Advertisement | Good afternoon everyone. This is Russ Mitchell filling in for Katie. Today, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson announced yet another large infusion of cash to jump-start the economy. It's an $800 billion plan to prop up mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, as well as providing aid to companies that issue credit cards, student and car loans. Wyatt Andrews had details of the plan … and who's lending it support. This new plan is aimed at freeing up loan money, but when – and how – will it actually benefit Main Street? Kelly Wallace looks at the bailout … and the average American business. Also today, President-elect Barack Obama announced his picks for two key new members of his economic team – budget director and deputy budget director. With the U.S. government facing a potential $1 trillion shortfall next year, Mr. Obama said deficit reduction is no longer an option, but a necessity. Dean Reynolds has that story. Turning to health, there's some very good news in the war on cancer. As Dr. Jon LaPook reports, death rates in some of the most common forms of cancer have dropped dramatically. As the holidays approach in these tough economic times, it might seem like good news that the cost of commodities like corn and wheat are dropping. But why are grocery store prices staying the same – or rising? Cynthia Bowers explains what's going on and I'll tell you an astounding example of how families are suffering. It involves one farm, a few extra vegetables … and 40,000 people who traveled to get them. Finally tonight, a story of the remarkable strength of one 10-year-old Yemeni girl and how she's already inspiring others with the story of her underage marriage, her divorce … and her perseverance. See you tonight, Russ Mitchell CouricandCo@cbs.com |