Renee Ortiz

1 week ago | indexjournal.com | Renee Ortiz

At just 14 years old, Peyton Oswald has faced a difficult health journey throughout his life. Yet, you won’t hear him complain. Peyton, now a freshman at Greenwood High School, has overcame many health challenges than most kids his age and most adults for the matter. He lives with Type 1 diabetes, epilepsy, hypothyroidism, high cholesterol and borderline Celiac disease. His health journey has included three major surgeries, the removal of his tonsils and adenoids, his appendix and his gallbladder.

1 week ago | indexjournal.com | Renee Ortiz

For the first time, more than 1,200 residents in Greenwood County will soon have access to high-speed internet. This is thanks to a $6.1 million broadband expansion completed by Comcast in partnership with state leaders and community organizations. The project, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act’s State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, was celebrated Thursday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Boys & Girls Club of the Lakelands Region.

1 week ago | indexjournal.com | Renee Ortiz

As South Carolina’s hate crime bill continues to stall in the Senate, some lawmakers say deeper political and racial dynamics are also influencing who does and doesn’t hold power in the Statehouse. Rep. Leon Howard, D–Richland, a longtime legislator representing House District 76 and former chair of the South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus, accused fellow lawmakers of intentionally sidelining Black and Jewish legislators from committee leadership. He claimed Rep.

1 week ago | indexjournal.com | Renee Ortiz

South Carolina remains one of two states lacking a statewide hate crime law. In response to this, a growing number of municipalities and advocacy organizations are taking action by enacting local ordinances targeting hate-based intimidation. Advocates say these measures are necessary to protect vulnerable communities and to send a message that crimes motivated by hate or prejudice have additional consequences.

1 week ago | indexjournal.com | Renee Ortiz

As South Carolina’s hate crime bill continues to stall in the Senate, some lawmakers say deeper political and racial dynamics are also influencing who does and doesn’t hold power in the Statehouse. Rep. Leon Howard, D–Richland, a longtime legislator representing House District 76 and former chair of the South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus, accused fellow lawmakers of intentionally sidelining Black and Jewish legislators from committee leadership. He claimed Rep.