Good morning, Mount Pleasant.

Mount Pleasant Towne Centre kicked off the Christmas season on November 22 with its annual Light Up event—attendees enjoyed live music by the East Cooper Baptist Church Choir and Orchestra and 40 Years Too Late, watched a 44-foot tree light at 7:30 p.m., and experienced family activities including a visit from Santa and a laser light show, with some proceeds donated to Camp Rise Above.

A list of Christmas parades around the Lowcountry has been released to help residents plan for the holidays—Mount Pleasant’s Christmas Light Parade will be held on Dec.

14 at 5:30 p.m., while other nearby cities have events scheduled for early to mid-December.

South Carolina gas prices held steady at $2.71 on Monday based on a survey of over 3,000 stations—this level is nearly a penny lower than last month and 3 cents below last year, and analysts expect further relief as refinery maintenance wraps up before Thanksgiving travel.

Charleston County School District's LOCAL Partnership — linking classrooms and community organizations — has grown since its Spring launch to support students with school, classroom, or student needs.

Local groups can donate supplies, meals or volunteering services—helping make a difference this holiday season until December 15.

Last week, more than 60 school counselors, psychologists, social workers, and support staff met for a full-day workshop on suicide risk assessment and safety planning (led by Citadel Professor Dr. Guy Ilagan and CCSD's Heather Anderson) to learn national best practices.

The training, part of CCSD's twice-yearly programs, aimed to build skills for supporting students in crisis.

John Hewko, CEO of Rotary International, will speak at the World Affairs Charleston Council meeting on December 8th at The Citadel’s Capers Hall at 6 p.m. — he will address how global organizations help fill social service gaps as government support declines.

The Ben Sawyer Bridge reopened for traffic in both directions after it closed temporarily on November 24 due to a damaged traffic control arm — police advised drivers to use the Isle of Palms connector when the bridge is closed.

Caregivers face increased stress during the holidays and Dee Norton Child Advocacy Center—led by Executive Director Beverly Hutchison—recommends techniques like pausing to breathe and recognizing triggers to help manage strong emotions and model healthy behavior for children.

The center emphasizes that taking care of yourself not only supports your own well-being but also rebuilds a sense of safety and trust with your child.

State health officials are urging families to plan for safety and discuss alcohol use ahead of Blackout Wednesday—one of the most dangerous drinking nights before Thanksgiving.

Officials say that choosing a sober driver and using rideshare services will help lower the risk of crashes and injuries over the long weekend.

Play Dayz for Kids

10 AM – 12 PM — CAVA — Free entry — Engage in fun activities designed for kids aged 10 and under at Mount Pleasant Towne Centre.