Verizon Wireless will be increasing their early termination fees, specifically for its “advanced devices”.

Monday night, the Denmark City Council voted 4-2 to approve a 45 percent increase in water rates for all water users. There was a big crowd at the meeting expressing concern about the ability of seniors and the poor to pay the new rates.

There is a big controversy brewing in Denmark. The city of Denmark is proposing a big increase in city water rates to pay for a major rennovation project.

Flood insurance premiums and deductibles are increasing for thousands of homeowners across South Carolina. The Post and Courier of Charleston reports that the National Flood Insurance Program is raising monthly premiums about 8 percent beginning Oct. 1.

Ford is tough enough…thanks to a boost in sales from the “Cash for Clunkers” program.

Ford is tough enough…thanks to a boost in sales from the “Cash for Clunkers” program.

Water use in north Georgia jumped slightly after the state relaxed strict outdoor water restrictions that stemmed from the historic drought.

Minimum wage goes up 70 cents starting Friday. The increase is causing headaches for some small business owners. WJBF News Channel 6’s Barclay Bishop has more.

Coca-Cola, the world’s largest beverage maker, says its second-quarter profit rose 43 percent even as sales fell, beating Wall Street expectations. The increase comes because last year’s quarter was dragged down by big restructuring charges and asset write-downs.

Clemson University trustees have approved an average increase of 5.7 percent in student room and board fees starting this fall.

South Carolina Electric & Gas Co. is seeking a rate increase to improve and maintain its infrastructure for natural gas customers. The State reported that the Columbia-based utility filed paperwork Monday with Public Service Commission for an increase that averages nearly 5.7 percent for residential customers.

AAA Georgia said gasoline prices across the state climbed 12 cents a gallon during the past four weeks. The auto club said Monday’s average statewide price for regular was $1.91 a gallon. A year ago regular fuel was, on average, $1.43 higher in the state.

Dozens of South Carolina teenagers are calling on lawmakers to raise the state’s lowest-in-the-nation cigarette tax. Members of a youth anti-tobacco group came to Columbia on national Kick Butts Day to urge legislators to hike tobacco taxes and fund smoking prevention programs like theirs. About 6,700 teens statewide ages 13 to 17 participate in Rage Against the Haze.

The Federal Reserve says borrowing increased at an annual rate of $1.76 billion in the first month of the year. Economists expected borrowing to decline at a rate of $5 billion.

Incoming freshmen at Georgia’s colleges and universities may have to pay more than their predecessors. University System of Georgia Chancellor Erroll B. Davis told lawmakers at a committee meeting Monday that he doesn’t “see any way tuition is not going to go up.“ Most students already enrolled in colleges won’t see tuition increase under the “Fixed for Four” plan that guarantees the same tuition rate for four years.