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

Tuesday, May 21, 2013  Gov. Nikki Haley is calling on legislators to get a bill strengthening the state's weak ethics laws to her desk.

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

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

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.

Tuesday, April 24, 2012  A state Senate panel has approved a bill that would ban drivers from calling, texting or reading electronic messages in South Carolina's work or school zones.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011  Mark Keel is a vote away from taking the helm of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.  The Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously recommended Wednesday that the Senate confirm Gov. Nikki Haley's pick to lead the state's police agency. The full Senate will likely vote next week.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011  South Carolina candidates for governor and lieutenant governor would run on a ticket and be elected jointly under legislation advanced by a Senate committee.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011  People convicted of texting and driving will have to pay a $45 in fines under legislation that is up for debate in a South Carolina Senate committee.

Wednesday, February 09, 2011  House rejects bill to extend Patriot Act surveillance provisions put in place after Sept. 11

Tuesday, February 08, 2011  The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 13-6 on Tuesday to send the measure to the full Senate.