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

57 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.

Today at 12:30 PM  FBI says it found no sign of remains of ex-Teamsters boss Jimmy Hoffa in suburban Detroit

Today at 11:50 AM  A convicted felon who shot and killed two men he said were trying to rob his Spartanburg apartment has been sentenced to prison.

Today at 11:35 AM  The acting financial clerk for Florence School District 4 has been arrested and charged with forging several checks for thousands of dollars.

Today at 11:15 AM  A 61-year-old Lee County man is getting two years' probation after pleading guilty to four counts of the ill-treatment of 1,000 animals.

Yesterday at 3:50 PM  A state audit of South Carolina First Steps says lawmakers need to define "school readiness" and implement pre-school testing to better determine which children most need help and how to boost chances for success.

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 11:45 AM  The South Carolina Aquarium is releasing a group of endangered sea turtles.

Yesterday at 11:30 AM  A church-affiliated retirement community in Orangeburg is seeking approval to serve beer and wine after its bid to serve liquor was rejected by state officials.

Yesterday at 8:30 AM  President Barack Obama vigorously defended the surveillance programs in a lengthy interview Monday, calling them transparent — even though they are authorized in secret.

Sunday, June 16, 2013  An unidentified drowning victim was recovered today from Lake Murray near the boat landing at Riverbend Point in Saluda.

Sunday, June 16, 2013  Troy LaBrente Wilson, 26, of Columbia was arrensted after a hit and run collision with a motorcycle that resulted in death.

Sunday, June 16, 2013  Officials say 26 year old, Troy Wilson, has been charged after driving under the influence causing a wreck at the intersection of Hazelwood Road and Burdell Drive.

Saturday, June 15, 2013  Models dressed in wedding gowns and tuxedos graced the cat walk as Columbia Style Week showcased the latest styles in wedding wear.