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

Friday, May 18, 2012  South Carolina's unemployment rate has dropped for a ninth straight month.

Friday, April 20, 2012  South Carolina's unemployment rate has hit its lowest mark in more than three years.

Tuesday, February 07, 2012  A House committee is scheduled to debate a measure that would suspend the unemployment benefits of anyone who fails a drug test as part of a job application.

Friday, July 08, 2011  New national unemployment data was released Friday showing a slight increase in those without jobs.  The Bureau of Labor Statistics says the jobless rate in June was 9.2 percent.  That's up by around 18,000 people searching for jobs since May's report.

Friday, November 05, 2010  Story update: The economy generated a net gain in jobs for the first time in five months in October, as businesses stepped up their painfully slow pace of hiring.

Thursday, February 11, 2010  An independent consultant cites technology and management shortcomings at the South Carolina Employment Security Commission and suggests rejecting more claims for benefits.

Thursday, July 23, 2009  New jobless claims rise more than expected to 554,000, total unemployment benefit rolls fall

Thursday, May 28, 2009  Initial jobless claims drop, but continuing claims at record high; demand up for durable goods

Tuesday, February 10, 2009  More jobless workers would get fatter unemployment checks longer in the massive economic recovery package moving forward in Congress.

Friday, November 21, 2008  South Carolina's jobless rate hit 8 percent in October -- the highest in 25 years.