Opinions

U.S. Surgeon General recognizes epidemic of loneliness, offers solutions

When I first took office as Surgeon General in 2014, I didn’t view loneliness as a public health concern. But that was before I embarked on a cross-country listening tour, where I heard stories from my fellow Americans that surprised me. People began to tell me they felt isolated,...

Enact a more effective drunk driving prevention law

For years, those of us at Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) South Carolina and other traffic safety partners have wondered what it will take for the legislature to finally act and take our DUI laws from the dark ages to a step or two toward the light. Perhaps we had to find out the hard way...

‘Pineapple Street’ is one of many great reads set in NYC

If you have not enjoyed “Pineapple Street” by Jenny Jackson, make haste! It follows a well-to-do family in Brooklyn and the family drama that life brings. The audiobook version is performed with perfection by Marin Ireland, and I highly recommend it. “What Happened to Ruthy Ramirez” by...

DI News celebrates high school graduates

It’s that time of year when communities across the globe celebrate high school graduates. High school ceremonies and traditions vary around the world. In Scandinavia, graduates wear matching sailor hats and sing songs with their classmates. In Japan, graduates wear traditional clothing or...

Obsessed with British mysteries

I was sure that I was a committed Francophile until I discovered BritBox, an online video subscription service. There is nothing like a British mystery – they are “gorgeous.” The settings are quaint, rustic, windswept. They lure you in. You know that nothing could really be that idyllic...

Take steps to protect children from abuse

Childhood should not hurt. Nonetheless, statistics tell us that one-in-six children will be physically abused before the age of 18 years old. One-in-five girls and one-in-10 boys will be sexually abused during childhood. Abuse happens in every neighborhood. In Charleston County last year,...

Keep Berkeley Beautiful urges public action

With spring in swing and Earth Day on the way, it’s a great time to think about sprucing up our green spaces and Keep Berkeley Beautiful could use your help! Keep Berkeley Beautiful is our local affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, the largest community improvement organization in the...

April readings feature varied historical and societal content

FICTION “Shrines of Gaiety” by Kate Atkinson. Set in 1926, if you watched the Peaky Blinders series, you will recognize the London smoky nightclub settings. These are run by a matriarch who shall not be crossed and will not be swindled. Meanwhile, young girls flock to the city to find work...

Trade schools are not a tradeoff

When Peter was enrolled in college his parents often heard him say: “I don’t like it!” He took a year off and worked in construction, where he discovered he was good at using his visual and spatial abilities. Then Peter discovered the American College of the Building Arts on Meeting Street...

Letter to the Editor - April 13, 2023

Engine lights When you’ve been on this planet over eight decades and your children have become senior citizens, you know you’re getting old even though your mind still tries to convince you that you’re only 20. However, you know that’s a lie because your mind has been writing checks for...