As the Iowa caucuses approach, we look a little deeper at the economic policies of Republican candidate Mitt Romney. New York is threatening to strip some funding from struggling schools that don’t install new systems for evaluating teachers. A hacker collective known as Anonymous stole credit card and other info from security firm Stratfor. And in today’s Attitude Check, we look at how approval of Obama’s economic policies stacks up to presidents of years past.

San Francisco has raised to the minimum wage to over $10 an hour, and that will effect the cities famed restaurants. On the other side of the country, negotiations will start today in New York between building owners and the union representing the people that clean those buildings. As the 10 year birthday of the euro approaches, David Brancaccio looks back at how Marketplace’s resident poet described the deal at the time.

While a temporary deal has been reached in Washington, 2012 doesn’t look much better in terms of bipartisanship. FedEx is set to raise its rates beginning in January. In Arizona, many non-industrial businesses are taking up space in warehouses.

The U.S. stock market is closed on this day after Christmas, which is shaping up to be one of the biggest shopping days of 2011, analysts say. And if you’re planning to brave the crowds there may be a silver lining, especially if you plan to return or exchange a gift: many retailers are offering shoppers store credit for the difference between the original price of a product and the current sale price. Also on the show, a look at the growing cost of extreme weather events. And despite the down job market, high-tech companies are struggling to find software engineers.

Some economists say the government should take advantage of record low interest rates and borrow the money to pay for extending tax cuts and unemployment benefits. You heard right: more government borrowing. Just how will the payroll tax extension be paid for? Plus, a new poll says France is the world’s most pessimistic country when it comes to economic outlook. And we take a look at Ron Paul’s economic philosophy.

In the U.S., Gross Domestic Product revisions are out today, and the hope is that the number will keep improving as long as problems in Europe, and Washington, don’t stunt that growth. In one North Carolina town, local business play nice to help each other out during recession. The Lone Star State loses as many as half a billion trees in 2011, and that’s not including the wildfires. And in this week’s Attitude Check, we look at how Americans are really feeling about the potential payroll tax cut extension.

As Spain gears up for new leadership, the European Union wants airlines to reduce emissions or pay for permits allowing them to pollute. During the holidays, consumers generate as much as 25 percent more waste from packaging, unused holiday cards and wrapping paper, and other seasonal items. In some Atlanta neighborhoods, houses are selling for under 10,000 — less than the price of many used cars.

AT&T backs out of its plan to take over its rival T-Mobile. In Foxboro, Mass. controversy is brewing over a plan to build a casino. The movie box office is suffering this year, and Chinese airports are getting an upgrade.

Markets around the world are reacting to the death of Kim Jong-Il, and where North Korea will go from here. Foreclosures in the U.S. will be put on hold for two weeks. In Las Vegas, more focus is being put on the non-gambling experience. Allan Sloan offers his thoughts on the business story of the year, and what we’ll be talking about 2012.