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The University of South Carolinas Williams-Brice Stadium embarks on a major upgrade, with construction starting for the Reimagination Project. The initial phase focuses on renovating general concourses and the student section, aiming for completion by the 2026 football season. Significant demolition work has begun, including the removal of the East Ground Level Slab, Southwest Ramp, and Floyd Building. This marks the start of a new era for the stadium, promising enhanced experiences for fans and athletes.

As the holiday season approaches, Americans face increased spending and financial strain, with the National Retail Federation predicting nearly one trillion dollars in spending this year. Dr. Sarah Coker highlights the stressors, including gift-giving pressure and financial obligations. Charleston ranks as the third most anxious small city, with financial worries and busy calendars contributing to holiday anxiety. Experts advise managing stress by pacing tasks, scheduling downtime, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Fire officials warn families about Christmas tree fire hazards. Choose a fresh tree, keep it hydrated, and follow safety tips for both real and artificial trees to prevent fires this holiday season.

Berkeley County Emergency Management is revamping its disaster plan, focusing on local risks like flooding, hurricanes, earthquakes, and wildfires. Community meetings, called All-Hazard Mitigation meetings, are being held to gather resident input on potential dangers. Officials emphasize the importance of public feedback, as it can reveal hidden risks, as seen in a recent meeting that highlighted flooding issues in an unanticipated area. Those unable to attend can still provide input via the Berkeley County website or by watching the meetings on YouTube.

South Carolina sees significant drop in crime rates, with violent crime decreasing by 8.4% and murder rate falling by 15.8%. Charleston County mirrors these trends, with weapon law violations dropping by 30.4% and drug law violations decreasing by 12.5%. Officials attribute this progress to effective crime reduction efforts.

South Carolinas Department of Transportation plans to cut down on rules by nearly one-third, aiming to simplify processes and speed up projects. The proposal, following an internal review, will be published in the State Register for public comments before going to the General Assembly. The department encourages public participation to ensure a voice in these significant updates.

Mount Pleasant Police Department warns residents of phone scam: Imposter posing as Sergeant Jermaine Gilliard demands urgent matters, money, and personal information. Hang up immediately if suspicious, verify calls with official non-emergency dispatch line or Mount Pleasant Police Department.

The City of Charleston embarks on a significant project, the Battery Extension, to bolster coastal resilience against storms and rising sea levels. This initiative, in collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, focuses on pre-construction, engineering, and design. The project aims to create new public waterfront access, inspired by the existing Battery and international water management practices. The initial phase, funded by $20 million, seeks community input and aims to expedite the process to safeguard Charlestons cultural and historical significance.