Oil prices tumbled to five-week lows Monday on growing evidence of an extended recession that could mean demand for energy will remain weak for some time.

Investors pulled away from stocks again Monday as conflicting signs emerged about the direction the economy is taking.

A top Republican senator said Monday that he wants to find out whether Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor would let racial bias affect her decisions as a justice.

The U.S. services economy - from retailers and restaurants to real estate brokers - contracted less than expected in June in its best showing since before the financial crisis struck last fall, according to a private trade group's gauge.