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Daily editionWednesday, August 12th, 2026

Good morning, North Charleston.

The 5AM North Charleston Team

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Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 12th of August.

Business

  1. A battery manufacturer will open its first U.S. production facility in North Charleston, a move expected to boost local jobs & production.

    The facility will begin operating later this year.

    Live 5 NewsRead more

  2. Charleston-based Nonnanest announced that its baby monitor SightAware won a 2026 NAPPA Award for Best for Baby.

    The award honors its design that gives parents contactless baby monitoring using a secure sensor (a simple setup that works without WiFi).

    Charleston Business MagazineRead more

  3. Smith Debnam is expanding services in Charleston by hiring attorney JP Rankin to lead its new Estate and Trust Planning practice.

    Rankin, formerly running a local firm, will advise individuals and businesses to support the firm's growing community focus.

    Charleston Business MagazineRead more

Education

  1. On Tuesday, Charleston County School District launched Peninsula Promise to expand early education and family support by adding new centers at Charleston Progressive Academy and Burke High School, where principal Jacob Perlmutter begins his tenure.

    The plan also shifts Simmons-Pinckney Middle School to balance downtown enrollment.

    WCSC Live 5 NewsRead more

  2. CCSD launches a districtwide AI policy this school year to teach students and staff accountable use of technology, backed by summer teacher training with the AI for Education Foundation.

    The district will pilot MagicSchool (an AI-powered tool) in classrooms later this fall.

    WCSC Live 5 NewsRead more

  3. West Ashley High School’s LEGO Club (meeting twice monthly) is returning this year and is seeking donor support to fund new LEGO sets for students from pre-K to 12; new creations will be showcased in the cafeteria to help underfunded classrooms.

    WCSC Live 5 NewsRead more

  4. CCSD is launching a plan to reshape peninsula schools by updating classrooms and teaching methods for the upcoming school year (the district outlined steps to modernize instruction).

    The initiative will improve education for students and staff.

    Live 5 NewsRead more

  5. Charleston County schools announced a multi-million-dollar plan to fund special education, teacher training and mental health services for students.

    The investment is expected to expand support across local schools.

    Live 5 NewsRead more