Staff reports | The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced last week that small businesses suffering substantial economic injury because of the coronavirus pandemic can apply for working capital through low-interest federal disaster loans. Also inside: Links to 200+ area restaurants that are delivering or offering take-out.
Staff reports | Gov. Henry McMaster announced Sunday that all of the state’s public schools, colleges and technical colleges will close starting today as a health response to growing concerns about the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. The institutions will remain closed through March 31.
“I urge that public gatherings both indoor and outdoor be limited to 100 people or less,” he said, adding that local elections scheduled for March and April also would be postponed.
Staff reports | The Rotary Club of Charleston marked the 100th anniversary of its formation with the Saturday dedication of a bronze sculpture display adorning the Rotary Fountain in Marion Square. As part of the celebration, club members also held a Saturday evening gala at the Francis Marion Hotel.
Staff reports | A recent $250,000 grant from Dominion Energy pushed One80 Place, a local nonprofit developing affordable housing for the homeless, over a $24 million goal to build more housing.
The multi-million-dollar project, known as 573 Meeting Street, will be a permanent home for more than 70 formerly homeless individuals, and the second floor will be a brand-new family shelter for women and children. Annually, One80 Place re-houses or prevents homelessness for nearly 1,000 individuals.
South Carolina expects to see its largest surplus in history as revenue projections from last year are off by more than 15 6 percent, or about $567 million more than originally forecasted. While the excess money is rooted in missing the mark on revenue forecasts — something that caused the state to have mid-year cuts at the start of the Great Recession — some lawmakers say they aren’t worried and even expect at least one more surplus adjustment before the end of the fiscal year in June.
Several former Charleston-area legislators held a reunion this week at Bowen’s Island, the seafood joint run by former state Rep. Robert Barber near Folly Beach. They enjoyed laughs, old war stories and, according to former state Rep. Jimmy Bailey, “no arguments!”
Staff reports | State lawmakers are expected to buckle down to work when the General Assembly reconvenes for its 2020 session Tuesday. The House likely will start on a bill related to Daylight Savings Time, while the state Senate could head straight into debate on the House-passed large education package.
Staff reports | Raise a glass and send wishes of tasty sugarplums, flaky biscuits, creamy grits, fresh shrimp and dessert delights to Charleston’s doyenne of Southern cooking, Nathalie Dupree, who turned 80 just before Christmas.
The S.C. Ports Authority says it is a good position for continued growth after a 2019 that has already seen handling of nearly 2.25 million twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs) since January. “Looking ahead to 2020, we expect to continue weathering uncertainty in the world economy, but our strong position in the Southeast and proximity to a booming consumer market will drive growth,” SCPA President and CEO Jim Newsome said in a press release.
By Lindsay Street, Statehouse Report | A migrating whale that cruises through South Carolina waters is being killed at 10 times the rate its population can sustain, largely due to vessel-strikes and commercial fishery entanglements, experts say.
We Can Do Better, South Carolina! (2019) by editor and publisher Andy Brack offers incisive commentaries on the American South, politics, the common good and interesting South Carolina leaders. Available exclusively for Kindle for $7.99. A paperback version will be ready soon. Learn more.
Charleston Currents is brought to you free of charge thanks to the generosity of our underwriters:
Charleston City Paper, an alt-weekly seen by more than 100,000 people, offers the latest on news, views, arts, dining and music. Sign up for newsletters that will keep you up-to-date all week.
Statehouse Report is a renowned statewide policy and politics forecast published every Friday that informs South Carolina’s opinion leaders with key insights and news.
Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Use our feed
Send us your comments
Recent Comments