Wall Street ended in positive territory for the first time this week. The gain for stocks comes the same day that retailers reported dismal sales for January. Wal-Mart was among the big losers with sales coming in well below estimates. Suzanne Pratt looks at new consumer spending trends in tonight's program and what they means to the economy and to the prospect of recession.

On Capitol Hill, the Senate has passed a stimulus plan that will provide one-time rebates of up to $600 for individuals and $1,200 for couples plus $300 for each child. Low income earners, including retirees on Social Security and disabled veterans who pay no income taxes, would receive checks of $300. The House was also expected to give its approval Thursday and send it to President Bush for his signature. Also on Capitol Hill, lawmakers are trying to figure out how to regulate Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Stephanie Dhue was there for today's debate.

And finally, Scott Gurvey wraps up his Future of Television series tonight, with a look at how its evolution to digital technology will bring viewers new options and will also impact how programs are recorded and viewed and even how news is gathered.