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

Wednesday, April 24, 2013  Parents could no longer buy a small plot to send their child to a certain school under a bill advanced by a House panel.

Wednesday, April 17, 2013  Supporters of a bill updating South Carolina's 25-year-old sex education law say students need accurate information about their bodies to make wise choices in a society filled with sexual messages.

Tuesday, April 16, 2013  A South Carolina House panel has advanced a bill that increases politicians' income disclosure, steps up penalties for ethics violations and eliminates legislative ethics panels.

Thursday, April 11, 2013  A South Carolina Senate panel has advanced a measure meant to reduce government bureaucracy for hospitals as they expand and buy equipment.

Thursday, April 11, 2013  A House panel has postponed making a decision on whether to approve a bill that would make cyberbullying against children a crime in South Carolina.

Wednesday, April 10, 2013  The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is being swamped by applications for concealed weapon permits.

Wednesday, April 10, 2013  Travelers wouldn't pay additional taxes for room service, spa treatments and other conveniences that can be added to hotel bills under a proposal advanced by a South Carolina House panel.

Wednesday, April 10, 2013  A House panel has effectively rejected two proposals to increase South Carolina's gas tax to pay for road construction.

Thursday, March 21, 2013  A House panel has advanced a bill designed to prevent people who have been declared mentally ill from buying guns.

Wednesday, March 20, 2013  A House panel has advanced a bill declaring South Carolina's opposition to the federal health care law.

Thursday, March 07, 2013  A bill that would yank unemployment benefits from someone who fails an employer's drug test is advancing in the House.

Wednesday, March 06, 2013  A House panel has advanced a bill designed to keep electronic cigarettes out of juvenile's hands.

Wednesday, February 27, 2013  A House panel has advanced a bill allowing South Carolina school districts to get creative with school hours.

Wednesday, February 27, 2013  A bill designed to strengthen South Carolina's public records law has passed a House panel, but with a provision that may have doomed the proposal last year.

Wednesday, February 06, 2013  Measures to strengthen South Carolina's ethics laws have been introduced in the Senate.