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

Friday, May 10, 2013  South Carolina legislators would have to wait eight years after leaving office before they could lobby their peers, under legislation advanced by a Senate committee.

Tuesday, March 19, 2013  A former deputy police chief in Columbia has sued the city, saying she was discriminated against by city officials.

Tuesday, January 22, 2013  A bill that could change the way candidates file for elections was in front of the Senate for a third reading Tuesday.

Thursday, January 17, 2013  The South Carolina Senate has tentatively approved a bill to change how people file their paperwork to become candidates.

Wednesday, January 09, 2013  The director of the state Ethics Commission says his agency can't take on additional oversight duties without more money.

Thursday, November 01, 2012  The South Carolina tourism lobbying group whose president killed himself earlier this year is changing its name and getting a new leader.

Thursday, November 01, 2012  The South Carolina Hospitality Association names a new president after the tourism lobbying group's president was found dead earlier this year.

Friday, June 29, 2012  The House Ethics Committee has cleared South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley of charges she illegally lobbied while a member of the House.

Friday, March 02, 2012  In the early afternoon on March second, friends and family of South Carolina Hospitality Association president and CEO Tom Sponseller gathered to remember one of the heavyweights of his industry.

Wednesday, February 29, 2012  The death of Tom Sponseller was shocking to many people throughout the Midlands and around the state. The former lobbyist and Columbia executive made a lasting impression on those he did business with.

Monday, February 27, 2012  Federal officials have confirmed that they are investigating several hundred thousand missing from the South Carolina Hospitality Association.

Thursday, February 23, 2012  Family, friends, and business colleagues gathered in Columbia Wednesday night for a candlelight vigil for missing Columbia executive Tom Sponseller.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012  A candlight vigil for missing lobbyist Tom Sponseller is planned for 6 p.m. Wednesday.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012  The South Carolina Senate held a minute of silence for missing lobbyist Tom Sponseller.  Columbia police are looking for the President of the South Carolina Hospitality Association.

Friday, September 02, 2011  One of Gov. Nikki Haley's top deputies is leaving to join the University of South Carolina.