3. PENNSYLVANIA - Economic Slowdown Signals in Lancaster County - JIM MCTAGUE 101626

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Economic Slowdown Signals in Lancaster County

Jim McTague, former Washington Editor, Barron’s: McTague reports on emerging economic strains in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, highlighting local business layoffs including the closure of a pretzel manufacturing facility affecting 67 workers. He observes changing consumer behavior at Costco, where shoppers face rising gasoline prices over four dollars per gallon and exhibit price-tag hesitation by purchasing only essential items. McTague notes labor market pressures among underpaid healthcare workers and unskilled laborers, warning that persistent fuel-driven inflation threatens local disposable income. (3)