🌱 Charleston May Cut Down 200 Trees + Banker Requests New Trial

Hey, neighbors! It's Thursday in Charleston and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on all the most important things happening in town. Because community news matters!

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny, a shower or two. High: 74 Low: 60.

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Here are the top three stories in Charleston today:

1. Russell Laffitte, the former CEO of Palmetto State Bank, was convicted on six counts of fraud and is seeking a new trial. The request for a new trial claims that two jurors were improperly dismissed and replaced with alternates. The motion argues that one of the jurors requested to be removed from the jury because of her dissent. (Live 5 News WCSC)
2. Yesterday, the City of Charleston’s Board of Zoning Appeals met to review a request to remove 200 grand trees on Johns Island. The trees would be removed in order to build a new residential subdivision. Although some of the trees are diseased, some remain healthy. (Live 5 News WCSC)
3. Local nonprofit Pay It Forward Charleston aims to assist community members with their debt. Carrie Larson, executive director of Pay It Forward Charleston, said, “Our motto is serving those who serve us. It’s our way of supporting the Charleston food and beverage community during crises.” Applicants for grants receive an average grant value of $500. (Charleston City Paper)

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Today in Charleston:

• Aquarium Aglow At South Carolina Aquarium (5:30 PM)
• Winter Concert At Allegro Charter School Of Music (7:00 PM)
• One Christmas Night In Memphis At Charleston Music Hall (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• This Sunday, the Charleston County Public Library will be screening To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything. No tickets are needed for the event and popcorn will be available. (Charleston County Public Library via Facebook)
• On Sunday, the Christmas parade is expected to impact the Mount Pleasant area. The parade begins at Live Oak and ends at the intersection of Patriots Point Road and McGrath Darby Boulevard. (WCBD News 2)
• On Dec. 12, the Charleston County Public Library is hosting a Christmas Through the Ages Concert. While enjoying the show from The Old Pipes Consort, the library will also offer hot apple cider. (Charleston County Public Library via Facebook)

Thanks for following along and staying informed. See you all tomorrow morning for another 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.