12/7 NEWSBREAK: Haley targeted in 4th GOP presidential debate

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy targeted former S.C. Gov. Nikki Haley Wednesday night in the fourth Republican presidential debate, despite the leading GOP candidate, former President Donald Trump, once again being absent from the event. The attacks reminded viewers that Haley is seen as a growing threat as a contender, pundits noted.

Haley was under attack from the very beginning of the debate, with DeSantis pointing fingers in her direction when asked about his struggling campaign. The Florida governor said Haley “caves every time the left comes after her,” and argued he was a fighter against the left.

Ramaswamy, however, made a big show when he revealed a handwritten sign that read, “Haley = corrupt” onstage, and questioned her authenticity and wealth.

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who spent much of his time criticizing Trump, stepped in to defend Haley at moments during the debate, calling her “a smart, accomplished woman” and dismissed Ramaswamy as “the most obnoxious blowhard in America.”

Haley, meanwhile, parried. “I love all the attention, fellas, thank you,” she said in response to the attacks from Ramaswamy and DeSantis, drawing some applause from the crowd.

In other news:

CP NEWS: I-526 expansion moves ahead amidst increased concerns over flooding. A committee of state lawmakers on Dec. 5 unleashed $75 million to the State Infrastructure Bank to fund the first phase of the controversial Interstate 526 extension, despite a growing risk of major flooding in the area.

CP NEWS: Charleston’s ‘This is Happening’ blends poetry, fashion design. James Island-based artist Rolf Anthony Young’s “This is Happening,” an event series blending poetry and fashion, is set to take place Dec. 9 at the James Island Cultural Center.

S.C. consumer spending steady in 2023. The South Carolina economy is expected to continue growing next year, but at a slower rate than in previous years, and has remained steady throughout 2023, according to this year’s annual economic outlook conference.

Panthers say goodbye to Spartanburg. The Carolina Panthers have held training camp at Wofford College in Spartanburg, S.C. since 1995, but this year, the team has decided to keep things at home and host its training camp in Charlotte, N.C. The move will take millions of dollars out of Spartanburg’s economy.

Charleston looking to add buffer for smoke shops, schools, more. A proposal is expected to go in front of Charleston City’s Planning Commission next week recommending a 500-foot buffer between smoke shops and schools, churches and parks, and between one smoke shop and another.

West Ashley’s Citadel Mall continues to evolve. West Ashley’s Citadel Mall, which first opened its doors in 1981, is reinventing what a shopping mall could be, not only being a home to consolidated shopping, but to medical services, a TV studio, an indoor playground and much more.

Future of Isle of Palms Connector up in the air. The town of Isle of Palms agreed to a new traffic option with the South Carolina Department of Transportation, but before the project can start, SCDOT has to get approval from Mount Pleasant, which is proving to be difficult, according to this story.

Downtown Charleston art-themed hotel completes renovations. The Vendue, Charleston’s art hotel, officially completed a renovation, including the debut of The Enclave at The Vendue, featuring premium amenities and services that blend privacy, exclusivity and artistic inspiration.

Funding for new Ladson elementary school approved by committee. The Charleston County School District’s Audit and Finance Committee approved funding for a new Ladson Elementary School, which is expected to cost over $47 million and hold 900 students. Meanwhile in Charleston, a proposal is expected to go in front of Charleston City’s Planning Commission next week recommending a 500-foot buffer between smoke shops and schools, churches and parks, and between one smoke shop and another.