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    <title>Consumer Watch for WSPA</title>
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        <title>Consumer Watch for WSPA</title>
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    <description></description>
    <dc:language>en</dc:language>
    <dc:creator>WSPA</dc:creator>
    <dc:rights>Copyright 2009</dc:rights>
    <dc:date>2009-11-20T18:38:40-05:00</dc:date>

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         <item>
          <title>South Carolina Unemployment Hits 12.1%</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/south_carolina_unemployment_hits_12.1/29971/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The jobless rate in South Carolina hit 12.1% in October as nearly 10,000 more people lost jobs.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:04:09 EST</pubDate>
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         <item>
          <title>SC Secretary of State Releases List Of The Angels and Scrooges of Charities</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/sc_secretary_of_state_releases_list_of_the_angels_and_scrooges_of_charities/29895/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The South Carolina Secretary of State&#8217;s office has issued it&#8217;s annual &#8220;Angels and Scrooges&#8221; list. What we found about where your money is going may surprise you.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:10:15 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/sc_secretary_of_state_releases_list_of_the_angels_and_scrooges_of_charities/29895/#When:23:10:15Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>IIHS Names Top Safety Picks For Vehicles</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/iihs_names_top_safety_picks_for_vehicles/29864/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Subaru is the only manufacturer with a winner in all 4 vehicle classes in which it competes.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:16:43 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/iihs_names_top_safety_picks_for_vehicles/29864/#When:11:16:43Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Charter Admits Overcharged Customers, How To Dispute A Mistake</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/charter_admits_overcharged_customers_how_to_dispute_a_mistake/29835/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
When 7 On Your Side learned Charter Communications had recently charged Upstate customers too much in sales tax we sent Dianne Derby to find out the best ways to dispute a bill.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:28:03 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/charter_admits_overcharged_customers_how_to_dispute_a_mistake/29835/#When:22:28:03Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Deals for Working Moms &amp;amp; Dads Going Back to School</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/deals_for_working_moms_dads_going_back_to_school/29816/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
From Stimulus dollars to reduced tuition, there&#8217;s lots of incentives for adults to go back to school.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:02:20 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/deals_for_working_moms_dads_going_back_to_school/29816/#When:19:02:20Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Electronics Company Under FTC Investigation</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/electronics_company_under_ftc_investigation/29766/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The FTC says Blue Hippo is taking money out of customer&#8217;s accounts and failing to send them products.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:08:13 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/electronics_company_under_ftc_investigation/29766/#When:19:08:13Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Keeping an Eye on Deceptive Credit Card Practices</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/keeping_an_eye_on_deceptive_credit_card_practices/29669/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
With only 3 months left before the Credit Card Act goes into affect, banks are pulling out all the stops to get your money.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:47:43 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/keeping_an_eye_on_deceptive_credit_card_practices/29669/#When:18:47:43Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Update: Contact Employment Security Commission for New Timken Jobs</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/timken_selects_duncan_s.c._facility_in_spartanburg_county_for_new_distribut/29531/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Company to add 100 area jobs in move to larger facility            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 13 Nov 2009 05:05:50 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/timken_selects_duncan_s.c._facility_in_spartanburg_county_for_new_distribut/29531/#When:10:05:50Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>New Head of GSP Looks to Attract Low Cost Carrier</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/new_head_of_gsp_looks_to_attract_low_cost_carrier/29519/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport&#8217;s new Executive Director says big changes are in the works for GSP           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:57:54 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/new_head_of_gsp_looks_to_attract_low_cost_carrier/29519/#When:18:57:54Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Restuarants and Home Improvement Stores Offer Discounts and Freebies to Veterans</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/restuarants_and_home_improvement_stores_offer_discounts_and_freebies_to_vet/29469/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Veterans can eat free at Applebee&#8217;s and get a 10% discount at stores like Lowe&#8217;s.&nbsp; 
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:37:17 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/restuarants_and_home_improvement_stores_offer_discounts_and_freebies_to_vet/29469/#When:18:37:17Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>SC Economic Board Making Budget Estimate Tuesday</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/sc_economic_board_making_budget_estimate_tuesday/29453/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Most agencies have lost nearly a fifth of their state cash.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 05:18:22 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/sc_economic_board_making_budget_estimate_tuesday/29453/#When:10:18:22Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>SC Lawmakers Passed Up Getting Millions More for Unemployment Benefits</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/sc_lawmakers_passed_up_getting_millions_more_for_unemployment_benefits/29433/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
When state lawmakers went back to Columbia two weeks ago just to change a law so the state would get millions from Washington to extend unemployment benefits, they passed up a chance to get millions more.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:56:26 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/sc_lawmakers_passed_up_getting_millions_more_for_unemployment_benefits/29433/#When:22:56:26Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Greenville Contractor Enlisted For Boeing Construction, Jobs</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/boeings_job_impact_should_start_in_just_weeks/28905/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Governor Mark Sanford signed an incentives package Friday that clears the way for Boeing to build a new factory in North Charleston. The 787 Dreamliner will be produced in the Lowcountry, adding thousands of jobs.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:40:34 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/boeings_job_impact_should_start_in_just_weeks/28905/#When:21:40:34Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Tax Tips Before The New Year</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/tax_tips_before_the_new_year/29262/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Tax professionals say this year more than ever, people need a firm grasp on new tax breaks before the year runs out.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:42:10 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/tax_tips_before_the_new_year/29262/#When:18:42:10Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>How to Prevent Your Internet Moves From Being Tracked</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/how_to_prevent_your_internet_moves_from_being_tracked/29211/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Retailers are trying to track your information online just as they&#8217;re trying to track your information in the store           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:18:54 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/how_to_prevent_your_internet_moves_from_being_tracked/29211/#When:18:18:54Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Report: Food Lion Recalls Ground Beef Sold In Upstate</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/report_food_lion_recalls_ground_beef_sold_in_upstate/29199/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The recall involves 93% lean ground beef purchased at Food Lion or Bloom stores with a sell by date of September 21st to October 8th.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:11:08 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/report_food_lion_recalls_ground_beef_sold_in_upstate/29199/#When:10:11:08Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Cash for Appliances Program Kicks of This Weekend in North Carolina</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/rebates_offered_on_energy-saving_appliances_for_s.c._residents/28524/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
North Carolina residents will be able to get rebates for energy-saving appliances this weekend.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:58:29 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/rebates_offered_on_energy-saving_appliances_for_s.c._residents/28524/#When:17:58:29Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>SCESC Sends Out Duplicate Unemployment Checks, Again</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/scesc_sends_out_duplicate_unemployment_checks_again/29123/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
For the second time in the last few months, the South Carolina Employment Security Commission has sent out duplicate checks.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:41:41 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/scesc_sends_out_duplicate_unemployment_checks_again/29123/#When:03:41:41Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Beware of Unemployment Scams</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/beware_of_unemployment_scams/29126/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Better Business Bureau says scams are targeting people who are unemployed with secret shopper and work-from-home scams.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:18:02 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/beware_of_unemployment_scams/29126/#When:21:18:02Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>FujiFilm Transers all Quicksnap Recycling Operations to Greenwood</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/fujifilm_transers_all_quicksnap_recycling_operations_to_greenwood/29121/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
FujiFilm is moving the facility from Mexico to Greenwood. The move is expected to create 30 jobs.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:23:27 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/fujifilm_transers_all_quicksnap_recycling_operations_to_greenwood/29121/#When:20:23:27Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>SC Rejects Program Offering Free Cell Phones for Low&#45;Income Families</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/sc_rejects_program_offering_free_cell_phones_for_low-income_families/29074/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A company offering free cell phones and minutes to low-income families in South Carolina has been denied by the state Public Service Commission.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:00:13 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/sc_rejects_program_offering_free_cell_phones_for_low-income_families/29074/#When:23:00:13Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Lead in Purses Latest Target by Environmental Group; How Harmful Are They?</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/lead_in_purses_latest_target_by_environmental_group_how_harmful_are_they/28552/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The Center for Environmental Health filed a complaint against 16 retailers saying the lead in purses, handbags, and wallets sold in their stores contain dangerous levels of lead.&nbsp; How harmful are they?            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:55:43 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/lead_in_purses_latest_target_by_environmental_group_how_harmful_are_they/28552/#When:22:55:43Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Home Heating Assistance May Not be as Widespread This Year</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/home_heating_assistance_may_not_be_as_widespread_this_year/29055/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Agencies known for helping people with home heating assistance are needing a little help of their own.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:26:58 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/home_heating_assistance_may_not_be_as_widespread_this_year/29055/#When:18:26:58Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Black Friday Deal Beginning Long Before Christmas</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/black_friday_deal_beginning_way_before_christmas/28945/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Though big box retailers like Walmart have already launched competitive sales for the holidays.&nbsp;            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:10:59 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/black_friday_deal_beginning_way_before_christmas/28945/#When:21:10:59Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>First Time Homebuyer Credit Could Help Out Existing Homeowners</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/first_time_homebuyer_credit_could_help_out_existing_homeowners/28903/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The credit would amount to 6,500 dollars for current homeowners who &#8220;step up&#8221; to a new house.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:11:12 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/first_time_homebuyer_credit_could_help_out_existing_homeowners/28903/#When:23:11:12Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Halloween Flashlights Sold Exclusively at Target Recalled Due to Burn Hazard</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/halloween_flashlights_sold_exclusively_at_target_recalled_due_to_burn_hazar/28902/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The flashlights can overheat and melt, posing a burn hazard to consumers.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:55:08 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/halloween_flashlights_sold_exclusively_at_target_recalled_due_to_burn_hazar/28902/#When:22:55:08Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Governor Signs Unemployment Benefits Extension</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/sc_lawmakers_will_return_to_extend_unemployment_benefits/28374/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
South Carolina Governor Mark Sanfort signed into law Senate bill 374, Thursday, which extends benefits to the unemployed under the stimulus act. The bill passed with unanimous, bipartisan support and was made necessary by an oversight at the Employment Security Commission (ESC).           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:43:07 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/sc_lawmakers_will_return_to_extend_unemployment_benefits/28374/#When:17:43:07Z</guid>
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          <title>Governor Sanford To Sign Jobless Benefits Extension Bill Thursday</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/governor_sanford_to_sign_jobless_benefits_extension_bill_thursday/28869/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Workers who have missed checks will get them retroactively.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 29 Oct 2009 06:00:52 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/governor_sanford_to_sign_jobless_benefits_extension_bill_thursday/28869/#When:11:00:52Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Bogus Text  Promises to Raise Money for Breast Cancer</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/bogus_text_promises_to_raise_money_for_breast_cancer_research/28826/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Unwanted text messages can be a nuisance or even cost you money. But what if you got one that pledged to help save lives and later found out it was all a hoax?           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:47:16 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/bogus_text_promises_to_raise_money_for_breast_cancer_research/28826/#When:22:47:16Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Scary Side of Halloween Face Paint</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/scary_side_of_halloween_face_paint/28811/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Safety tips for using face paint safely           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:46:02 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/scary_side_of_halloween_face_paint/28811/#When:18:46:02Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Report: Boeing Talks Fall Apart; S.C. Likely To Get 787 Line</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/report_boeing_talks_fall_apart_s.c._likely_to_get_787_line/28784/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Boeing now appears close to choosing Charleston, S.C., as the location of the second line. The person close to the negotiations said an announcement could come within days.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 28 Oct 2009 05:22:25 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/report_boeing_talks_fall_apart_s.c._likely_to_get_787_line/28784/#When:10:22:25Z</guid>
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          <title>SC House Restores Jobless Benefits; Delays Impeachment Legislation</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/emergency_session_to_restore_jobless_benefits_begins_in_columbia_tuesday/28734/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Taxpayers will spend about $115,000 for two-day session.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 27 Oct 2009 22:27:38 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/emergency_session_to_restore_jobless_benefits_begins_in_columbia_tuesday/28734/#When:03:27:38Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>United Way Warehouse Offers Virtually Free Goods</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/united_way_warehouse_offers_virtually_free_goods/28755/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Not-for-profits come to the United Way Spartanburg warehouse to load up on virtually free goods each week.&nbsp;            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:51:56 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/united_way_warehouse_offers_virtually_free_goods/28755/#When:18:51:56Z</guid>
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          <title>Goodwill Stores Offer More Halloween Bang For Your Buck</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/discount_halloween_costumes/28698/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
In this week leading up to Halloween finding a deal at traditional costume stores could be like trying to find a needle in a haystack.&nbsp; But head to any of the 27 goodwill stores in western South Carolina and you&#8217;ll find a lot more bang for your buck.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:47:16 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/discount_halloween_costumes/28698/#When:18:47:16Z</guid>
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          <title>KEMET Expands Into Green Energy; Adding 113 Jobs in Upstate</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/kemet_expands_into_green_energy_adding_113_jobs_in_upstate/28693/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
KEMET will expand their Greenville County facility to produce capacitors for electric drive vehicles and other forms of alternative energy.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:19:35 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/kemet_expands_into_green_energy_adding_113_jobs_in_upstate/28693/#When:16:19:35Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>SC Paying Unemployment Benefits to Workers Fired for Misconduct</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/sc_paying_unemployment_benefits_to_workers_fired_for_misconduct/28485/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
State lawmakers say they were surprised to learn that the state pays unemployment benefits to some people who are fired for misconduct or quit their jobs.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 21 Oct 2009 21:55:03 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/sc_paying_unemployment_benefits_to_workers_fired_for_misconduct/28485/#When:02:55:03Z</guid>
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          <title>Identity Theft</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/identity_theft/28473/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
10 million Americans fell victim to identity theft last year and experts say the culprit could actually be right under you nose.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:00:18 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/identity_theft/28473/#When:21:00:18Z</guid>
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          <title>Obama Announces Initiatives To Increase Credit to Small Businesses</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/obama_announces_initiatives_to_increase_credit_to_small_businesses/28467/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
President Obama proposes initiatives to increase credit and loans to small businesses.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:59:56 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/obama_announces_initiatives_to_increase_credit_to_small_businesses/28467/#When:18:59:56Z</guid>
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          <title>S.C. Jobless Rate Climbs After Two Months of Declines</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/s.c._jobless_rate_climbs_after_two_months_of_declines/28455/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
South Carolina&#8217;s unemployment figure rose to 11.6% for September, which was up after two months of declines. The state ESC Director says &#8220;the unemployment rate will remain high for the foreseeable future.&#8220;           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 21 Oct 2009 09:13:49 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/s.c._jobless_rate_climbs_after_two_months_of_declines/28455/#When:14:13:49Z</guid>
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          <title>Expert Predicts No change in SC Unemployment Rate</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/expert_predicts_no_change_in_sc_unemployment_rate/28452/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Experts predict the September jobless rate to stand around 11.5% when new figures are released Wednesday.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 21 Oct 2009 05:53:03 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/expert_predicts_no_change_in_sc_unemployment_rate/28452/#When:10:53:03Z</guid>
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          <title>Hearing Scheduled on Duke Power Rate Increase in N.C.</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/hearing_scheduled_on_duke_power_rate_increase_in_n.c/28426/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Duke Energy and attorneys representing North Carolina consumers say they&#8217;ve reached a deal that would raise customers&#8217; average bills annually in the state for the next two years.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:16:23 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/hearing_scheduled_on_duke_power_rate_increase_in_n.c/28426/#When:21:16:23Z</guid>
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          <title>Want To Add Some Life To Your Business or Planning a Startup?</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/want_to_add_some_life_to_your_business_or_planning_a_startup/28423/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
You may want to take advantage of a free service by the Small Business Development Center in Greenville.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:46:08 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/want_to_add_some_life_to_your_business_or_planning_a_startup/28423/#When:19:46:08Z</guid>
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          <title>Governor Sanford Calls on Legislators to Fix Jobless System</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/governor_sanford_calls_on_legislators_to_fix_jobless_system/28410/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford says lawmakers should look at problems at the Employment Security Commission when they return to ensure more workers don&#8217;t lose emergency jobless benefits.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:36:58 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/governor_sanford_calls_on_legislators_to_fix_jobless_system/28410/#When:15:36:58Z</guid>
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          <title>Baby Food Recalled, May Be Tainted With Botulism</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/baby_food_recalled_may_be_tainted_with_botulism/28403/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The product was sold individually throughout the country at Toys-R-Us and Babies-R-Us stores.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 20 Oct 2009 06:04:36 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/baby_food_recalled_may_be_tainted_with_botulism/28403/#When:11:04:36Z</guid>
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          <title>SC Misses Federal Aid for the Unemployed</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/sc_misses_federal_aid_for_the_unemployed/28276/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Thousands of South Carolina&#8217;s unemployed will miss out on additional benefits after state officials failed to take the steps necessary to secure them.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:57:10 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/sc_misses_federal_aid_for_the_unemployed/28276/#When:22:57:10Z</guid>
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          <title>Dow Jones Industrials Pass 10,000 For 1st Time In A Year</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/dow_jones_industrials_pass_10000_for_1st_time_in_a_year/28130/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The Dow Jones industrial average is back above 10,000 for the first time in a year.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:34:30 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/dow_jones_industrials_pass_10000_for_1st_time_in_a_year/28130/#When:18:34:30Z</guid>
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          <title>State&#8217;s Prepaid Tuition Program Struggling</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/states_prepaid_tuition_program_struggling/27833/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The South Carolina College Tuition Prepayment Program is the latest victim of the nation&#8217;s struggling economy. State officials say the program, that allows parents to pay future college tuition using today&#8217;s rates, is anywhere from $30 million to $60 million dollars in debt. Ideally, the state invests the money parents pay into the program and when the student is ready to attend college there would be enough to pay for tuition.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 07 Oct 2009 18:02:23 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/states_prepaid_tuition_program_struggling/27833/#When:23:02:23Z</guid>
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          <title>Obese State Workers to Pay Higher Insurance Costs in NC</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/obese_workers_to_pay_higher_insurance_costs_in_nc/27809/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
State employees who are overweight, or who smoke, will pay more for health insurance.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 07 Oct 2009 11:57:11 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/obese_workers_to_pay_higher_insurance_costs_in_nc/27809/#When:16:57:11Z</guid>
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          <title>SC Governor&#8217;s Office: 1,000 New Jobs for Lancaster County</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/sc_governors_office_1000_new_jobs_for_lancaster_county/27806/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Red Venture LLC will move their operations to South Carolina according to Governor Sanford&#8217;s Office. The announcement touts 1,000 &#8220;new, high-paying jobs&#8221; for Lancaster County.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 07 Oct 2009 10:09:05 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/sc_governors_office_1000_new_jobs_for_lancaster_county/27806/#When:15:09:05Z</guid>
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          <title>Jetline Brings 100 New Jobs to Gaffney in Next 3 Months</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/jetline_facility_brings_247_new_jobs_to_gaffney/27755/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Jetline, a supplier of customized promotional products, will locate a new facility in Gaffney. The company president tells News Channel 7 they will add 100 jobs over the next three months and up to 400 in the next five years.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 06 Oct 2009 21:37:29 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/jetline_facility_brings_247_new_jobs_to_gaffney/27755/#When:02:37:29Z</guid>
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          <title>Timken to Consolidate Distribution Centers to Spartanburg</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/timken_to_consolidate_distribution_centers_to_spartanburg/27774/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Timken has decided to consolidate its distribution centers in Bucyrus, Ohio and Spartanburg, South Carolina into a larger, leased facility in the greater region surrounding the existing Spartanburg location. 
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 06 Oct 2009 21:36:45 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/timken_to_consolidate_distribution_centers_to_spartanburg/27774/#When:02:36:45Z</guid>
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          <title>New Jobs Coming to Cherokee County, Governor Sanford To Make Announcement Tuesday</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/new_jobs_coming_to_cherokee_county/27739/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Governor Mark Sanford will be in Gaffney Tuesday to announce a new business coming to the area.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:24:44 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/new_jobs_coming_to_cherokee_county/27739/#When:04:24:44Z</guid>
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          <title>Trial Against Drugmaker Eli Lilly Delayed In Spartanburg Monday</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/trial_against_drugmaker_eli_lilly_begins_in_spartanburg_monday/27712/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Mark Plowden, with the South Carolina Attorney General&#8217;s Office, says there will be no action in court Monday on the suit involving Eli Lilly. Plowden didn&#8217;t elaborate on the reasons for the delay.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 05 Oct 2009 11:21:59 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/trial_against_drugmaker_eli_lilly_begins_in_spartanburg_monday/27712/#When:16:21:59Z</guid>
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          <title>SC Businesses Might Pay More to Cover Jobless Benefits</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/report_sc_businesses_may_have_to_pay_up_to_help_unemployed/27509/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
South Carolina businesses might have to pay more for each employee over the next couple of years to rebuild the state unemployment benefit fund.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 30 Sep 2009 18:07:17 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/report_sc_businesses_may_have_to_pay_up_to_help_unemployed/27509/#When:23:07:17Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Flooding Can Cost You Thousands Without Insurance</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/flooding_can_cost_you_thousands_without_insurance/27487/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
We&#8217;ve all seen how just a few inches of water can cause costly damage to a home. Dianne Derby tells you what it could cost you to not have flood insurance and how little you may have to dish out to be protected.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:14:29 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/flooding_can_cost_you_thousands_without_insurance/27487/#When:22:14:29Z</guid>
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          <title>Diaper Manufacturer Bringing 260 Jobs to South Carolina</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/diaper_manufacturer_bringing_260_jobs_to_south_carolina/27470/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Officials say a manufacturer of disposable baby diapers is moving into a former South Carolina textile plant, creating 260 jobs in a rural county suffering from high unemployment.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:14:24 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/diaper_manufacturer_bringing_260_jobs_to_south_carolina/27470/#When:16:14:24Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Film Studio Plans to Expand Movie Industry in S.C.</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/film_studio_plans_to_expand_movie_industry_in_s.c/27434/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Genesis Studios in Columbia announced the creation of Emergent Films.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 28 Sep 2009 12:21:12 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/film_studio_plans_to_expand_movie_industry_in_s.c/27434/#When:17:21:12Z</guid>
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          <title>Dalkotech Announces New Facility, Jobs in Newberry County</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/dalkotech_announces_new_facility_jobs_in_newberry_county/27428/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Dalkotech has announced it will locate a new facility in Newberry County. The company plans to begin the hiring process in mid October to fill positions such as welders, robot programmers and machinists.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:18:16 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/dalkotech_announces_new_facility_jobs_in_newberry_county/27428/#When:16:18:16Z</guid>
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          <title>Consumer Affairs Warning Homeowners About Mortgage Relief Offers</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/consumer_affairs_warning_homeowners_about_mortgage_relief_offers/27261/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs is warning homeowners about some &#8220;mortgage relief&#8221; companies that are taking homeowners&#8217; money without giving any relief.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 23 Sep 2009 17:49:19 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/consumer_affairs_warning_homeowners_about_mortgage_relief_offers/27261/#When:22:49:19Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Unemployment figures for August due out Friday for SC &amp;amp; NC</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/unemployment_figures_for_august_due_out_friday_for_sc_nc/26991/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
In July, South Carolina reached 11.8 percent unemployment, well above the national average of 9.4 percent, and rated sixth-highest in the country.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 18 Sep 2009 05:51:34 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/unemployment_figures_for_august_due_out_friday_for_sc_nc/26991/#When:10:51:34Z</guid>
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          <title>Lt. Governor In Upstate Thursday Answering Medicare Questions</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/lt._governor_in_upstate_thursday_answering_medicare_questions/26933/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Propsoals aim to cut half a trillion dollars from Medicare to fund health care reform.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 17 Sep 2009 05:47:14 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/lt._governor_in_upstate_thursday_answering_medicare_questions/26933/#When:10:47:14Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Get A Human On The Line</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/use_this_website_to_get_a_human_on_the_line/26905/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
7 On Your Side has found a website to get you through to a human faster when you call a major company.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:44:50 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/use_this_website_to_get_a_human_on_the_line/26905/#When:21:44:50Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Greenville Hospital Systems 2010 Budget</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/greenville_hospital_systems_2010_budget/26834/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
GHS says they will be able to move forward with a plan to hire approximately 460 new employees over the next 12 months.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2009 12:52:31 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/greenville_hospital_systems_2010_budget/26834/#When:17:52:31Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Gov. Sanford Visits Careers Program, Talks Unemployment</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/gov._sanford_visits_successful_school_careers_program_answers_questions_abo/26798/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Gov. Mark Sanford visited Swansea High to learn more about its successful Jobs for America&#8217;s Graduates program. He also answered our questions about what he&#8217;s doing about the state&#8217;s high unemployment rate.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 14 Sep 2009 21:21:24 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/gov._sanford_visits_successful_school_careers_program_answers_questions_abo/26798/#When:02:21:24Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Drugmaker Eli Lilly to Cut 5000 Jobs</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/drugmaker_eli_lilly_to_cut_5000_jobs/26793/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
 Drugmaker Eli Lilly &amp; Co. says it the effort is to slash costs and speed up development of potential new drugs.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 14 Sep 2009 16:46:45 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/drugmaker_eli_lilly_to_cut_5000_jobs/26793/#When:21:46:45Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Consumer Affairs Explains Changes to Your Credit Cards</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/consumer_affairs_explains_changes_to_your_credit_cards/26539/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The SC Department of Consumer Affairs wants to make sure you understand recent changes to your credit card accounts, and explain more changes coming in February.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2009 17:12:45 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/consumer_affairs_explains_changes_to_your_credit_cards/26539/#When:22:12:45Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Tenenbaum Returns To Columbia, Speaks To SC Students About Safety</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/tenenbaum_returns_to_columbia_speaks_to_sc_students_about_safety/26461/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The head of the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a child safety checklist for parents to use for their children.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 08 Sep 2009 23:20:19 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/tenenbaum_returns_to_columbia_speaks_to_sc_students_about_safety/26461/#When:04:20:19Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>BI&#45;LO Offers Gas Discounts With New Card, Grocery Purchases</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/bi-lo_offers_gas_discounts_with_new_card_grocery_purchases/26441/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
BI-LO is offering customers discounts on gas with grocery purchases in the Upstate and western North Carolina.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 08 Sep 2009 10:13:34 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/bi-lo_offers_gas_discounts_with_new_card_grocery_purchases/26441/#When:15:13:34Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>AAA Carolinas: Fewer Carolina Travelers for the Labor Day Weekend</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/aaa_carolinas_fewer_carolina_travelers_for_the_labor_day_weekend/26248/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The economic downturn continues to affect plans.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 04 Sep 2009 05:47:59 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/aaa_carolinas_fewer_carolina_travelers_for_the_labor_day_weekend/26248/#When:10:47:59Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>SC Budget &amp;amp; Control Board Approves 4% Cut From Agencies Thursday</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/sc_budget_control_board_may_cut_4_from_agencies_thursday/26181/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
State agencies will lose 4 percent of their budgets as South Carolina&#8217;s financial oversight board deals with lagging tax collections.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2009 17:56:13 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/sc_budget_control_board_may_cut_4_from_agencies_thursday/26181/#When:22:56:13Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>New Jobs Coming to Simpsonville</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/new_jobs_coming_to_simpsonville/26149/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
http://www.wspa.com/spa/consumer/economy/           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 02 Sep 2009 17:05:33 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/new_jobs_coming_to_simpsonville/26149/#When:22:05:33Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Michelin Accepting Applications for Low&#45;Interest Business Loans</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/michelin_accepting_applications_for_low-interest_business_loans/26077/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Michelin opens the doors of its Michelin Development Upstate office.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 01 Sep 2009 15:12:12 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/michelin_accepting_applications_for_low-interest_business_loans/26077/#When:20:12:12Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Better Business Bureau Warns Advance Fee Loan Scams Using Fake Addresses</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/better_business_bureau_warns_advance_fee_loan_scams_using_fake_addresses/26032/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The Better Business Bureau issued an alert saying some of the advance fee loan scammers are using fake addresses in the Upstate to appear like legitimate companies.&nbsp;             ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 31 Aug 2009 18:17:52 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/better_business_bureau_warns_advance_fee_loan_scams_using_fake_addresses/26032/#When:23:17:52Z</guid>
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          <title>Toys R Us: Trade In Used Baby Items Starting Friday</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/toys_r_us_offers_discounts_for_used_baby_items/25722/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Toys &#8220;R&#8221; Us has announced a program that will encourage parents to exchange used cribs, car seats and other baby products for discounts on new items. The &#8220;Great Trade-In&#8221; will be offered at Toys &#8220;R&#8221; Us and Babies &#8220;R&#8221; Us stores nationwide from August 28 through September 20.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 28 Aug 2009 12:09:30 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/toys_r_us_offers_discounts_for_used_baby_items/25722/#When:17:09:30Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Lottery Revenues are Up, So Why Has SC Education Been Cut?</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/lottery_revenues_are_up_so_why_has_sc_education_been_cut/25833/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A lot of you have contacted us wanting to know why there have been so many cuts in education in South Carolina when state lottery revenues are up?            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2009 18:26:50 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/lottery_revenues_are_up_so_why_has_sc_education_been_cut/25833/#When:23:26:50Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Report: Home Prices Up, But Not In South Carolina</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/report_home_prices_up_but_not_in_south_carolina/25715/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The median price for a home in South Carolina in July was off by eight percent in July from one year ago.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 26 Aug 2009 05:52:42 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/report_home_prices_up_but_not_in_south_carolina/25715/#When:10:52:42Z</guid>
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          <title>SLED Defends Spending on SUVs and Guns Despite Budget Cuts</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/sled_defends_spending_on_suvs_and_guns_despite_budget_cuts/25694/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The State Law Enforcement Division says its spending of more than $600,000 for new vehicles and weapons was in motion before state budget cuts.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 25 Aug 2009 21:28:46 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/sled_defends_spending_on_suvs_and_guns_despite_budget_cuts/25694/#When:02:28:46Z</guid>
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          <title>Free Milk Shakes At Zaxby&#8217;s On Tuesday</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/free_milk_shakes_at_zaxbys_on_tuesday/25618/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Zaxby&#8217;s will give away one 10-oz. Milkshake to each guest in celebration of the new addition to the menu.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 25 Aug 2009 17:54:51 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/free_milk_shakes_at_zaxbys_on_tuesday/25618/#When:22:54:51Z</guid>
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          <title>Cash For Energy Efficient Appliances Program</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/cash_for_energy_efficient_appliances_program/25676/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
$300 million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for state-run rebate programs for consumer purchases of new ENERGY STAR&#174; qualified home appliances.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 25 Aug 2009 14:21:31 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/cash_for_energy_efficient_appliances_program/25676/#When:19:21:31Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Charter Changes Channel Lineup</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/charter_changes_channel_lineup/25663/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Charter grouping similar channels together           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 25 Aug 2009 11:42:38 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/charter_changes_channel_lineup/25663/#When:16:42:38Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>SC AG to Discuss Plans to Create Jobs as Governor candidate</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/sc_ag_to_discuss_plans_to_create_jobs_as_governor_candidate/25646/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Henry McMaster is laying out his economic development plan Tuesday morning at a small business in Columbia.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 25 Aug 2009 05:43:14 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/sc_ag_to_discuss_plans_to_create_jobs_as_governor_candidate/25646/#When:10:43:14Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Cash for Clunkers in Final Days</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/cash_for_clunkers_in_final_days/25489/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Car companies front cash for dealers in final days of program           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 2009 11:53:14 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/cash_for_clunkers_in_final_days/25489/#When:16:53:14Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>South Carolina Unemployment Rate Drops in July</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/south_carolina_unemployment_rate_drops_in_july/25487/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The jobless figure falls to 11.8% in July after posting a 12.1% figure in June according to Friday&#8217;s report from the S.C. Employment Security Commission.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 2009 10:59:18 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/south_carolina_unemployment_rate_drops_in_july/25487/#When:15:59:18Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>SC Expert: Possible Dip Friday in Jobless Rate Still Not Good News</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/sc_expert_possible_dip_friday_in_jobless_rate_still_not_good_news/25482/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
In June, South Carolina&#8217;s jobless rate was at 12.1 percent, the fourth-highest in the country.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 2009 06:31:01 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/sc_expert_possible_dip_friday_in_jobless_rate_still_not_good_news/25482/#When:11:31:01Z</guid>
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          <title>Greenville County Deputies Issue 22 Violations In School Zones On First Day Back</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/greenville_county_students_return_to_class_wednesday/25340/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Greenville County students returned to school Wednesday, and deputies issued 22 violations in school zones.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 2009 16:53:14 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/greenville_county_students_return_to_class_wednesday/25340/#When:21:53:14Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>HOW TO NEGOTIATE WITH YOUR CREDITORS</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/how_to_negotiate_with_your_creditors/25365/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Consumers Need a Back-up Card           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 2009 14:35:38 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/how_to_negotiate_with_your_creditors/25365/#When:19:35:38Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Better Cancer Care Coming To Western North Carolina</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/better_cancer_care_coming_to_western_north_carolina/25362/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Mission Hospital and UNC Health Care signed an agreement Wednesday to provide better cancer cancer care to patients in Western North Carolina.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 2009 14:05:03 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/better_cancer_care_coming_to_western_north_carolina/25362/#When:19:05:03Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Ways to Save on Textbooks</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/ways_to_save_on_textbooks/25106/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Textbooks are expensive especially when you purchase them from your college bookstore.&nbsp; When you turn them in at the end of the semester chances are you do not even get half of what you paid, but there are ways to save.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 14 Aug 2009 18:24:20 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/ways_to_save_on_textbooks/25106/#When:23:24:20Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Where Do Cash for Clunker Vehicles Go?</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/where_do_cash_for_clunker_vehicles_go/25037/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The Cash for Clunkers program has been a success, but did you ever wonder where those cars end up after they are dumped at the dealership?            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 2009 18:31:41 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/where_do_cash_for_clunker_vehicles_go/25037/#When:23:31:41Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Toy Recall After S.C. Boy Gets Nail In His Throat</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/toy_recall_after_s.c._boy_gets_nail_in_his_throat/25001/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The Little Tikes Co. is recalling about 1.6 million toy workshops and trucks, after an 11-month-old boy got a plastic nail lodged in his throat.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 2009 10:29:03 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/toy_recall_after_s.c._boy_gets_nail_in_his_throat/25001/#When:15:29:03Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>South Carolina Faces $200 Million In Budget Cuts Thursday</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/south_carolina_public_school_brace_for_another_round_of_budget_cuts/24966/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The State Budget and Control Board meets Thursday at 10 a.m. in Columbia, and educators are bracing for news they are about to be hit with another budget cut of  four to five percent.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 2009 05:06:34 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/south_carolina_public_school_brace_for_another_round_of_budget_cuts/24966/#When:10:06:34Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Schools Expect Another 4 &#45; 5% Cut In Funding</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/schools_expect_another_4_-_5_cut_in_funding/24944/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Schools expect even bigger cuts.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 12 Aug 2009 12:32:23 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/schools_expect_another_4_-_5_cut_in_funding/24944/#When:17:32:23Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>South Carolina Employment Commission Director to Resign</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/south_carolina_employment_commission_director_to_resign/24873/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
SC Employment Commission director to resign           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 11 Aug 2009 11:50:23 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/south_carolina_employment_commission_director_to_resign/24873/#When:16:50:23Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Computer problems disrupt NC unemployment filings</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/computer_problems_disrupt_nc_unemployment_filings/24867/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
About 70% of people wo tried to file claims on Sunday could not get through.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 11 Aug 2009 05:41:12 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/computer_problems_disrupt_nc_unemployment_filings/24867/#When:10:41:12Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Polysols Bringing Ten Jobs Coming to Spartanburg County</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/polysols_bringing_ten_jobs_coming_to_spartanburg_county/24825/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
New manufacturing facility coming to Spartanburg           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 10 Aug 2009 12:17:43 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/polysols_bringing_ten_jobs_coming_to_spartanburg_county/24825/#When:17:17:43Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Latest Jobless Numbers Show Recession Subsiding</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/latest_jobless_numbers_show_recession_subsiding/24706/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Employers throttled back on layoffs in July, cutting just 247,000 jobs, the fewest in a year, and the unemployment rate dipped to 9.4 percent.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 07 Aug 2009 09:46:28 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/latest_jobless_numbers_show_recession_subsiding/24706/#When:14:46:28Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Health Care Job Fair in Greenville Thursday</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/health_care_job_fair_in_greenville_thursday/24554/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Godshall Healthcare Recruiting is looking to fill several medical positions ranging from nurses to billing clerks.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 05 Aug 2009 05:13:56 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/health_care_job_fair_in_greenville_thursday/24554/#When:10:13:56Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>IRS Alerts Public to New Identity Theft Scams</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/irs_alerts_public_to_new_identity_theft_scams/24518/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The scams may take place through e-mail, fax or phone. When they take place via e-mail, they are called &#8220;phishing&#8221; scams.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 04 Aug 2009 11:35:59 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/article/irs_alerts_public_to_new_identity_theft_scams/24518/#When:16:35:59Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Sloan Construction Building, Adding Jobs in Cherokee County</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/sloan_construction_building_adding_jobs_in_cherokee_county/24510/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Sloan Construction will build a new facility in Cherokee County and add 40 new jobs near Blacksburg. The company intends to build an aggregate mining facility for material to be primarily used in road construction.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 04 Aug 2009 10:18:03 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/sloan_construction_building_adding_jobs_in_cherokee_county/24510/#When:15:18:03Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Free Training for More Than 500 Jobs Openings Forecasted for Local Automotive Suppliers</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/free_training_for_more_than_500_jobs_openings_forecasted_for_local_automoti/24466/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The training is designed to meet national standards set by the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 03 Aug 2009 15:19:52 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/consumer/economy/article/free_training_for_more_than_500_jobs_openings_forecasted_for_local_automoti/24466/#When:20:19:52Z</guid>
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