NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. retailers reported same-store sales fell in May below expectations, as pressures like rising unemployment continued to curtail consumer spending.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - A new federal report shows South Carolina’s economy grew last year, despite the recession.

CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. (AP) - While her husband talked about his steady Air Force paycheck, Diana Carson recently strolled through a food pantry on this sprawling base, plucking a can of green beans, a few jars of baby food and a box of instant mashed potatoes from the shelves.

A penny saved may be a penny earned.  But the extra pennies from this year’s tax returns won’t be jingling in piggybanks for long.

Still going to the movies?  Still indulging in a bit of chocolate?  That’s because “comfort companies” thrive in stale economy.

Companies scramble to cut costs and the Labor Department’s latest report on new jobless claims due out Thursday isn’t expected to be pretty.