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

2 hours, 47 minutes ago  Sen. Robert Ford's attorney argues ethics allegations against the Charleston Democrat should be thrown out because he didn't realize he was under investigation.

Today at 1:00 PM  Senators have advanced a measure to keep government running at current levels if legislators can't finish a budget before the fiscal year starts July 1.

Yesterday at 10:55 AM  Gov. Nikki Haley is calling on legislators to get a bill strengthening the state's weak ethics laws to her desk.

Friday, May 17, 2013  The commission working to preserve the culture of slave descendants on the Southeast coast is holding its quarterly meeting. The Gullah-Geechee Heritage Corridor Commission meets in Conway.

Friday, May 17, 2013  Organic industry's political clout grows on Capitol Hill as consumers demand organic foods

Wednesday, May 15, 2013  The House has again approved a government restructuring bill that transfers many bureaucratic duties to the governor's office.

Monday, May 13, 2013  A plan to preserve the culture of slave descendants of the sea islands on the Southeast coast has been approved by the Department of the Interior.

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.

Thursday, May 09, 2013  Top Boston cop to tell Congress he's OK with more cameras, not 'police state,' after bombings

Tuesday, May 07, 2013  Efforts to strengthen South Carolina's ethics laws have moved to the Senate.

Tuesday, May 07, 2013  Oklahoma congressman proposes $20 billion spending cut over 10 years in nation's food stamps program

Monday, May 06, 2013  A committee of council members and jail leaders are focusing on three ways life at the jail can improve for the offenders and employees.

Friday, May 03, 2013  Senators want to limit the foods Gov. Nikki Haley's staff can buy with public money, saying if the Republican governor insists on fighting obesity through food stamp restrictions, she needs to lead by example.

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.

Friday, May 03, 2013  The Senate Finance Committee has advanced a plan that funds road and bridge construction by redirecting taxes, borrowing money and raising fees.