Wachovia heads west, stock heads south

Wachovia made a $25 billion offer for California's Golden West Financial today. But the deal gets the banking giant deeper into the mortgage business and investors are questioning the timing as the housing boom slows. Amy Scott reports.

High-end computer maker hits bottom

Silicon Graphics filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy today. Its super-fast computers were once used to make special effects for blockbuster movies, but the increasing power of cheaper computers has put a crimp on sales. Jeff Tyler explains.

No more Disney in your Happy Meal

We learned today that Disney will drop its decade-long promotional partnership with McDonald's. But McDonald's says the break-up has nothing to do with childhood obesity. From New York, Bob Moon has the story.

Enron update

The defense rested its case today in the Enron trial in Houston. Host Kai Ryssdal speaks to Gary McWilliams of the Wall Street Journal about whether the defense has done enough to make its case to jurors.

Big brother or security tool?

Many large corporations run background checks on potential hires, but now some employers are going even further. They're keeping regular tabs on their employees — long after they're hired. Sarah Gardner reports.

Militant bargain shoppers

In China, bargain-hunting shoppers who find each other on the Internet are banding together and marching into local malls to demand lower prices. From Beijing, Jocelyn Ford reports.

Buyers beware recycled cars

Economic theory says you can never buy a decent used car, but millions of pre-owned vehicles are sold each year. Host Kai Ryssdal speaks to Undercover Economist Tim Harford about the puzzle.