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

Today at 3:50 PM  A state audit of South Carolina First Steps says lawmakers need to define "school readiness" and implement pre-school testing to better determine which children most need help and how to boost chances for success.

Today at 3:40 PM  The South Carolina State Ports Authority board has approved an aggressive budget for the next fiscal year that includes projections of an almost 6 percent increase in container volume.

Sunday, June 16, 2013  Providence Hospital celebrated 75 years of being of ministry and service in the Midlands.

Saturday, June 15, 2013  Models dressed in wedding gowns and tuxedos graced the cat walk as Columbia Style Week showcased the latest styles in wedding wear.

Thursday, June 13, 2013  South Carolina's pension fund investments are expected to post double-digit earnings for the current fiscal year.

Wednesday, June 12, 2013  Taking little Preston to the park is something Nella Taylor does very often throughout the week, but ensuring her grandson's safety as he plays is something she's always mindful of.

Tuesday, June 11, 2013  The state Supreme Court has dismissed several claims in a lawsuit brought against Carnival cruise lines concerning Charleston's year-round cruise industry.

Tuesday, June 11, 2013  A Virgin Islands man has been sentenced to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to killing a Spartanburg college student last year.

Tuesday, June 11, 2013  House Speaker Boehner predicts Congress can pass sweeping immigration legislation this year

Monday, June 10, 2013  The body of a 12-year-old child has been found in the water near a dock at Johns Island in Charleston County.

Monday, June 10, 2013  A judge has agreed to a 10-year sentence reduction for a woman convicted in a Greenville County dismemberment case.

Friday, June 07, 2013  A committee state senators and representatives is sitting down to iron out differences on South Carolina's $6.3 billion state budget.

Thursday, June 06, 2013  Authorities say a state prison inmate who walked away from a work crew assignment in Chester County has been arrested while trying to commit a burglary in Surfside Beach.

Wednesday, June 05, 2013  Authorities are looking for a South Carolina prison inmate who walked away from a work crew assignment.

Tuesday, June 04, 2013  South Carolina's legislators have passed more than 40 measures into law this year, with highlights providing incentives to Boeing, allowing for legal raffles and helping prevent the mentally ill from buying guns.