Associated Press Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., with House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md. (right), handed off the House-approved financial rescue package.

WASHINGTON – With evidence mounting that the nation faces a sharp economic downturn, Congress yesterday gave final approval to what could be the biggest government bailout in U.S. history, authorizing the Bush administration to spend $700 billion to try to thaw frozen credit markets and prevent a deep recession.

NEW YORK – A battle broke out yesterday for control of Wachovia, as Wells Fargo agreed to pay $14.8 billion for the struggling bank, while Citigroup and federal regulators insisted that Citi's earlier and lower-priced takeover offer go forward.

A decade ago, the San Diego Symphony was a national poster child for failing orchestras as it teetered on the edge of insolvency. Now, as the orchestra opens its 2008-09 season tonight at a gala, sold-out performance at the Balboa Theatre, it has stabilized its budget, attracted new patrons and is touting aspirations “to be recognized as one of the great orchestras of the world.”

In the interest of a slogan-free balloting environment, California bans electioneering within 100 feet of a polling place. But what if the slogan appears on your shirt? Election officials anticipating exuberant voters on Nov. 4 are making plans for what to do with the occasional Barack Obama tank top or John McCain polo shirt.

Go Chargers!!! No, really. Go Chargers!!! Even non-football fans have reason to cheer for the team tomorrow because a new study suggests a lot of wins could mean a little extra cash for all of us.