COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) _ Democratic state senators have failed in a bid to remove funding from the proposed 2012-13 budget for the voter ID lawsuit. The Senate defeated 24-17 on Wednesday an amendment stripping $1 million from the attorney general's office for its fight with the federal government on a state law requiring voters to show photo identification.

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. (AP) _ A member of the Air Force's 20th Fighter Wing at South Carolina's Shaw Air Force base is taking part in a military tribute at this weekend's Indianapolis 500.

On June 4, 2012, the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will begin a pilot program offering road tests by appointment in 12 offices across the state for Class D passenger and Class M motorcycle licenses.

Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin, along with Ike McLeese, president and CEO of the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce, presented a proclamation, declaring May 21st-May 25th Small Business Week in an effort to show leaders' support of small businesses and encourage customers to shop locally more often.

Two of South Carolina State University's three candidates to be interim president are from outside the school.

BATESBURG-LEESVILLE, S.C. (AP) _ Authorities say a man shot and killed his girlfriend at a Batesburg-Leesville restaurant, then turned the gun on himself. Police say 30-year-old Shaquanah Jones-Brannon reported her boyfriend was harassing her just hours before the shooting around 11 a.m. Monday. Officers were looking for 27-year-old Jamael Goodman, but he was driving a different car and hid his dreadlocks under a hat.

As businesses, small and large, look to take advantage of the strengthening economy, many are looking forward to the 15th Annual Columbia Black Expo, hoping to continue a decrease in the state's jobless rate.

Facebook went public Monday, but are people here in the Midlands willing to buy into the company?

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) _ Two South Carolina companies are recalling nearly 7,000 pounds of ground beef which possibly are contaminated with E.coli.

ANDREWS, S.C. (AP) _ Authorities say the death of a couple in Williamsburg County was an apparent murder-suicide. Williamsburg County Sheriff Michael Johnson says the couple was driving Wednesday night on a road near Andrews when a witness noticed the vehicle was swerving and then pulled over.

McDonald's worker in Simpsonville has been cleared of a charge that he spit into two customers' iced tea.

Your child safety seat is more than likely installed and being used incorrectly. That's according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. ABC Columbia has safety details before hitting the road.

SPARTANBURG, S.C. (AP) _ State health officials have released the name of a Spartanburg restaurant connected to a recent E coli outbreak after the business agreed to be identified. The Department of Health and Environmental Control says its scientists have not found any specific link between food served at the El Mexicano restaurant and the bacteria that has sickened 10 people.

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) _ Heavy rains in the past week or so seem to be breaking the drought in South Carolina.

RIDGELAND, S.C. (AP) _ A 23-year-old man has been sentenced to 45 years in prison for a shooting death in a Ridgeland pool hall. Solicitor Duffie Stone says Brett Howard was sentenced after he was convicted Wednesday of murder in the 2009 death of Woodrow Brantley.

As some 32 million people plan to hit the roadways for the Memorial Day Holiday weekend, South Carolina Highway Patrol officials remind you that seat belt violations are now a primary offense in the state.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) _ Investors are receiving some of the money they entrusted with a South Carolina trio dubbed the ``3 Hebrew Boys'' currently serving decades in prison for an $80 million scam.