With the Iowa caucuses just a few weeks out, we take at closer look at the economic policies of Republican candidate Newt Gingrich. Federal student aid programs could be on the chopping block. Russia is about to get its invitation to join the World Trade Organization as ministers from the group’s 153 members meet in Geneva.  And our weekly Attitude Check, part of our partnership with Gallup, looks at how Americans feel about the crisis in Europe.

Conflict in Washington continues over the possible extension of the payroll tax cuts, as experts disagree whether the measures help or hurt the broader economy. The SEC is pushing for a rule that would disclose the income gap between the average American worker and CEOs. It is about to get a bit more difficult to be a cab driver in Chicago. And what kind of football team will make its home in Los Angeles?

The Federal Reserve officials meet today to discuss the slow domestic recovery, the ongoing crisis in Europe, and a plan for better communication surrounding its actions. In Russia, billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov announced he will run for president against Vladimir Putin in next spring’s elections. Wall Street types can expect smaller bonuses this year, but many are thankful to just have a job.

Questions are being raised as to the economic future of England and the rest of Europe following Friday’s summit. Demand for larger pickups is up, and Ford is discontinuing its Ranger line of smaller trucks. More and more young people are taking on full-time jobs as yoga instructors.

European leaders meet in Brussels for yet another summit to determine the fate of the EU, and Britain has announced it won’t sign off on any fiscal union. Another summit wraps up in South Africa today, as the UN concludes its climate talks. Richard Cordray was blocked by Senate Republicans from an appointment as head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. And wheat prices are falling, but that doesn’t mean your cereal will be any less expensive.

Jon Corzine heads to Congress today to answer for the collapse of brokerage firm MF Global. The European Union is looking to the International Monetary Fund for bailout help, and that could have ripple effects in the U.S. Reporter Sally Herships looks at what other businesses can gain from big-box storse like Costco and Walmart. And the countdown to a big European summit is nearing its end.

President Obama continues his quest to extend payroll tax cuts, and delivered a big speech on the economy yesterday in Kansas. Republican Presidential Candidate Newt Gingrich is ahead in the polls, but far behind in raising funds for his campaign. The fate of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau remains unknown, and today the FDA decides whether one drug should be sold over-the-counter.

The latest threat for Europe comes from Standard & Poor’s: a possible downgrade of 15 countries if the debt problems continue. Irish citizens are bracing for the fourth year of austerity. Author Robert Neuwirth says the informal economy could soon make up two-thirds of the world’s workforce. Pollution in China could be a benefit for the U.S., and Microsoft sets out to revamp XBox Live.

Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti unveiled a firm austerity plan for his country. In the wake of a tempestuous month for leadership, we take a look at accountability, both in Europe and at American universities. Allan Sloan explains the payroll tax cuts, and reporter David Gura spotlights the increasing wealth gap.