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

2 hours, 21 minutes ago  The South Carolina Legislature has passed a compromise on how to spend $6.7 billion in state taxes.

Today at 2:40 PM  A new television ad criticizes U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham for his support of a costly program to turn weapons-grade plutonium into commercial nuclear reactor fuel.

Yesterday at 3:40 PM  The South Carolina State Ports Authority board has approved an aggressive budget for the next fiscal year that includes projections of an almost 6 percent increase in container volume.

Yesterday at 1:45 PM  State officials say the next contract for taxpayers' credit monitoring services must be issued next month to prevent a coverage lapse.

Yesterday at 7:11 AM  Legislators are returning to Columbia to consider a budget compromise that provides more money for highways and schools.

Friday, June 14, 2013  A legislative panel working on a budget compromise has agreed to keep South Carolina's two state planes but not let colleges use them for athletic recruiting.

Thursday, June 13, 2013  Port Royal has decided on an alternative to a jellyfish operation at the town docks.

Friday, June 07, 2013  A committee state senators and representatives is sitting down to iron out differences on South Carolina's $6.3 billion state budget.

Thursday, June 06, 2013  As far as the federal government is concerned, Brunswick County remains part of South Carolina.

Wednesday, June 05, 2013  The House has amended its budget plan to allow scholarships for private school tuition, make it easier for veterans to attend South Carolina colleges and end the exit-exam requirement for a high school diploma.

Wednesday, June 05, 2013  A Democratic senator has asked Gov. Nikki Haley whether South Carolina paid a ransom to the computer hacker who stole millions of taxpayers' personal information last fall.

Sunday, June 02, 2013  South Carolina's legislative session is supposed to end this week. Yet all the reform measures that legislators of both parties and chambers called top priorities back in January remain undone.

Thursday, May 30, 2013  South Carolina senators have approved a bill designating $113 million from this year's rainy day fund.

Wednesday, May 29, 2013  The South Carolina state task force formed to support its military bases is hearing concerns that automatic Pentagon spending cuts are hurting the readiness of military forces in the state.

Tuesday, May 28, 2013  A bill aimed at strengthening cyber-security across state government may be dead for the year, but legislators expect to incorporate the essentials into the state budget.