🌱 Sunflower Cafe Closing + Substitute Teacher Arrested

Hey, everybody! I'm back with your new edition of the Charleston Daily. Here's all the local news you need to know right now.

But first, today's weather:

Sunny; pleasant, low humidity. High: 80 Low: 66.

Here are the top three stories in Charleston today:

1. West Ashley's popular Sunflower Cafe will be permanently closing on Sep. 30. The restaurant has been operating for the past 17 years at its location at 2366 Ashley River Road. The Sunflower Cafe had been struggling with food shortages, rising costs, and staffing challenges, according to the owner Jennifer Adams. Loyal longtime customers in the Charleston area are sad to see the restaurant go. (Live 5 News)
2. State leaders and caregivers gathered on Thursday at Charleston HALOS to celebrate the passage of a new South Carolina law. The new lawed signed by Gov. Henry McMaster expands the definition of kinship care in the state to encompass anyone with a significant relationship with a child. The expansion will allow the individual and the child to receive resources and support from the state. (WRDW)
3. The Mount Pleasant Police Department reports that a substitute teacher was arrested at James B. Edwards Elementary School for public intoxication. Lori Mandarino, 56, was arrested on Thursday before she had any interaction with students. The Charleston County School District reports that Mandarino will not be working in any of the district's schools again. (Live 5 News)

Today in Charleston:

• Chess Club At The Daniel Island Library (9:30 AM)
• Community Engagement Fair At Wando Mt. Pleasant Library (10:00 AM)
• TobyMac The Theatre Tour At The Gaillard Center (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The team redeveloping Union Pier will be hosting an event on Thursday, Sep. 29 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. There will be free parking on Concord Street. The purpose of the event is to collect public feedback on the project. (City of Charleston, SC Government via Facebook)
• Do you have a HECOPRO digital display carbon monoxide detector? The Charleston Fire Department advises you to stop using it. They fail to alert consumers to deadly carbon monoxide. Click to learn more. (Charleston Fire Department via Facebook)
• Today, the Charleston County Public Library is hosting a Community Engagement Fair at the Wando Mt. Pleasant Library. Participants will learn about ways to volunteer in the community between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. (Charleston County Public Library via Facebook)

Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll see you soon.

— 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.