We knew lower oil prices would depress the government’s calculation of retail sales for last month. But taking out oil prices along with food and cars, retail sales still fell four tenths of a percent and that is a nasty surprise. More on that. Plus, college sports’ governing body has its annual convention starting today in D.C. The White House has asked NCAA officials to come in and talk about a range of subjects including academic achievement by student athletes. Now that the college football championship game has come and gone, it could be time for a sharp shift to matters of policy. And with Valentine’s day a week away, we take a look at the factors behind what could be a shortage of chocolate.