🌱 Charleston County Hospitals Filling Up + Overflow Airport Lot

Up and at 'em, Charleston! Let's get you all caught up to start this day off on an informed note. Here are the most important things going on today in town.

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First, today's weather:

Warm with sun and some clouds. High: 72 Low: 63.

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Here are the top 4 stories in Charleston today:

1. As COVID-19 cases continue to rise across much of the U.S. with the delta and omicron variants, South Carolina hospitals are keeping a close eye on their capacities. As of Dec. 16, state officials reported that approximately 80 percent of inpatient beds and 77 percent of ICU beds in hospitals across the state were occupied. Around 5 percent of inpatient beds and 7 percent of ICU beds statewide were filled by COVID-19 patients. In Charleston County, some hospitals are at or near 100 percent inpatient bed capacity. (Charleston Patch)
2. Charleston International Airport is opening up an overflow parking lot to accommodate the influx of holiday travelers this week. On Monday, Dec. 20, the holiday parking lot will become available to travelers who will be parked until after Christmas Day at a special daily rate of $8. Parking must be paid at the time of entry. (WCBD News 2)
3. The Charleston School of Law has filed a lawsuit against the city over a land title. On Friday, the school claimed the city has breached a contract pertaining to the title for the property on which the school sits. Despite the fact that the City of Charleston had approved the school's sale of that property, it is now refusing to file the official documents needed to allow the sale to be finalized, according to the lawsuit. (WCBD News 2)
4. The Coroner's office has identified the victim of a deadly North Charleston shooting as 28-year-old Andrea Reynolds. Reynolds died on the scene at Ranger Drive from multiple gunshot wounds at approximately 2:30 a.m. on Thursday. (Live 5 News WCSC)

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Today in Charleston:

• "A Christmas Carol" At Circular Congregational Church (3:00 PM and 7:00 PM)
• Free Food Distribution At Destiny Worship Center (11:00 AM)
• Every 1 Voice Matters Kid's Coat Giveaway At The North Charleston Community Resource Center (1:00 PM)
• El Jefe Cantina Food Truck At Snafu Brewing Company (4:00 PM)
• Comedy Night With Mike Speenberg At Southern Roots Park Circle (7:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Charleston Fire Department crews from Engine 106, Engine 119, Battalion 103, 104 and Battalion 105, along with many agency partners, once again participated in MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital's "Good Night Lights" display outside the hospital. The final display will be next Thursday, Dec. 24. at 7:30 p.m. (Facebook)
• The US National Weather Service Charleston predicts more roller coaster weather and potential significant impacts expected over the next week across the Lowcountry/Coastal Empire. (Facebook)
• Charleston Fire Department: "Photo round up (4 of 5): This week we'll be releasing the photos from our holiday luncheon across all three shifts. As the holidays are traditionally known for bringing people together - we're proud to show you an inside look at our fami..." (Facebook)
• The Charleston Library Society reminds residents that the Library will be closed Dec. 23 through Jan. 3, so make sure to pick up your books beforehand. (Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with a new update!

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.