Politics

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Sales at U.S. retailers sank in July for the first time in three months despite the government's popular 'cash for clunkers' incentive program, indicating that the American economy faces a bumpy recovery from its worst recession since World War II.

Foreclosure filings in the United States jumped in July, again setting a record for the third time in five months. The increase was due to falling home prices and the recession, which kept some homeowners from making payments or refinancing.

President Barack Obama took on criticisms of his health care reform plan in a town hall meeting Tuesday in Portsmouth, N.H., telling the crowd not to listen to those who are attempting to "scare and mislead" the American public about…