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

Wednesday, April 24, 2013  A South Carolina Senate panel has advanced a bill aimed at boosting students' chances for success by ensuring they can read by fourth grade.

Thursday, January 17, 2013  President Barack Obama's proposed ban on new assault weapons and large-capacity magazines struck a nerve among rural lawmen and lawmakers.

Friday, November 16, 2012  Obama on tricky path in fiscal cliff negotiations with congressional leaders

Monday, April 16, 2012  South Carolina Treasurer Curtis Loftis says putting his office in charge of audit findings could save the state money and fix problems before they become a crisis.

Wednesday, April 11, 2012  South Carolina's treasurer and House speaker are opposing the Senate's version of a bill restructuring state government, saying they worry that the way it handles the state retirement system and long-term debt could erode the state's credit rating.

Thursday, July 28, 2011  House GOP sets vote on revamped debt-limit bill despite veto threat and naysaying Senate Dems

Monday, July 25, 2011  Boehner preparing debt limit, spending cut package if bargain with White House remains elusive

Saturday, April 09, 2011  Congress, White House reach deal to avoid government shutdown, cite 'historic' spending cuts

Friday, April 08, 2011  Nearing a shutdown that would affect millions, Obama and GOP scramble to reach budget deal

Wednesday, April 06, 2011  Story updated with a poll, tell us what you think

Tuesday, March 15, 2011  South Carolina legislators have postponed a meeting to consider giving businesses a tax break to hire unemployed workers.

Thursday, February 10, 2011  Congress' failure to pass 2011 budget will trigger cuts in major defense systems, job losses

Wednesday, November 03, 2010  Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid survived a ferocious challenge from tea party star Sharron Angle on Tuesday to win a fifth term

Tuesday, April 27, 2010  The South Carolina Senate's top Republican wants an ethics law loophole closed that has allowed GOP and Democratic caucuses to secretly spend more than $3 million since 2008.

Monday, March 29, 2010  The U.S. House majority whip says Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's dealmaking on health care legislation lost a key seat in Massachusetts but eventually led to the right strategy to win the vote.