MORNING HEADLINES | The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE) kicks off again this weekend in Charleston with jumping dogs, flying raptors and countless folks stomping about in every permutation of camouflage imaginable. The wildlife-themed festival rings in the start of the Lowcountry’s tourist season.
A turtle, owl, alligator and more were at The Charleston Place hotel Friday morning to preview presentations that the wildlife event will host throughout the weekend. Some online events are already underway.
Online ticket sales have closed, but it’s not too late to buy tickets in-person, and some events have options to buy tickets on-site. And while the Charleston City Paper has you covered with our Top 8 list (see it here), the real action may be on SEWE’s culinary stage. Some of Charleston’s top chefs will be showcasing local ingredients with seafood and greens — plus game and meats many people have never tried, including ostrich.
See chefs like Shuai Wang (fresh off this season’s Top Chef TV competition), Jason Stanhope (executive chef at Lowland), Greg Garrison (chef at Prohibition and the man behind the aforementioned ostrich), Rhonda Mitchell (owner of catering company The Drizzled Pear) and more.
In addition to SEWE’s estimated $33 million impact on the local economy, the event also supports the spreading of awareness about conservation and environmental protection.
In Friday’s issue of the Charleston City Paper:
CP COVER STORY: Charlestonians credit local venues with fueling romances. From first dates to anniversary celebrations, Charleston locals flock to area bars and restaurants to celebrate their love stories. We talked to several couples around town about the establishments that helped them fall in love.
CP OPINION: Magid: Keeping love in the air. “With Valentine’s Day here, it’s a good time to take a closer look at what makes a happy couple or what “love” actually looks like – particularly since the divorce rate is high in America and a third of married couples say they’re unhappy.”
- CP OPINION: Move forward now on Mace allegations
- CP CARTOON: Stegelin: Don’t tell Trump
- CP CARTOON: Ariail: Tick! Tick! Tick!
CP NEWS: Charleston author’s new novel delves into Gullah’s spiritual roots. Sherman E. Pyatt’s latest book, Standing in the Gap, is a departure from the non-fiction archival and historical work he’s known for — but the Charleston author’s trademark knowledge and insight into local Black history and Gullah culture remains front and center.
CP ARTS: Spoleto’s 2025 lineup offers exciting shows. Spoleto Festival USA’s newly released 2025 lineup features more than 120 performances over 17 days this spring. Among the highlights are two operas, a special cabaret, multimedia offerings and myriad concerts across Charleston — plus plenty of “hidden delights.”
CP NEWS: Liquor liability crisis continues to divide lawmakers. If there’s one thing that everyone involved in South Carolina’s liquor liability debate seems to agree on, it’s that bar and restaurant owners need fast relief from the sky-high insurance rates that are putting too many of them out of business.
CP FOOD: Wakey Bakey Bagels now open in Summerville’s Nexton. Now open at 1116 Metropolitan Ave. in Summerville’s Nexton development, Wakey Bakey specializes in breakfast and lunch bagels and hopes to appeal to the diners in one of Charleston’s fastest growing areas.
In other recent headlines:
SLED probe of Mace’s sex abuse accusations has been open for 14 months. U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace’s accusations of sexual exploitation, voyeurism and assault against her ex-fiancé and his male business associates have been in the hands of South Carolina’s state police agency for 14 months. An overview.
S.C. students react to recent book bans. The state Board of Education recently removed four books from school libraries. The board says it’s to protect kids from explicit content. The kids say they’re not being protected at all.
S.C. doctors seek conscience protections to provide abortions in federal lawsuit. About three months into conceiving their second child last fall, the young South Carolina couple was given an earth-shattering prognosis. And two grim choices.
Lowcountry advocates share concerns over Gullah Geechee burial sites. Local advocates are expected to host a community meeting concerning Gullah Geechee burial sites this weekend.
Artifacts recovered from H.L. Hunley unveiled for public display. Feb. 17 marks the 161st anniversary of when the H.L. Hunley made history by becoming the first submarine to successfully sink an enemy warship during battle.
SCDOT plans for safety improvements for U.S. Highway 17 in Charleston. The South Carolina Department of Transportation is looking to make safety improvements along a six-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 17, also known as Savannah Highway.
New Lowcountry sheriff brings experience, compassion to role. Charleston County Sheriff Carl Ritchie leans on community ties as he makes changes in the department.
Santee Cooper customers should expect double cost hike after years of frozen rates. Residential customers of South Carolina’s state-owned utility will likely see their monthly bills go up twice this year — an average of $11 in April and $5 more in July for the typical customer.
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