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Several big retailers say the return of the full payroll tax is causing consumers to curtail spending, but so far the evidence is mostly anecdotal. Some analysts argue a variety of factors, and not any specific policy, contributed to slower growth in consumer spending in January.

The debate currently raging over guns goes beyond a disagreement over policy. Advocates on both sides literally disagree on the terms of the discussion — as in, the words they use to describe it. They know that the specific phrases they use tap into deeply held values in the people who hear them.

Twenty-eight states and the federal government have enacted laws that provide for automatic DNA collection from people at the time of their arrest. The question is whether it is unconstitutional to do that without a warrant, for the sole purpose of checking the DNA against a national crime scene database.

Natalie Stewart, best known as half of the British duo Floetry, discusses that group's breakup and her new solo album.

As John Kerry undertakes his first foreign trip as Secretary of State, the challenges before him are great — especially the war in Syria. He holds a town hall meeting Tuesday in Berlin, which will give us a look at his style and public-diplomacy skills — areas where his predecessor Hillary Clinton excelled.

Pope Benedict XVI announced a change to Vatican law Monday to allow his successor to be chosen sooner than expected. His resignation takes effect Thursday. But the papal succession may be overshadowed by sex scandals. Linda Wertheimer talks to Father Thomas Reese of Georgetown University about recent developments.

The Democratic Party came in first by a slim majority, but it can't govern alone. The big surprise was the success of the new anti-establishment, anti-austerity Five Star Movement. Newspaper headlines call the country ungovernable, and the prospect of gridlock has spooked financial markets.

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke is in front of the Senate Banking Committee Tuesday. And, the International Herald Tribune will be changed to the International New York Times this fall.

The death toll is reported to be near 20. What caused the fire and crash has yet to be determined. Balloon rides over the ancient city of Luxor and nearby historic sites are popular among tourists. Those killed are said to have been from Japan, Britain, Belgium and France.

The flamboyant former NBA star, now 51, has gone to the communist country for some basketball diplomacy and to take part in a film being made for HBO.