roofer in Downtown Charleston, SC

The downtown Charleston all-girls private school Ashley Hall is looking for a new way forward to host its annual 'Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day.’ (WCIV-AP, FILE)

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — The downtown Charleston all-girls private school Ashley Hall is looking for a new way forward to host its annual 'Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day.’

The event has been hosted since 2017 in partnership with Charleston’s Federal Executive Association and different federal agencies. This year’s program was canceled, citing President Trump’s executive order terminating Diversity Equity and Inclusion, or DEI, as the reason.

“I was blindsided,” said Brooke Brewer, who has a seventh grader at Ashley Hall.

Dr. Anne Weston, Head of School at Ashley Hall, said the decision didn’t come from school officials, and that they were floored when a federal agency liaison contacted Weston with the news.

READ MORE | "Proposal to end D.E.I. in South Carolina faces backlash over lacking diverse input."

Weston said Ashley Hall was told the following: “The Charleston District (including the Federal Executive Association) is not able to participate in or coordinate the Introduce a Girl to Engineering outreach event at Ashley Hall this year.”

Future participation remains unknown, Weston said.

Brewer said her stomach was in knots when she read Weston’s weekend announcement.

“It just hits home when you realize that the federal government is interfering with your child's education and that they're not allowed to hold this program because of that,” she said.

The annual engineering event introduces more than 200 of the school’s seventh through 12th-grade students to local women working in STEM. Agencies like the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Joint Base Charleston have previously participated.

“Our girls get to see powerful role models,” Weston said. “They get to imagine what their math, science, computer programming courses that they're taking here now they might follow those through college and on into a career.”

READ MORE | "In Trump's quest to close the Education Department, his own agenda may get in the way."

The Head of School said the federal partners were also upset with the decision, and that they are treating it as a “pause” and not a complete stop.

Since the announcement, Weston said multiple local groups, including the College of Charleston and the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), have contacted Ashley Hall eager to participate in a revamped version of the program.

“Our hope would be to be able to continue this programming and if not, we will find new partners. And if we have both, we can partner and have an even larger event in the future,” Weston said.

Women only make up 24% of the STEM workforce in the U.S., according to data from Bushnell University in 2023.

Local non-profit Charleston Women in Tech said engaging young girls in hands-on STEM activities is a way to help close this gap.

“Our commitment to this goal grows from clear evidence that early STEM exposure is crucial for developing the next generation of tech talent,” the group told News 4. “Engaging all talented students in STEM education isn't just about equality, it's about building the skilled workforce our local economy needs to thrive and compete globally.”

‘Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day’ was scheduled for Feb. 21. Now, Ashley Hall is hosting a panel of female, STEM professionals to speak with students.

Parents and school leaders hope to see similar opportunities continue at Ashley Hall.

“This school is so supportive of girls, and they just want them to excel at everything,” Brewer said.

What could be more luxurious than going to a leisurely breakfast during the week? Perhaps you took the day off, need to conduct a morning meeting, or want a great plate of eggs. Here are the essential weekday breakfast establishments to know in the Lowcountry.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

The Junction Kitchen & Provisions quickly is the go-to for Park Circle inhabitants to find a full breakfast near the neighborhood. The morning menu is served all day, including the doughnut sandwich layered with coffee-rubbed bacon, over easy egg, and served with a coffee dip.

Mercantile is one of the most spacious breakfast options to open on the peninsula, so bring the laptop and get some work done too — plenty of seats. The stylish spot opens early for those looking for coffee, yogurt bowls, breakfast sandwiches, or house-smoked salmon on a bagel. Bonus: free wifi and a large parking lot.

Bodega is the spot to visit if you are in need of a super hearty breakfast sandwich or hair of the dog. The restaurant is an ode to New York City bodegas and even comes complete with walls of chips and candy in its takeout area. Popular items include the smoked salmon toast, chocolate chip pancakes, and the Gropfather, a twist on a chicken parm sandwich, made with pesto and nduja. There’s also plenty of boozy breakfast drinks for those in need.

Bright spot the Daily carries creative coffee drinks, like the black sesame latte, and some of the quickest breakfast items around. Stop by this hip cafe for an avocado toast or breakfast pita before heading to the office.

Vicious Biscuit serves other items than biscuits, but the fluffy carbs are the big draw here. Prepare to feel the need for a nap after indulging in a fried chicken biscuit the size of your head. There’s dozens of biscuit combos to try.

Daps Breakfast & Imbibe offer breakfast/brunch every day of the week and all day long. The vibe is chill and the food is filling. The Fruity Pebble pancakes and breakfast burrito with chorizo gravy are solid choices.

Tuck into cozy cafe Little Line for a big Southern breakfast with cheddar grits at the counter or order a bacon, egg, and cheese bagel to go. The chic Westside spot has proven consistent in its delivery of breakfast staples since it first opened. And if you’re running short on time, you can order ahead online.

West Ashley eatery Early Bird Diner is the greasy spoon of contemporary Southern dreams. The waitstaff leans quirky and tattooed, the food is filling and comforting, and the hours allow you to visit for brunch or late night. Try the chicken and waffles with honey mustard drizzle at least once, and then move on to the traditional sides and other comforting menu items.

Marina Variety Store is Charleston's diner by the sea. With views of the Ashley River, there's no better place to tuck into a bottomless cup of coffee and a bowl of shrimp and grits when the weather is clear.

Thoughtful pastries are the big draw at Harken Cafe, like the apple tahini muffins or brown sugar cake with pumpkin butter. But, if you have a free morning, grab a seat in the Parisian-inspired cafe and order a slice of quiche full of local produce or a fluffy egg sandwich on a ricotta biscuit.

Queen Street Grocery is nestled in the French Quarter, so customers can watch the carriage tours go by as they cut into a crepe or omelette. For those on the go, choose a hot-pressed breakfast sandwich on a croissant or bagel.

As the name states, Millers All Day does indeed serve breakfast all day. Look for big fluffy biscuits, pancakes, grits, and plenty of bacon in a hip, yet comfortable, dining room.

Fast & French serves a no-frills breakfast of croissants, toasts, ham plates, and cream cheese on rye with raisins. There might not be any eggs, but it's hard to resist the European charm of the cafe and the full carafes of French press coffee.

Tucked off of Colonial Lake, Alcove Market offers breakfast, lunch, coffee, craft beer, wines, fresh-pressed juices, and a pantry stocked with goods like Rio Bertolini’s ravioli, cocktail olives, and various gourmet snacks. Offerings include avocado toast on Charleston Gold rice bread, a quinoa bowl with green goddess dressing, and a spectacular breakfast muffin stuffed with a poached egg

Super cute spot Baguette Magic offers carbs on carbs on carbs. Patrons rave about the recovery baguette — a hangover-curing combination of scrambled eggs, bacon, prosciutto, white cheddar, tomato jam, and arugula. For those in search of something sweet, check out the homemade Pop-Tarts or the chocolate croissant.

The Junction Kitchen & Provisions quickly is the go-to for Park Circle inhabitants to find a full breakfast near the neighborhood. The morning menu is served all day, including the doughnut sandwich layered with coffee-rubbed bacon, over easy egg, and served with a coffee dip.

Mercantile is one of the most spacious breakfast options to open on the peninsula, so bring the laptop and get some work done too — plenty of seats. The stylish spot opens early for those looking for coffee, yogurt bowls, breakfast sandwiches, or house-smoked salmon on a bagel. Bonus: free wifi and a large parking lot.

Bodega is the spot to visit if you are in need of a super hearty breakfast sandwich or hair of the dog. The restaurant is an ode to New York City bodegas and even comes complete with walls of chips and candy in its takeout area. Popular items include the smoked salmon toast, chocolate chip pancakes, and the Gropfather, a twist on a chicken parm sandwich, made with pesto and nduja. There’s also plenty of boozy breakfast drinks for those in need.

Bright spot the Daily carries creative coffee drinks, like the black sesame latte, and some of the quickest breakfast items around. Stop by this hip cafe for an avocado toast or breakfast pita before heading to the office.

Vicious Biscuit serves other items than biscuits, but the fluffy carbs are the big draw here. Prepare to feel the need for a nap after indulging in a fried chicken biscuit the size of your head. There’s dozens of biscuit combos to try.

Daps Breakfast & Imbibe offer breakfast/brunch every day of the week and all day long. The vibe is chill and the food is filling. The Fruity Pebble pancakes and breakfast burrito with chorizo gravy are solid choices.

Tuck into cozy cafe Little Line for a big Southern breakfast with cheddar grits at the counter or order a bacon, egg, and cheese bagel to go. The chic Westside spot has proven consistent in its delivery of breakfast staples since it first opened. And if you’re running short on time, you can order ahead online.

West Ashley eatery Early Bird Diner is the greasy spoon of contemporary Southern dreams. The waitstaff leans quirky and tattooed, the food is filling and comforting, and the hours allow you to visit for brunch or late night. Try the chicken and waffles with honey mustard drizzle at least once, and then move on to the traditional sides and other comforting menu items.

Marina Variety Store is Charleston's diner by the sea. With views of the Ashley River, there's no better place to tuck into a bottomless cup of coffee and a bowl of shrimp and grits when the weather is clear.

Thoughtful pastries are the big draw at Harken Cafe, like the apple tahini muffins or brown sugar cake with pumpkin butter. But, if you have a free morning, grab a seat in the Parisian-inspired cafe and order a slice of quiche full of local produce or a fluffy egg sandwich on a ricotta biscuit.

Queen Street Grocery is nestled in the French Quarter, so customers can watch the carriage tours go by as they cut into a crepe or omelette. For those on the go, choose a hot-pressed breakfast sandwich on a croissant or bagel.

As the name states, Millers All Day does indeed serve breakfast all day. Look for big fluffy biscuits, pancakes, grits, and plenty of bacon in a hip, yet comfortable, dining room.

Fast & French serves a no-frills breakfast of croissants, toasts, ham plates, and cream cheese on rye with raisins. There might not be any eggs, but it's hard to resist the European charm of the cafe and the full carafes of French press coffee.

Tucked off of Colonial Lake, Alcove Market offers breakfast, lunch, coffee, craft beer, wines, fresh-pressed juices, and a pantry stocked with goods like Rio Bertolini’s ravioli, cocktail olives, and various gourmet snacks. Offerings include avocado toast on Charleston Gold rice bread, a quinoa bowl with green goddess dressing, and a spectacular breakfast muffin stuffed with a poached egg

Super cute spot Baguette Magic offers carbs on carbs on carbs. Patrons rave about the recovery baguette — a hangover-curing combination of scrambled eggs, bacon, prosciutto, white cheddar, tomato jam, and arugula. For those in search of something sweet, check out the homemade Pop-Tarts or the chocolate croissant.

Chicken wings — that messy appetizer that bargoers are always after, often debating which destination has the best offering. The Lowcountry is, of course, filled with fried chicken, but it also has its fair share of establishments serving some quality chicken wings. Whether the occasion calls for smoked, fried, charred, dry-rubbed, or lathered in hot sauce — these destinations are the undisputed best stops in Charleston for that essential bar snack.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Nigel’s Good Food is a North Charleston staple (with multiple locations). Folks travel far and wide for their very popular Geechie Wings. The chicken is battered, fried, and tossed in a homemade sweet-and-sour wing sauce.

North Charleston’s Holy City Brewery pairs its beers with an extensive bar food menu — including wings. The chicken is smoked and then fried. Customers can choose from nine selections of rubs and sauces, including Nashville hot, Carolina Gold barbecue, honey sambal, and more.

King BBQ co-owner Corrie Wang grew up in Buffalo, New York, so husband Shuai Wang had to put out some real-deal Buffalo wings covered in the distinctive tangy, buttery red sauce. They are only available on Sundays and pairs well with the Bills games on the television. They have also offered Sichuan wings as a special.

Home Team BBQ’s smoked chicken wings are dry-rubbed with a touch of sweetness and served with a side of Alabama white sauce — customers looking for an extra kick can add the two-ounce Death Relish for good measure. Cool it down with a frozen gamechanger — the restaurant’s take on a painkiller.

The Royal American on Morrison Drive has a long list of cheap beer and food for guests looking to kick back. The Magic Wings are crispy and best finished with a spritz of lime, best followed by a sip of Miller High Life. The spice comes from Sichuan peppercorns.

Moe’s Crosstown, a cave of a sports bar, takes pride in its pub fare offerings, and the wings reflect, as they come freshly prepared with lots of meat on the bone. Find 15 different sauce options, including the sweet and spicy hot honey mustard and the diabolical Moe Hotter.

Stop by rollicking Vietnamese restaurant Pink Bellies for the garlic “KFC” wings. Despite the moniker, these are far superior to anything the fast food chain puts out. Chef Thai Phi covers the chicken in a sweet soy glaze and tops it with bleu cheese and pickled daikon.

Okay, it may be hard to stray from Bay Street Biergarten’s freaky tater tots, but the sports bar also offers up some delicious smoked chicken wings with many of the usual offerings, plus pineapple Sriracha.

Most regard Prohibition for its nightlife or as a place to have a great cocktail, but the speakeasy-style restaurant also has some of the best wings in the Lowcountry. Chef Greg Garrison uses a Memphis dry rub, and the charred wings sit on top of an irresistible Gorgonzola ranch.

King Street’s Charleston Beer Works is a place to drink beer, watch sports, and consume lots of chicken wings. The sports bar offers 15 different sauces, and patrons can order up to 100 wings at a time.

Sports bar the Brick offers tons of wing flavors to pair with beers and football. There are 18 flavors, including Old Bay, garlic Parmesan, Buffalo ranch, and more.

Barbecue spot Swig & Swine offers smoked wings in a variety of flavors: dry rub, barbecue, peanut butter and jelly, Alabama white, Tabasco honey, hot honey mustard, and white hot.

This renowned dive bar offers multiple sauce options on its chicken wings, most notably its famous “buffiyaki” creation. Make sure to bring an extra dollar bill, as the Griffon’s walls are covered in George Washingtons stapled on by visitors looking to leave their mark.

Customers can order regular or boneless wings at Charleston Sports Pub locations across the Lowcountry. There’s 17 different flavors, and it offers a family wing box with 40 wings and French fries for $59.99.

The wings at Mexican restaurant Minero are grilled over charcoal and then shaken up at your tableside with a liberal dousing of Valentina hot sauce. It’s smoky, tangy, and a little messy.

Though a brewery, Frothy Beard has a following for its wings. Sauces largely lean classic but range from honey mustard to sweet chili buffalo to teriyaki; dry rubs like lemon pepper and Old Bay are also available.

Nigel’s Good Food is a North Charleston staple (with multiple locations). Folks travel far and wide for their very popular Geechie Wings. The chicken is battered, fried, and tossed in a homemade sweet-and-sour wing sauce.

North Charleston’s Holy City Brewery pairs its beers with an extensive bar food menu — including wings. The chicken is smoked and then fried. Customers can choose from nine selections of rubs and sauces, including Nashville hot, Carolina Gold barbecue, honey sambal, and more.

King BBQ co-owner Corrie Wang grew up in Buffalo, New York, so husband Shuai Wang had to put out some real-deal Buffalo wings covered in the distinctive tangy, buttery red sauce. They are only available on Sundays and pairs well with the Bills games on the television. They have also offered Sichuan wings as a special.

Home Team BBQ’s smoked chicken wings are dry-rubbed with a touch of sweetness and served with a side of Alabama white sauce — customers looking for an extra kick can add the two-ounce Death Relish for good measure. Cool it down with a frozen gamechanger — the restaurant’s take on a painkiller.

The Royal American on Morrison Drive has a long list of cheap beer and food for guests looking to kick back. The Magic Wings are crispy and best finished with a spritz of lime, best followed by a sip of Miller High Life. The spice comes from Sichuan peppercorns.

Moe’s Crosstown, a cave of a sports bar, takes pride in its pub fare offerings, and the wings reflect, as they come freshly prepared with lots of meat on the bone. Find 15 different sauce options, including the sweet and spicy hot honey mustard and the diabolical Moe Hotter.

Stop by rollicking Vietnamese restaurant Pink Bellies for the garlic “KFC” wings. Despite the moniker, these are far superior to anything the fast food chain puts out. Chef Thai Phi covers the chicken in a sweet soy glaze and tops it with bleu cheese and pickled daikon.

Okay, it may be hard to stray from Bay Street Biergarten’s freaky tater tots, but the sports bar also offers up some delicious smoked chicken wings with many of the usual offerings, plus pineapple Sriracha.

Most regard Prohibition for its nightlife or as a place to have a great cocktail, but the speakeasy-style restaurant also has some of the best wings in the Lowcountry. Chef Greg Garrison uses a Memphis dry rub, and the charred wings sit on top of an irresistible Gorgonzola ranch.

King Street’s Charleston Beer Works is a place to drink beer, watch sports, and consume lots of chicken wings. The sports bar offers 15 different sauces, and patrons can order up to 100 wings at a time.

Sports bar the Brick offers tons of wing flavors to pair with beers and football. There are 18 flavors, including Old Bay, garlic Parmesan, Buffalo ranch, and more.

Barbecue spot Swig & Swine offers smoked wings in a variety of flavors: dry rub, barbecue, peanut butter and jelly, Alabama white, Tabasco honey, hot honey mustard, and white hot.

This renowned dive bar offers multiple sauce options on its chicken wings, most notably its famous “buffiyaki” creation. Make sure to bring an extra dollar bill, as the Griffon’s walls are covered in George Washingtons stapled on by visitors looking to leave their mark.

Customers can order regular or boneless wings at Charleston Sports Pub locations across the Lowcountry. There’s 17 different flavors, and it offers a family wing box with 40 wings and French fries for $59.99.

The wings at Mexican restaurant Minero are grilled over charcoal and then shaken up at your tableside with a liberal dousing of Valentina hot sauce. It’s smoky, tangy, and a little messy.

Though a brewery, Frothy Beard has a following for its wings. Sauces largely lean classic but range from honey mustard to sweet chili buffalo to teriyaki; dry rubs like lemon pepper and Old Bay are also available.

Published: Jan. 8, 2025 at 1:50 AM PST|

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - A long-awaited project that would make the City of Charleston more accessible and connected for pedestrians, cyclists and other nonmotorized users will finally become a reality Wednesday.

The Ashley River Crossing pedestrian bridge project has been in the works for almost 15 years now and after undergoing several changes and design revisions, the plan is complete, so the project will begin Wednesday afternoon. Leaders for the City of Charleston will break ground and begin construction on this massive project.

This bridge will connect West Ashley to downtown Charleston.

Project leaders plan to start construction on the West Ashley side and build across to the downtown side, connecting to Brittlebank Park, Bee Street and Lockwood Drive and then eventually tying into the City Marina.

Chief Policy Officer for the City of Charleston Logan McVey said that they plan to connect many projects within this one including the Ashley River Walk and the Battery extension with one goal in mind: making the City of Charleston one, connected city.

“That’s what’ll be really important is the idea of the City working together and us viewing the City not as different places - as West Ashley versus Downtown or Downtown versus West Ashley - but as one city that is connected with just a little bit of water in between,” McVey said.

In theory, once this project is complete, it would be possible to bike or walk all the way from outer West Ashley to the Isle of Palms.

The vision is that pedestrians and cyclists could take the West Ashley Greenway to the Ashley River Crossing then ride around the peninsula using the Battery extension to ultimately hop on the Ravenel Bridge. It is all about connectivity within the city, which is something leaders have been really trying to prioritize.

This project originally began under the city’s former leadership, but City Council approved the suggestions Mayor Cogswell made to the project and it will now also include a viewing platform of the Ashley River.

The project in total will cost about $90 million, which will mostly come from federal funding.

As it is such a big project, McVey said that city leaders wanted to make sure they were making the best use of this money. He said they decided to be intentional in connecting this with several other pedestrian and mobility projects in the area.

“The idea is that you’ve got something that is going to be a pretty big investment… how can the city connect that investment to other investments we are making? That’s the battery extension, that’s the Lowline, that’s all of the bike and pedestrian improvements that we are making downtown. How do all of these tie together to create a system that allows people to get around without getting into a car, takes pressure off our roads, but also makes us a healthier, better, more connected city,” McVey said.

City leaders will host a groundbreaking ceremony to commence the beginning of construction for this project Boulevard from 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. The groundbreaking will take place at the construction site on the West Ashley side located at 25 Folly Road Blvd.

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