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 1:45 PM  State officials say the next contract for taxpayers' credit monitoring services must be issued next month to prevent a coverage lapse.

Today at 8:40 AM  House takes up far-reaching bill to ban almost all abortions after 20 weeks

Today at 8:30 AM  President Barack Obama vigorously defended the surveillance programs in a lengthy interview Monday, calling them transparent — even though they are authorized in secret.

Yesterday at 8:40 AM  Study: Media coverage has more pro than con views on same-sex marriage as court took arguments

Yesterday at 7:20 AM  Apple says it received between 4,000 and 5,000 government requests for data over 6-month period

Yesterday at 6:05 AM  Vote for the Cat: Kitten vies for mayor of Mexican city, promising to sleep most of the day

Sunday, June 16, 2013  Fifteen students selected to participate in the Latino Teen Film Festival gathered Sunday afternoon to present their projects to family and friends.

Sunday, June 16, 2013  A group of South Carolina mothers is sending Father's Day gifts to the state's congressman, urging them to support gun control legislation.

Friday, June 14, 2013  Candidates and third party groups spent about $7.3 million in the race for South Carolina's 1st District congressional seat earlier this year.

Friday, June 14, 2013  South Carolina lawmakers have confirmed the appointments of two members to the state's Board of Paroles and Pardons.

Friday, June 14, 2013  A legislative panel working on a budget compromise has agreed to keep South Carolina's two state planes but not let colleges use them for athletic recruiting.

Friday, June 14, 2013  The White House announced it had conclusive evidence that Syrian President Bashar Assad's regime used chemical weapons against opposition forces.

Thursday, June 13, 2013  A group of industry leaders from SC hospitality and agriculture associations met Thursday to promote the need for comprohensive immigration reform.

Thursday, June 13, 2013  State Commerce officials will be in Paris next week without Gov. Nikki Haley to tout South Carolina's growing aerospace industry.