Thursday headlines: Charleston mayoral candidates report finances, gear up for election

Five candidates have launched campaigns for the Nov. 7 mayoral election and in the coming months will continue to make efforts to build up their name recognition and secure voters. As of Jan. 10, four candidates reported finances for their campaign. Another said she would run on Jan. 16.

Currently in the lead for campaign dollars is incumbent Mayor John Tecklenburg, who reportedly has raised about $315,000 as of Jan. 10. Next in line are former state Rep. William Cogswell with $141,740, followed by longtime political aide Clay Middleton with $141,572. Charleston City Councilman Peter Shahid reported raising $127,388. Local activist Tamika Gadsden officially launched her campaign Jan. 16 with just over $3,000.

In other headlines:

Health officials say new Pfizer booster does not increase chance of stroke. Federal health officials debunked a claim that Americans aged 65 and older may face a greater risk of receiving a stroke after getting the latest Pfizer booster.

State superintendent heads to Charleston schools. State Superintendent Ellen Weaver visited a private Christian school and R.B. Stall High School as her first school visits with the new role. She spoke with students and teachers about the importance of their education in Charleston County.

Outdoor store REI set to open in Mount Pleasant. REI Co-op plans to hold its grand opening Feb. 17-19 at 1720 Shoremeade Road in Indigo Square Shopping Center in Mount Pleasant. Meanwhile, El Molino Supermarket is planning to open a second location in North Charleston.

Trial expected for suspect in ‘Outer Banks’ actor’s hit and run. Six months after a young actor was killed in a hit-and-run on James Island, a magistrate judge found probable cause for an Upstate man to be the second person to hit actor Alex Jennings. The first driver has not been found yet.