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Consumer pullback hurts retailers

NEW YORK — From affluent shoppers at Saks to bargain-hunters at Target, from Home Depot to office supplier Staples, consumers are pulling back and that’s hurting retailers and raising more concerns about how they’ll do the rest of the year.

The latest round of second-quarter reports show more signs of financial stress on shoppers, as Target’s customers stick to necessities and have trouble making their credit-card payments. Saks says it’s now seeing its h...

An educational foundation

SCRANTON – On Tuesday, the region’s first medical school invited the community to its “Building Our Foundation Celebration,” marking the official start of construction of its future medical sciences building on Pine Street.

States try to block drug data

WASHINGTON — When most patients go to the pharmacy to fill a new prescription, they don’t think twice about turning over the note from their doctor.

Inflation, drop in new home construction sink Dow

NEW YORK — Wall Street fell sharply for a second consecutive session Tuesday after a hefty jump in wholesale inflation and a drop in new home construction gave investors more reason to believe an economic recovery is far off.

In brief

US Airways announced Tuesday it is applying to start service between Philadelphia and Tel Aviv, Israel, in July 2009, subject to approval by the U.S. and Israeli officials.

Golden pitchman?

MILWAUKEE — Visa Inc. popped out ads almost as quickly as he swam his laps. Pizza Hut is giving Michael Phelps and his teammates free pizza and pasta for a year for him beating Mark Spitz’s record of seven gold medals in one Olympics.