US jobless rate remains 8.3%

The country added 227,000 jobs in February, and a revised estimate for January showed a 284,000 gain that was bigger than first estimated.

http://c.o0bg.com/rf/image_90x90/Boston/2011-2020/2012/03/09/BostonGlobe.com/Metro/Images/09maginn_photo--90x90.jpg Bay State GOP chief taking some heat

In an election year characterized by voter resentment of the wealthy, some GOP critics see symbolic danger in Robert A. Maginn Jr.’s ties to Mitt Romney.

In ad, Scott Brown takes credit for spending pledge

Brown praises his Democratic opponent Elizabeth Warren on the agreement to curb outside spending, while taking full credit for initiating the pact.

SCOT LEHIGH

Maybe it’s not Mitt’s fault

What if the real problem is less with Mitt Romney than with the conservatives and Tea Party types he’s having trouble winning over?

songwriter and performer Lori McKenna

Bob Packert

Exclusive Sunday Preview | Globe Magazine

Lori McKenna is writing her heart out

Fifteen years after she broke into the Boston folk scene, Lori McKenna is becoming one of Nashville’s most in-demand country songwriters. But the Stoughton mother of five is still home for dinner.

http://c.o0bg.com/rf/image_90x90/Boston/2011-2020/2012/03/09/BostonGlobe.com/Sports/Images/wall77--90x90.jpg JetBlue Park’s ‘Monster’ has its own quirks

The Red Sox’ new spring home has a replica Green Monster that blends the charm of Fenway with modern amenities for fans and players.

http://c.o0bg.com/rf/image_90x90/Boston/2011-2020/2012/03/09/BostonGlobe.com/Metro/Images/09somervpic.jpg In era of cuts, students in Somerville play on

At a time when dozens of schools around the state have cut music education, Somerville is aiming to raise $100,000 to help launch an after school music program.

“For anyone who thinks this isn’t life-changing, consider that more than 90 percent of the kids at East Somerville Community, where we’ll start our El Sistema, are recipients of the free instruments.”

Joanne Sadler,  teacher in Somerville

Globe Insiders

Globe Talk | March 21, 6 p.m.

http://c.o0bg.com/rf/image_90x90/Boston/2011-2020/2012/03/02/BostonGlobe.com/Special/Images/lennyclarke copy-018--90x90.jpg Boston, a Comedy Capital

Join Dave Russo, Anthony Scibelli, Tony V, Jimmy Tingle, and Lenny Clarke for a talk about the city’s comedy scene. Laughs guaranteed.

Sports

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On hockey

Gregory Campbell, center, celebrated his goal with teammates Dennis Seidenberg, left, and Shawn Thornton in the second period.

Bruins now buoyed by winning streak

The Bruins had been a sluggish, middling bunch for the past two months. But is their latest win finally the start of a positive trend?

Opinion

“Unless the GOP is suicidal, [Mitt] Romney will ultimately persevere, and with good reason: He’s the only remotely plausible president in this field.”

Scot Lehigh 

Ideas

“The story of St. John’s University reflects the power — and the threat — that such an education still represents to a proud nation that nevertheless hungers for new ideas.”

Patricia Wen  on the lost liberal arts university of China