Latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Midlands

Thursday, April 11, 2013  A South Carolina Senate panel has advanced a measure meant to reduce government bureaucracy for hospitals as they expand and buy equipment.

Thursday, March 21, 2013  DHEC, along with Governor Nikki Haley, unveiled "Permit Central" Thursday. It is a program that simplifies the process for obtaining health and environmental permits.

Thursday, February 28, 2013  The S.C. Water Quality Association aims to ensure that the state's water quality programs are based on sound science and regulatory policy.

Friday, February 22, 2013  The director of the state Department of Health and Environmental Control is speaking in Charleston about early childhood education.

Thursday, February 21, 2013  South Carolina officials hope restricting what people can buy with food stamps will cut down on obesity.

Thursday, February 21, 2013  Gov. Nikki Haley and the chiefs of the state's health and social services agencies are discussing how to combat obesity in South Carolina.

Thursday, February 07, 2013  State public health chief Catherine Templeton says further restrictions on food stamp purchases might be a way to cut down on the state's obesity problem.

Friday, January 18, 2013  South Carolina's infant mortality rate is steady.

Wednesday, October 10, 2012  South Carolina's top commerce official is speaking at a conference about the impact of water on the state's prosperity.

Monday, August 06, 2012  South Carolina's health and environmental agency has picked a new person to act as its chief liaison with state legislators.

Tuesday, July 24, 2012  South Carolina health and environmental officials have found elevated levels of arsenic and lead at a Columbia asphalt plant site.

Friday, July 06, 2012  The man who has spoken for South Carolina's top prosecutor for nearly a decade is taking on a new role.

Thursday, May 03, 2012  Gov. Nikki Haley has won a federal appeal in a lawsuit over anti-union remarks.

Thursday, April 19, 2012  The new director of South Carolina's public health and environmental agency tells senators she didn't start her job intending to fire anyone, but she is laying off nine people in an administrative merger.

Thursday, March 22, 2012  The new director of the Department of Health and Environmental Control is being criticized for adding four executives. The State newspaper reported that DHEC director Catherine Templeton says the new positions will make the agency more efficient.