An implicit federal government guarantee backing up Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac became an explicit one this week. Will it be enough? Professor Anthony Sanders of Arizona State University fills us in.

Sara Lee, Tyson, Kraft and other name-brand food companies are hiking prices on everyday products from cheese to cold cuts. Jeff Tyler reports on how this will hit Americans in the gut.

For politicians, PACs are more than a source of money; they're a way to gain political clout. As a part of our continuing series on PACs, Steve Henn reports.

As part of a potential class action settlement with TransUnion this week, consumers are going to be able to get a free copy of their credit score. Host Tess Vigeland talks with economics editor Chris Farrell about this new service.