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

Yesterday 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.

Saturday, June 15, 2013  State officials are touting a U.S. Department of Commerce report that ranks South Carolina's economy as the 12th fastest growing in the nation.

Wednesday, May 29, 2013  A new report says coordination and training are the keys to successfully prosecuting child abuse cases.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013  Small business owners in Columbia are getting a chance to get some advice and assistance this week.

Thursday, April 18, 2013  A controversial new medical procedure performed by a Columbia doctor is helping a Raleigh woman get back to a normal life.

Wednesday, March 20, 2013  The first day of Spring often symbolizes freshness, light, warmth and rebirth. This year we have another reason to feel those delicious sensations of pleasure... it's the first International Day of Happiness.

Friday, February 22, 2013  The director of the state Department of Health and Environmental Control is speaking in Charleston about early childhood education.

Thursday, January 31, 2013  Gov. Nikki Haley spoke at the 2013 Governor's Conference on Tourism Wednesday and says the Palmetto State is seeing a lot of green when it comes to tourism.

Thursday, January 31, 2013  Midlands Technical College, SCANA Corporation, Fairfield's School District, and community leaders cut the ribbon Wednesday introducing a center offering college planning and preparation.

Friday, January 25, 2013  Dozens of teenage girls in the Midlands will meet with local, successful career women Saturday morning.

Tuesday, January 22, 2013  Hundreds of technical college students gathered at the Statehouse Tuesday for the Lottery Tuition Assistance rally.

Wednesday, January 16, 2013  South Carolina's probation and parole agency wants more money to oversee offenders and keep them from returning to prison.

Monday, January 14, 2013  A third suspect is wanted by Richland County deputies in connection with a shoplifting incident at a convenience store last week.

Thursday, December 20, 2012  The Columbia Fire Department recognized a few good men and women Thursday morning.

Monday, December 17, 2012  Gov. Nikki Haley is expected to make history with her decision in replacing U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint Monday.