| Unemployment claims dip, FEMA assistance approved South Carolina reached a new low in weekly unemployment claims filed since mid-March, becoming the state with fifth strongest recovery in terms of weekly claims, according to a recent study. FEMA unemployment assistance was also approved for the Palmetto State earlier this week. N.C. grocery chain to buy 20 stores in S.C. market Alex Lee Inc. has entered an agreement to purchase 18 Bi-Lo branded stores in South Carolina and two in the Augusta metro area. The company owns Lowes Food stores, among other brands. The deal is expected to affect 2,000 employees. | 