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

Sunday, January 27, 2013  A new South Carolina tourism season is approaching, and the director of the state tourism department predicts this is the year the $15 billion industry returns to pre-Great Recession levels.

Thursday, November 01, 2012  The South Carolina tourism lobbying group whose president killed himself earlier this year is changing its name and getting a new leader.

Thursday, September 13, 2012  A program aiming to bring more money to the Palmetto State is giving local leaders new ideas for tourism.

Monday, September 03, 2012  Tourists have continued to come to South Carolina's Grand Strand, but they're not spending as much money there as they used to.

Monday, August 20, 2012  South Carolina tourism leaders hope the state's $15 billion industry gets a boost from next month's Democratic National Convention in nearby Charlotte.

Tuesday, May 29, 2012  U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham is starting a two-day tour of South Carolina to warn leaders that he thinks proposed cuts to military spending will be bad for national security.

Monday, May 14, 2012  Students, faculty and staff from the University of South Carolina are boarding a bus to learn more about the state.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012  Drivers are making changes to vacation plans, thanks to increasing gas prices.

Friday, May 13, 2011  A look at the history of the Harley Motorcycle Rally on the Grand Strand, from its humble beginning in May of 1940, to its heyday when attendance reached around half a million bikers, to its recent decline, to the new hope for a Bike Rally renaissance.

Thursday, May 12, 2011  Columbia hosts the Patriot Flag as part of its national tour honoring those who died in the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001.

Monday, March 28, 2011  Due to the popularity of Playboy's casting call for the Girls of the SEC issue, organizers have extended Columbia stop one more day.  The magazine announced they'll continue their interviews Tuesday at the Embassy Suites off Greystone Boulevard.

Monday, July 19, 2010  South Carolina's cash-strapped tourism agency is looking for nonprofit organizations to take over operation of the state's nine welcome centers.

Thursday, March 04, 2010  South Carolina tourism officials are heading to the mall to attract visitors to the state as part of a new travel promotion.

Thursday, February 18, 2010  Sun and fun mean big bucks in South Carolina.