Mary Dooe

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 takeover 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.

Congress reaches a deal to avoid a government shutdown -- and it hinges around light bulbs. Retired Americans are no longer shipping off to Florida when they are done working. On the front lines of the European debt crisis, Italy passes austerity measures proposed by new Prime Minister Mario Monti.

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.

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.