Good morning, North Charleston.

Joe Rice, a prominent Charleston lawyer and USC benefactor, died on Sept.

3 at 72. His funeral is set for 2 p.m. Sept. 14 at The Charleston Gaillard Center (95 Calhoun St.) with a Celebration of Life to follow.

Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News named the Palmetto State a top biopharma cluster, highlighting a $1.5 billion project in Rock Hill, expansion in Greenville, and ongoing investments in Columbia that boost life sciences jobs.

Families in North Charleston can visit the Otranto Library for a free decodable books collection starting Saturday, Sept.

12 at 3 p.m. The collection, launched by Charleston County Public Library (with Lowcountry Literacy Project), will help struggling young readers build their skills.

A multilingual teacher at Ladson Elementary requests donations to add multicultural books to her classroom library for about 200 first- through fifth-grade students, believing the books will help them connect with their cultural heritage and strengthen their reading skills.

The Housing Authority, led by new CEO Nathan Simms Jr., is seeking partners to redevelop sites such as 275 Huger St. into mixed-income communities (Project 3500) with RFQs due Oct.

27 and a shortlist expected early next year.

Local doctors (in the Lowcountry) urge residents to plan early for flu shots as the season approaches.

They advise checking with local clinics to secure appointments.