Here is the latest South Carolina news from The Associated Press

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The state Public Service Commission has approved a request by South Carolina Electric and Gas to increase electric rates by about 3 percent to help pay for two new nuclear reactors. The rate hike goes into effect Oct. 30. CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — The public will get to see a life-size model of a portion of the new Gaillard Center being built in the heart of the city’s historic district. The model features many of the materials that will be part of the building when it opens in 2015. LAKE CITY, S.C. (AP) — A Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibit of the works of a noted South Carolina artist is coming to Lake City. The works of William H. Johnson, a black artist from Florence whose work chronicled the jazz age of the 20th century, go on display Saturday in the Jones-Carter Gallery. COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Miss South Carolina Brooke Mosteller has apologized for a joke she made about mobile homes at the Miss America pageant. In a pre-recorded statement, she said: “From the state where 20 percent of our homes are mobile because that’s how we roll, I’m Brooke Mosteller, Miss South Carolina.” Mosteller says she was trying to be creative and funny.