Associated Press While consumers welcome the decline in the price of oil, which will reduce the nation's $1.3 billion daily import bill, oil producers are reacting warily.

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For the last year, rising oil prices have taken a toll on the economy, driving up gasoline and food costs, punishing airlines and automakers, and ripping a large hole in people's pockets. But lately, nearly lost amid the chaos in the markets, oil prices have been dropping sharply from July's triple-digit peak.

NEW YORK – Investors drove stocks sharply lower yesterday as signs of the economy's worsening health and a continued choking of credit unnerved investors ahead of a crucial vote in Washington on a financial rescue plan.

NEW YORK – Alarmed by the financial meltdown, stores nationwide are slapping sale signs on everything from fall sweaters to furniture – frantically trying to attract shoppers who are cutting back. Some analysts were already expecting the weakest sales growth for the holiday season in 24 years, and with uncertainty roiling the banking system and a teetering economy, they figure Americans will make their lists and check them three or four times.

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – An investment fund that serves about 1,000 colleges and private schools partially froze withdrawals this week amid the credit crunch, forcing colleges to develop new plans to pay bills.

Residents of southwestern Chula Vista yesterday blasted a power-plant expansion proposed near their enclave of homes, a school and a community center, saying that if the California Energy Commission allows it, their health would suffer.