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

Tuesday, May 07, 2013  Efforts to strengthen South Carolina's ethics laws have moved to the Senate.

Wednesday, April 17, 2013  A state Senate Judiciary Subcommittee listened to testimoney Wednesday on a bill that would make solar panels more affordable.

Friday, March 22, 2013  Senate leader Reid says Democrats' gun bill will seek expanded background checks for buyers

Tuesday, March 12, 2013  Senate panel ready to OK Dems' bill on gun background checks, fate in full Senate less sure

Monday, March 11, 2013  Efforts to legalize raffles in South Carolina have taken another step forward.

Thursday, February 14, 2013  The prospect of legal raffles in South Carolina has leaped forward.

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

Wednesday, February 06, 2013  Nonprofits could legally hold raffles under legislation advancing in the South Carolina Senate.

Wednesday, January 30, 2013  Former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords spoke haltingly, a result of the wounds suffered when she was shot in the head in an attempted assassination two years ago that left six others dead.

Tuesday, January 08, 2013  A bill meant to fix a South Carolina law that kicked hundreds of primary candidates off the 2012 ballot is heading to the Senate.

Tuesday, January 08, 2013  A bill meant to prevent another ballot-tossing election debacle is scheduled for debate by the Senate Judiciary Committee. Chairman Larry Martin says his first priority is pushing through a bill clearing up the confusion that led to 250 candidates statewide being tossed from last June's primary ballots.

Monday, December 31, 2012  Senate Judiciary Chairman Larry Martin says his committee will immediately take up legislation that eliminates the potential for another election mess. About 250 candidates statewide were removed from primary ballots over what many considered a paperwork technicality.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012  The Senate Judiciary Committee has recommended confirming Patrick Maley as South Carolina's inspector general.

Wednesday, May 09, 2012  The Senate Judiciary Committee's attempt to put candidates back on primary ballots sparked a heated exchange between a Republican senator and a congressman's wife.

Monday, May 07, 2012  The removal of 55 candidates seeking legislative office from the June ballot leaves 20 additional House and Senate seats without a primary contest. That includes several seats with no Democrat or Republican left.