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

Monday, May 13, 2013  The Senate's 2013-14 budget could buy $15 million worth of new school buses for South Carolina's aging fleet.

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 18, 2013  Data posted online for South Carolina's 60 acute-care hospitals shows a wide disparity in their financial health, with bottom lines ranging from a four-year loss of $96 million to a combined profit of $223 million.

Tuesday, April 16, 2013  Tens of thousands of South Carolinians addicted to drugs or alcohol will become eligible for health insurance under the federal health care overhaul.

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.

Wednesday, March 13, 2013  The South Carolina House has sent the Senate a $6.3 billion proposed spending plan that boosts school spending, hires law enforcement officers and fixes bridges with load restrictions.

Monday, March 11, 2013  South Carolina Democrats say the state needs to expand Medicaid eligibility at least as long as the federal government promises to fully cover the cost.

Monday, March 11, 2013  It's budget week at the South Carolina House.

Thursday, February 21, 2013  The House budget-writing committee has advanced a spending plan that includes $75 million for Medicaid initiatives designed to improve residents' health.

Thursday, February 21, 2013  House Republicans will lay out their alternative to expanding Medicaid eligibility under the federal health care law.

Saturday, January 12, 2013  The federal health care law, terrorist threats to America and the nation's financial situation are among the topics up for discussion at the South Carolina tea party convention.

Wednesday, November 28, 2012  The director of South Carolina's Medicaid agency sent another warning to state senators that costs for the health insurance program will likely keep rising.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012  The director of South Carolina's Medicaid agency is warning legislators that the numbers of already-eligible residents signing up for the government program through 2014 could exceed estimates, further eating into state revenue.

Monday, October 22, 2012  The director of South Carolina's Medicaid agency says he realizes his preliminary budget calling for nearly $200 million more in 2013-14 is likely an impossible request.

Thursday, August 23, 2012  South Carolina's insurance plan for public employees expects to spend about $70 million to provide the preventive services that federal health care law requires insurance plans offer at no out-of-pocket cost to workers.