$400 million fine slapped on Fannie Mae

A scathing government report accuses Fannie Mae of "arrogant and unethical" financial practices. Host Kai Ryssdal asks Wall Street Journal reporter James R. Hagerty whether the company really needed to be cooking the books.

A privatized guest worker program?

Republican Congressman Mike Pence of Indiana is floating a proposal to establish a temporary worker program operated by private industry. His plan would require all applicants to leave the country. Hillary Wicai reports.

Depends what you mean by 'gouged' . . .

The FTC ruled that oil companies didn't manipulate the market after Hurricane Katrina. But it did find 15 situations that could be labeled as price gouging. Commentator and consumer advocate Jamie Court defines the term.

Teaming up to beat the Mafia

In Palermo, Sicily, business owners have had enough of the Mafia and are refusing to pay protection money. They are sticking together, believing there may be safety in numbers. Megan Williams reports.

Vonage goes public Wednesday

Internet phone service provider Vonage will price its initial public offering later today. And the company could use the cash, Janet Babin reports, as it faces growing competition in the VoIP (voice-over-Internet protocol) business.

Hercules battles Wal-Mart

The Hercules, Calif. City Council meets tonight to discuss using the power of eminent domain to seize 17 acres on which Wal-Mart intends to build a store. Lisa Napoli reports.

'Green chemistry' hitting the market

Decades of toxic spills and pollution have caused a backlash against the notion that chemistry can improve daily life, but "green chemistry" is catching on — even in big business labs. Sarah Gardner reports.