Septic tanks, especially older ones, are problematic in populous, relatively urban areas. In rural areas miles from existing sewer networks, they’re the only option that makes sense.So it’s going to be challenging for Charleston County Council to craft a smart policy that would help move homeowners in unincorporated areas within larger towns like Mount Pleasant off of septic systems without forcing a massive, costly and unwise expansion of sewer systems countywide.An ordinance proposed last month was filled with ambiguous language and the potential for disastrous unintended consequences, but County Council gave it an initial approval anyway. Smartly, council members have since put it on hold.There are a lot of concerns to address. As a start, council should consult with the people who best understand the ins and outs of sewers — the water utilities.Officials with the Charleston Water System said they learned about the county ordinance only from reading about it in … [Read more...] about Ask the experts on county septic tank plan
Photos: Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint is now open on James Island
"I've been waiting 22 years for this," says Paul Garbarini, who is originally from Memphis, while leaving Martin's Barb-B-Que Joint with a lunch to-go order on Tuesday, May 7, 2019. The Nashville, Tenn.-based restaurant expanded to South Carolina with its first location on James Island. Lauren Petracca/Staff … [Read more...] about Photos: Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint is now open on James Island
Asian shares steady after slump, oil jumps on Saudi comments
By Andrew Galbraith SHANGHAI (Reuters) - Asian shares steadied on Monday as investors caught their breath following another week of escalating U.S.-China trade tensions, with sentiment turning brighter after the United States said it would lift tariffs in North America. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan added 0.6%, reflecting modest gains in markets across the region after the broad index finished at its lowest since Jan. 24 on Friday, down 3% for the week.Australian shares underpinned the market's firmer mood, jumping 1.7% after the center-right Liberal National Coalition pulled off a shock win in federal elections, beating the left-wing Labor Party. Election results also look set to lift markets in India. India's NSE Stock Futures listed in Singapore rose 2.4% and the rupee strengthened after exit polls showed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to return to power with an even bigger majority in parliament.Shares in the trade-sensitive markets of … [Read more...] about Asian shares steady after slump, oil jumps on Saudi comments
Trade uncertainty darkens U.S. small caps outlook
By Sinéad Carew NEW YORK (Reuters) - Shares of smaller publicly listed U.S. companies have fallen more on recent U.S.-China trade tensions than larger corporations and could face an even rougher road as the year wears on unless the prospects for economic growth improve. Wall Street has been forecasting a return to growth for the S&P 600 index of small cap stocks in the second half of 2019, but an intensifying trade battle between the world's two biggest economies puts these hopes into doubt.Because they depend less on overseas sales than bigger companies, some investors say small caps may be less vulnerable in a trade war situation. But if rising tariffs boost import prices to the extent that it slows U.S. economic growth, then smaller companies, which often have less financial cushion than big multinationals, could be badly hurt. And since many U.S. companies use overseas suppliers, tariff hikes could make imported goods too pricey. "Because they have more domestic sales it … [Read more...] about Trade uncertainty darkens U.S. small caps outlook
Koji Uehara, ex-Boston Red Sox closer, announces retirement
Former Red Sox closer Koji Uehara announced his retirement Sunday, hanging up his spikes after 21 professional seasons. Jim Allen of the Kyodo News passed along the news.Uehara signed a two-year deal with the Sox in Dec. 2012 and went on to be the closer for the World Series champions in 2013. The reliever posted a 1.09 ERA and 12.2 K/9 in 74.1 innings while saving 21 games that year, finishing seventh in voting for the AL Cy Young award and 21st for MVP. Uehara remained with the Sox through the 2016 season, amassing 79 saves and a 2.19 ERA in 230 appearances for Boston. He signed with the Cubs after 2016 and threw 43 innings for them in 2017 before heading back to Japan.Uehara pitched nine major-league seasons with the Orioles (2009-11), Rangers (2011-12), Red Sox (2013-16) and Cubs (2017), posting a career 2.66 ERA and 95 saves in 436 games (12 starts). He pitched in Japan in each of the last two years before retiring at age 44.Uehara is the latest member of the 2013 team to retire, … [Read more...] about Koji Uehara, ex-Boston Red Sox closer, announces retirement