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

Tuesday, January 22, 2013  Obama and his aides approached the inaugural speech with a belief that the president had replenished his political strength with his re-election and with his end-of-year deal with Republicans that raised upper-income tax rates on some of the wealthiest Americans.

Thursday, January 17, 2013  South Carolina’s newest senator in the Midlands Thursday touring Lexington and discussing  some of the biggest issues facing the nation right now.

Tuesday, January 08, 2013  U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham is challenging President Barack Obama to lead the debate over raising the country's debt limit.

Tuesday, January 08, 2013  U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham is set to visit South Carolina to discuss the Capitol Hill debate over raising the country's debt limit. Graham's office says the Republican is talking about the issue with reporters in Columbia Tuesday.

Monday, January 07, 2013  The tough talk on the Sunday morning talk shows doesn't bode well for voters who are frustrated by the political gridlock.

Thursday, April 05, 2012  South Carolina leaders are hoping to avoid a potential defense dilemma that could be caused by billions of dollars in defense cutbacks next year. The reductions are linked to $1.2 trillion in cuts to help reduce the nation's debt.

Thursday, April 05, 2012  Congressman Joe Wilson held a roundtable discussion Thursday morning with state and local leaders at the Columbia Chamber of Commerce to talk about South Carolina's economy and military funding.

Thursday, February 23, 2012  Republican candidates continue to make errant claims during debate, misstating facts about the auto bailout, taxes and other topics.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011  U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham says the recent debate over the nation's debt ceiling shows he's in line with the tea party.

Tuesday, August 09, 2011  A six-hundred point single day drop in the Dow is enough to leave any investor queasy; but Lexington financial advisor Robert Suggs says now is not the time for knee-jerk reactions.

Tuesday, August 02, 2011  Default dodged: Debt-limit bill passed by Senate, Obama quickly signs it to defuse crisis

Tuesday, August 02, 2011  Debt limit bill moves on to Senate, passage expected; then on to Obama for signature

Sunday, July 31, 2011  President Obama told the nation Sunday on television that more than $2 trillion in spending cuts will be imposed gradually so they don't create a drag on the economy.

Friday, July 29, 2011  The state Department of Education gets about $750 million that mostly goes to local school districts. Agency spokesman Jay Ragley said Friday that schools are opening in a couple of weeks and the U.S. Education Department isn't telling the state how to respond to losing federal funds.

Thursday, July 28, 2011  House GOP sets vote on revamped debt-limit bill despite veto threat and naysaying Senate Dems