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

Thursday, May 23, 2013  A former South Carolina hospital worker who refused a required flu shot is entitled to receive unemployment benefits thanks to a state appeals court.

Wednesday, March 13, 2013  A state legislator insists a clause in the House budget plan forces South Carolina's unemployment agency to resume in-person help with unemployment benefits in 17 rural offices. But the governor's office is adamant it does no such thing.

Thursday, March 07, 2013  A proposed House bill would get rid of unemployment benefits for people who fail drug tests.

Thursday, March 07, 2013  A bill that would yank unemployment benefits from someone who fails an employer's drug test is advancing in the House.

Wednesday, February 06, 2013  South Carolina's unemployment agency wants to charge anyone who fraudulently receives unemployment benefits a 25 percent penalty, in addition to paying the money back.

Monday, February 04, 2013  People who want in-person help with their unemployment benefits may have a longer drive starting Feb. 15.

Tuesday, January 29, 2013  States require those receiving unemployment to use bank cards laden with fees rather than depositing the benefits directly into a bank account, a consumer group reports.

Thursday, December 27, 2012  The average number of people seeking unemployment benefits over the past month fell to the lowest level since March 2008, a sign that the job market is healing.

Thursday, March 29, 2012  Someone collecting unemployment would lose their benefits if they fail or refuse to take an employer's drug test under a bill approved by the South Carolina House.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012  Congressional bargainers reach tentative deal on extending payroll tax cut, jobless benefits

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.

Wednesday, February 01, 2012  Changes may be on the horizon for unemployment recipients in South Carolina

Wednesday, January 25, 2012  Workers fired for misconduct would be unable to collect any unemployment benefits under legislation advanced by a Senate panel.

Thursday, January 12, 2012  The director of South Carolina's unemployment agency is scheduled to tell senators his plans to toughen rules for people drawing jobless benefits.

Friday, December 23, 2011  Congress passes payroll tax cut, extends jobless benefits, amid House Republicans retreat