues her equestrian journey at the University of South Carolina.
From left to right: Head of School Andy Gyves, CCS Senior Brooke Farfone, Head of Upper School Gareth Griffith, and Head of Athletics Jim Duggan.
From left to right: Dottie Farfone (mother), Brooke Farfone, and Scott Farfone (father).
Brooke in action, showcasing her skill and dedication during a recent equestrian competition in Aiken, SC.
Brooke jumping with her horse, Zac aka Testify, in Aiken, SC.
Charleston Collegiate School: 2024 Academy Rd, Johns Island, SC 29455
Charleston Collegiate School is a PS3-12 co-educational, nonsectarian, independent school in the Charleston area and is a member of the Southern Association of Independent Schools and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Nestled under grand, moss-laden live oaks, Charleston Collegiate School offers a 55+ acre campus of vast playing fields and wooded trails. This unique environment allows students to embrace nature while growing into conscious leaders that are challenged by rigorous project-based learning. Charleston Collegiate School’s mission is to empower students in a student-centered approach that values collaboration, innovation, and individuality to become resilient leaders for 21st century careers.
When you think of hospitality, elegance, luxury and comfort, Zero George often comes up immediately in your mind. Their world-class food, accommodations, classes, local partnerships and exceptional customer service are a defining example of Charleston’s culture. We are so pleased to announce that Zero George has received the honor of being named on the esteemed 2025 Gold List.
Click HERE for the complete list of the Best Hotels and Resorts in the World: The Gold List 2025
ABOUT ZERO GEORGE STREET:
Located in the heart of Charleston’s historic Ansonborough neighborhood, Zero George is an award-winning boutique hotel made up of five restored 1800s era buildings that house 16 guest suites and the heralded cuisine of The Restaurant at Zero George + Caviar Bar. Combining old-world European influenced with understated contemporary elegance, Zero George offers authentic hospitality experiences that extend and enrich guests’ journeys such as the Culinary School, Caviar Bar, one-of-a-kind pickleball outing, etc.
We would like to spotlight a very special group of people in the Lowcountry that make every ocean excursion an adventure to remember: All In One Charters.
Come Navigate and Fish Charleston’s Beautiful Coastal Waters With Our Fun Experienced Fishing Guides, Specializing in Inshore and Offshore Fishing Charters
All In One Charters is your one stop shop for what’s sure to be an exciting saltwater adventure! Known as Charleston’s top inshore fishing charter, plus one of the best nearshore and deep sea fishing tours in the Charleston area, our team at All In One Charters will bring you to where the fish are and ensure you have fun while we do it.
All In One Charters is locally owned and operated and consistently one of the top rated inshore, nearshore and deep sea fishing charter companies in the Lowcountry.
Transformative Mixed-Use Develop Project Leaders Unveil Plans to Infuse an Area South of I-20 with Expanded Affordable Housing, Economic Growth, and Community Revitalization
ATLANTA, Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Develop Fulton Board of Directors unanimously approved a $538,304,353 bond inducement for Project Nexus, a transformative mixed-use economic development initiative that would revitalize an area South of I-20. This landmark project would be a pivotal investment in an area in the southern part of Fulton County that has historically been underserved, ushering in a new era of economic opportunity and community sustainability.
Project Nexus would represent a groundbreaking, half-billion-dollar investment aimed at transforming a distressed property into a vibrant hub of economic and community development. Situated in Atlanta and East Point, the project would bring together affordable housing, essential services, and a suite of amenities to create a thriving mixed-use environment.
The mixed-use project, combining residential and retail elements, would be poised to boost the local tax base substantially. Development leaders estimate that, once completed, the site would generate more than $60.5 million in revenue over 10 years—30 times its current contribution. “Project Nexus isn’t just a development—it’s a declaration. A bold statement that the southern part of the County is ready to lead, inspire, and redefine what’s possible,” said Develop Fulton Chairman Kwanza Hall. “This is more than a project; it’s a promise to our community. With Project Nexus, we’re collaboratively creating an epicenter for growth, innovation, and opportunity.”
Develop Fulton Chairman Kwanza Hall
Project Nexus is deeply committed to addressing the region’s critical need for affordable housing. The development plan will create 1,126 residences, offering a mix of quality, affordable and market-rate housing options to accommodate a range of income levels. This commitment to affordability extends beyond legal requirements. In addition to aligning with the City of Atlanta’s Inclusionary Zoning requirements, the project plan incorporates essential community amenities and retail.
“Project Nexus underscores the profound importance of catalytic investments in historically underserved areas across Fulton County,” said Develop Fulton Executive Director Sarah-Elizabeth Langford. “This initiative is more than a development as it uniquely checks several boxes for Develop Fulton by expanding affordable housing, fostering equity, and driving sustainable economic growth. Project Nexus exemplifies the power of collaborative development to create meaningful and lasting change.”
With an anticipated $4 billion overall economic impact, Project Nexus would create approximately 1,300 new permanent jobs and 2,800 temporary construction jobs while retaining 50 existing positions. By adhering to Develop Fulton’s Minority—and Female-Owned Business Enterprise (MFBE) guidelines, the project prioritizes equity in workforce opportunities, further strengthening the local economy. Tax revenue is projected to soar from $200,884 annually to $4,227,000 in the first year after project completion, contributing a total of $60.5 million over the incentive period.
Connectivity for residents and the community is also at the core of Project Nexus, which integrates seamlessly with MARTA’s proposed bus rapid transit system, enhancing mobility and accessibility across the region. With upgraded streetscapes, structured parking, and expansive public green spaces, the development fosters a walkable, connected community designed to meet the needs of residents and visitors alike.
Still, Project Nexus requires significant stakeholder support and other negotiations to move forward. In an effort to avoid hindering those negotiations and secure this opportunity for Fulton County, the applicant’s name and site location will be announced when they are able to move forward.
About Develop Fulton
Develop Fulton delivers diverse, targeted economic development financing services, connecting qualified development projects with taxable and tax-exempt bond financing to diversify the tax base, encourage thoughtful and balanced investment, retain existing businesses, promote job creation, and ultimately improve the quality of life for residents throughout Fulton County. Together, we are partnering for progress, powering development.
The trend in increasing number of excess bedrooms is driven by both declining household sizes and by an increase in the number of bedrooms per home
SANTA CLARA, Calif., Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Although your home might feel tight this holiday season, nationally, the number of extra bedrooms, defined as a bedroom that is in excess of the number of persons in the home, plus one to account for an office, has reached the highest levels in Census record history, according to a new report from Realtor.com® released today.
In 2023, the number of extra bedrooms in the U.S. reached 31.9 million, up from 31.3 million the year prior and over four times the 7 million extra bedrooms the country had back in 1980. Additionally, taking into account that the U.S. housing stock is as large as it has ever been, the analysis found the share of all bedrooms that could be considered an “extra” bedroom has also reached a record high of 8.8%. This is up from the 8.7% in the year prior and over twice the 3.5% rate in 1980. The record–high number and share of excess bedrooms in the U.S. is driven by both an increase in the number of bedrooms per home and a decline in the number of persons per household.
“During the holidays we often feel the need for more room, especially for guests; however, we are in a golden age of extra bedrooms,” said Danielle Hale, chief economist, Realtor.com®. “Since the 1980s we have seen the average number of bedrooms per home increase, and maybe more importantly, the number of persons per household has declined, creating an environment where we see both the largest number of extra bedrooms and the largest share of extra bedrooms, even with Americans using spare rooms as offices.”
Are houses getting bigger? Not exactly. While there has been an increase in the average number of bedrooms per home over the past 50 years, growing from an average of 2.5 rooms in 1970 to 2.8 rooms in 2023, there has been no change over the past 10 years when the average was also 2.8 rooms per home in 2013. The more significant factor is a declining number of persons per household, falling from a high of 3.1 persons per household in 1970 to a record low of 2.5 persons per household in 2023.
Extra bedrooms are more common in the Mountain West and South. The trend of excess bedrooms is most pronounced in the Mountain West and South, where land is plentiful and homes are often built with more square footage and larger floor plans. Homes in densely populated urban areas where land is scarcer and more costly tend to have fewer extra bedrooms, reflecting the higher demand for space-efficient living and affordability.
The 10 markets with the highest share of total bedrooms that could be considered excess are:
Ogden, Utah (12.2%)
Colorado Springs, Colo. (12.1%)
Salt Lake City, Utah (12%)
Memphis, Tenn. (11.8%)
Atlanta, G.A. (11.6%)
Cleveland, Ohio (11.3%)
Wichita, Kansas (11.3%)
Columbia, S.C. (10.8%)
Charleston, S.C. (10.7%)
Jackson, Miss. (10.7%)
The 10 markets with the lowest share of total bedrooms that could be considered excess are:
Methodology For this analysis, we gathered data on household inhabitants and bedrooms from the US American Community Survey (ACS) nationally and for the 100 largest metro areas between 1970 and 2023. From there, we calculated the number of available bedrooms as the (total number of bedrooms) – (the number of household members) – 1. We subtract 1 additional bedroom to account for various uses, such as an office or storage space. We compared the resulting count of homes with spare bedrooms to the total number of owner-occupied households within the metro to come up with our metric for the share of homes with unoccupied bedrooms. We estimated home values using the self-reported value of owner-occupiers in the ACS.
About Realtor.com® Realtor.com® is an open real estate marketplace built for everyone. Realtor.com® pioneered the world of digital real estate more than 25 years ago. Today, through its website and mobile apps, Realtor.com® is a trusted guide for consumers, empowering more people to find their way home by breaking down barriers, helping them make the right connections, and creating confidence through expert insights and guidance. For professionals, Realtor.com® is a trusted partner for business growth, offering consumer connections and branding solutions that help them succeed in today’s on-demand world. Realtor.com® is operated by News Corp [Nasdaq: NWS, NWSA] [ASX: NWS, NWSLV] subsidiary Move, Inc. For more information, visit Realtor.com®.
With millions of stops to make in one night, Santa can use data to deliver joy without delays – some fun facts from Geotab
TORONTO, Dec. 20, 2024 /CNW/ – With Christmas just around the corner, Santa Claus is gearing up for his annual 100-million-mile global journey, visiting over 800 million children around the world. And it’s a good thing he doesn’t rely on diesel! If Santa relied on traditional fuel, he would need over 16 million gallons of diesel, enough to fill 2,500 tanker trucks or 25 Olympic-sized swimming pools! And the cost? Let’s just say even Santa’s toy budget couldn’t cover it.
Discover how Santa uses telematics to optimize his 100 million-mile Christmas journey. From route planning to reindeer maintenance, see how data keeps the holidays running efficiently – just like it does for fleets every day! (CNW Group/Geotab Inc.)
Santa’s sleigh will always be powered by magic, but now he can get extra help. Unlike his reindeer, who rely on vegetation, Santa’s sleigh can be supported by telematics technology.
Fueling Efficiency
Fortunately, for Santa, telematics helps him optimize routes, monitor reindeer energy levels, and ensure the sleigh is in top condition, all while keeping his environmental impact low.
Santa’s sleigh is equipped with a suite of advanced features, including:
Data Points Galore: Santa’s sleigh collects over 100 petabytes of data in a single night – that’s enough to fill 10,000 standard hard drives! This data includes everything from reindeer biometrics and weather patterns to gift delivery schedules and global naughty-or-nice lists.
Route optimization: Santa’s sleigh makes over 1 billion route adjustments throughout Christmas Eve, thanks to real-time analysis of 50+ data sources, including weather conditions, air traffic patterns, and even last-minute changes to children’s wish lists. Santa mapped the most efficient delivery path, starting in the South Pacific, then heading to New Zealand, Australia, Asia, Africa, Europe, and finally the Americas. This ensures he covers the globe without backtracking.
Last Mile Delivery: Santa’s sleigh analyzes over 200 data points per child, including age, interests, past gift preferences, to ensure each child receives the perfect gift.
Speed calculations: To stay on schedule, Santa must travel at an average speed of 3,125,000 miles per hour or 868 miles per second – no time for delays!
Reindeer energy monitoring: Santa tracks daily intake of 9–18 pounds of vegetation per reindeer, ensuring they stay fueled and ready for action. He also keeps an eye on their “tail”-pipe emissions (methane output), a natural byproduct of their daily vegetation diet. With a goal of less than 40 grams of methane per reindeer, Santa’s sleigh is gliding towards a greener Christmas future!”
Maintenance alerts: From feedback on a reindeer’s rooftop landing to prevent a sprained ankle to warnings of a loose sleigh runner before it becomes an issue, Santa ensures his reindeers are in good shape and in top condition.
Temperature monitoring: Santa ensures the cookies left by children stay fresh and delicious, even in the coldest weather. Temperature monitoring ensures the cookies left by kids for Santa stay chewy and soft, preventing them from going stale overnight in the cold weather so that he can bring any leftovers back to the elves at the North Pole. That’s over 800M cookies to keep fresh!
Beyond the North Pole: Telematics for Everyone
While Santa’s sleigh is one-of-a-kind, telematics technology benefits businesses worldwide. Fleet operators use it to:
Reduce fuel costs: By optimizing routes and monitoring idling.
Prioritize safety: By monitoring driver behavior and ensuring vehicle maintenance.
Keep customers happy: By delivering on time with reliable performance.
Just like Santa, businesses rely on efficiency and reliability to succeed, and telematics provides the data and insights they need to make informed decisions.
Geotab, the global leader in connected vehicle and asset solutions, leverages advanced data analytics and AI to enhance fleet performance, safety and sustainability while optimizing costs. Backed by a team of industry leading data scientists, engineers and AI experts, we serve over 50,000 customers across 160 countries, processing billions of data points hourly from more than 4 million vehicles. Data security and privacy are at the forefront of all we do—trusted by Fortune 500 organizations and some of the largest public sector fleets in the world, we meet top cybersecurity standards. Geotab’s open platform and diverse Geotab Marketplace offers hundreds of fleet-ready third-party solutions. Learn more at www.geotab.comand follow us on LinkedIn or visit Geotab News and Views.
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Boeing(NYSE:BA) today announced it plans to expand its operations in Charleston County. The company plans to invest $1 billion in infrastructure upgrades at its existing site and create 500 new jobs over the next five years.
For more than a decade, Boeing South Carolina (BSC) has been the home of the full 787 Dreamliner production cycle and fabricates, assembles, and delivers, the 787-8, 787-9 and 787-10 to customers globally. The company established operations in South Carolina in 2009 and currently employs more than 7,800 people across its Airport and North Campuses in North Charleston, and its West Campus in Orangeburg. Boeing acquired the operations in Orangeburg, located at 174 Millennium Drive, earlier this year, though those facilities will not be affected by the expansion plans.
Boeing will expand both of its North Charleston campuses, located at 5400 International Blvd. and 9775 Patriot Blvd., to support increased 787 Dreamliner production targets and potential future rate increases driven by market demand. The 787 Dreamliner program plans to increase to a rate of 10 airplanes per month by 2026.
Operations are expected to be online in early 2027. Individuals interested in joining the Boeing team should visit the company’s careers page.
QUOTES
“Since the creation of Boeing South Carolina in 2009, we’ve marked many important milestones – including consolidating 787 Dreamliner production to South Carolina. I’m thrilled for this next phase of growth, which is made possible by our incredible teammates and the confidence our customers have in our airplanes. This decision reflects Boeing’s commitment to the workforce, the 787 program and the community. We are building a legacy at BSC, for ourselves and for future generations in the Palmetto State.” -Vice President and General Manager of the 787 Program and BSC Site Leader Scott Stocker
“Boeing’s decision to expand in Charleston County further solidifies South Carolina’s position as a leader in the aerospace industry. This significant investment and the 500 new jobs it will bring to the Lowcountry reflect Boeing’s confidence in our workforce and highlights the strength of our pro-business environment. We look forward to continuing to build our partnership and the opportunities this expansion will bring to our state.” -Gov. Henry McMaster
“The legacy Boeing has built in South Carolina is truly something worth celebrating, and we are thrilled the company is continuing to invest in our state. Congratulations to Boeing and Charleston County on this substantial investment of $1 billion and the new opportunities it will create in the Lowcountry.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III
“Boeing has been a cornerstone of economic growth and innovation in Charleston County for over a decade, and this latest investment underscores their deep commitment to our community. Creating 500 new jobs and a $1 billion expansion solidify Charleston County’s position as a leader in the global aerospace industry. We proudly support Boeing’s continued success and the opportunities it brings to our residents and businesses.” -Charleston County Council Chairman Herbert Ravenel Sass III
FIVE FAST FACTS
Boeing is expanding its operations in Charleston County.
The company’s $1 billion investment will create 500 new jobs.
Boeing South Carolina is thehome of the full 787 Dreamliner production cycle.
The company is located at 5400 International Blvd. and 9775 Patriot Blvd. in North Charleston, S.C., and 174 Millennium Drive in Orangeburg, S.C.
Individuals interested in joining the Boeing team should visit the company’s careers page.
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