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

Monday, May 20, 2013  The state inspector general says prescription painkiller abuse is rampant in South Carolina, but there's no statewide effort to combat it.

Friday, May 17, 2013  South Carolina's own Candice Glover was crowned the new "American Idol" on Thursday after defeating country singer Kree Harrison.

Friday, May 17, 2013  The commission working to preserve the culture of slave descendants on the Southeast coast is holding its quarterly meeting. The Gullah-Geechee Heritage Corridor Commission meets in Conway.

Thursday, May 09, 2013  Gov. Nikki Haley has signed a bill that supporters say could expand the film industry in South Carolina.

Tuesday, May 07, 2013  If you want to hear from the woman who turned Marcus Lattimore into the man he is, Thursday you'll have you have your chance.

Tuesday, May 07, 2013  Oklahoma congressman proposes $20 billion spending cut over 10 years in nation's food stamps program

Thursday, May 02, 2013  The Senate Finance Committee has refused to expand Medicaid eligibility to more poor adults as part of the state budget.

Wednesday, May 01, 2013  A marine scientist renowned among students for learning their names and making science approachable has been named as the University of South Carolina's professor of the year.

Wednesday, May 01, 2013  Former Columbia Police Chief Randy Scott is going back to work for the Richland County Sheriff's Department, Sheriff Leon Lott announced Wednesday.

Wednesday, May 01, 2013  An effort to expand South Carolina's full-day 4-year-old kindergarten program to more poor children is advancing in the Senate.

Wednesday, May 01, 2013  The U.S. Education Department is investigating a discrimination complaint against a South Carolina school district.

Tuesday, April 30, 2013  High school students would no longer have to pass South Carolina's exit exam to earn a diploma under a bill passed by the House.

Tuesday, April 30, 2013  South Carolina is honoring Boeing for its environmental record.

Thursday, April 25, 2013  A church-related group is interested in buying the old Freestyle Music Park, a theme park in Myrtle Beach that has not opened for the past three years.

Friday, April 19, 2013  Police in Columbia are launching a new program they hope will help steer kids away from crime.