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

Today at 6:55 AM  The budget debate in the South Carolina Senate enters week two.

Thursday, May 16, 2013  Democrats accuse Gov. Nikki Haley of misusing the state's planes by taking her campaign-paid videographer with her on flights around South Carolina.

Saturday, May 04, 2013  South Carolina Democrats have elected a new chairman.

Friday, May 03, 2013  Vice President Joe Biden is visiting South Carolina to address a gathering of state Democrats. The vice president will be in Columbia on Friday to give remarks at the annual Jefferson Jackson Dinner.

Friday, May 03, 2013  For a few hours, South Carolina will be at the center of American politics.

Friday, May 03, 2013  The Senate Finance Committee has approved a budget proposal that expands full-day 4-year-old kindergarten, gives state workers a slight raise, and puts more troopers on the highways.

Thursday, May 02, 2013  The Senate Finance Committee has refused to expand Medicaid eligibility to more poor adults as part of the state budget.

Thursday, April 25, 2013  Democrats in the South Carolina House say an early voting bill being pushed by Republicans will limit voters' ability to cast a ballot early.

Tuesday, April 23, 2013  Tuesday house democrats speaking out against ethics reform.

Friday, March 22, 2013  Vice President Joe Biden will headline major Democratic fundraisers in South Carolina and Michigan, two states that could play a major role in the 2016 presidential election.

Wednesday, March 20, 2013  South Carolina Democrats are criticizing a Republican lawmaker's decision to fly a conservative columnist and radio commentator on the state plane to Columbia to testify against the federal health care law.

Tuesday, March 19, 2013  Former Gov. Mark Sanford has cast his vote in a special congressional primary in South Carolina, saying it is "a treat and a blessing" for him to be able to run for office again.

Monday, March 18, 2013  Voters are about to whittle down the crowded field in South Carolina's 1st Congressional District and have a say in whether former Gov. Mark Sanford has a political future.

Thursday, March 14, 2013  The only emergency room doctor in South Carolina's Legislature says frustration over the refusal by Republicans to accept Medicaid expansion led to a flippant comment that was taken out of context.

Thursday, March 14, 2013  The Senate has approved a bill allowing true early voting in South Carolina.