Opinions

Readers weigh in on the most dangerous area intersections

Poll Question: As the Daniel Island and Cainhoy peninsula populations grow, so do the traffic problems in the areas. Congestion at intersections can be both frustrating and dangerous for drivers and pedestrians alike. As area officials debate various solutions – more traffic lights, roundabouts,...

Controlling college costs means choosing colleges carefully

She’s happy her son was accepted to an elite university, yet this mom tells me she lies awake at night worrying about the costs and works extra shifts as a nurse to save up. This university costs $86,363 per year. It awarded her son $20,000 in need-based aid and $5,500 in a federal loan to the...

Readers speak out on the loneliness epidemic

Poll Question: Loneliness has become recognized as a serious mental-health issue impacting as many as one-in-two American adults, according to U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy. Much more than simple melancholy, it can be associated with greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia,...

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...