Delaney Flanagan

South Carolina is the only state in the country without a separate strangulation definition or charge, and advocates have been trying to change that for eight years. “We are always the last one, or one of the last states to move forward,” said Sara Barber, executive director of the South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault.

More than 4,700 eighth graders and 300 businesses showed out for the Midlands Industry and Business Showcase today. The event serves as a starting point for students to think about their future careers. “It’s a little early,” said Ron Morris, a Midlands Tech mechatronics professor. “But it’s never too early to these things into these kids’ heads.” Students could explore all types of industries, from mechatronics and welding, to healthcare and electrical work.

Libraries, museums and other groups that get grant money from South Carolina Humanities to put on events haven’t been able to rely on the organization for a few months now. That means organizations like the Center for Creative Partnerships in Orangeburg, which previously held events discussing civil rights and social justice across South Carolina, don't have as much of a reach.