Today's Paper 03/15/2013 - The Boston Globe

The Nation

Senate panel backs bill to reinstate weapons ban

Senator Dianne Feinstein of California is the sponsor of the bill to reinstate a ban on assault weapons.

By Jennifer Steinhauer

The Senate Judiciary Committee’s approval is the first congressional vote on the issue since the assault weapons ban expired in 2004.

Answers hard to find after deadly N.Y. gun rampage

Kurt Myers died in a gun battle with law enforcement officers after killing four men at two businesses.

By Michael Hill

The only clue behind the shooting that left four men dead was the gunman’s question before opening fire: “Do you remember me?”

N.J. gets rid of tree-killing beetle

More than 20,000 trees were removed in Union, Middlesex and Hudson counties as part of the eradication effort.

The World

Francis brings new style to papacy

Newly elected Pope Francis waved Thursday from the steps of the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica in Rome.

By Rachel Donadio

In his first 24 hours as pope, Francis has dramatically shifted the tone of the papacy.

France joins Britain in threat to arm rebels

The United Nations said the number of registered Syrian refugees jumped 10 percent in the past week alone.

By Edward Cody

Both countries threatened to deliver weapons to Syrian rebels if the European Union refuses to lift an embargo on the embattled nation.

Despite tensions, tourists flock to Korean DMZ

High school students from Japan gestured toward North Korea on Thursday near the demilitarized zone in South Korea.

By Foster Klug

Visitors to the demilitarized zone Thursday viewed the clash with curiosity, fear, excitement — even a dash of romance.

Editorial & Opinion

Opinion | New taxes for Mass.?

Like the New Deal, this plan shows leadership

By James Roosevelt Jr.

Legislators on Beacon Hill might also be longing for a sneak peek into the months and years ahead as they wrestle with Governor Deval Patrick’s 2014 budget.

Opinion | New taxes for Mass.?

Manage money from previous tax hikes first

By Barbara Anderson

The state is not suffering from a lack of taxes; it is suffering from a lack of accountability for the taxes already paid.

CARLO ROTELLA

Building a community from a park

By Carlo Rotella

The park belongs to the community, but it’s just as true that a community takes shape on the frame of the park.

Metro

Concord-Carlisle confronts racial incident

Concord Carlisle High School students Britny Rabb (left), Danielle Gordon, and Soleina Garcia. Gordon said the incident “stirred something in me . . . Enough is enough.”

By Meghan E. Irons

After a racial slur was written on a library wall and disseminated via Facebook, a discussion started on how inclusive the high school really is.

Kevin Cullen

Backward thinking

By Kevin Cullen

If the Governor’s Council doesn’t approve Bob Ullmann as a Superior Court judge, it won’t be the first time they get things backwards.

End comes for Boston Phoenix, alternative voice since the ’60s

The alternative weekly’s current issue, dated March 15, will be its last.

By Joseph P. Kahn

The ground-breaking alternative weekly, which only six months ago reinvented itself as glossy magazine, announced it will close after 47 years.

Business

John Hancock faces lawsuits on life insurance payouts

By Todd Wallack

The lawsuit alleges John Hancock failed to promptly pay beneficiaries, though it promptly halted annuity payments.

New J. Jill ‘uncomplicate’ campaign targets baby boomers

Colorful scarves were on display at the J. Jill store at the Burlington Mall, where they are rolling out the “Uncomplicate” line for spring.

By Taryn Luna

The 54-year-old Quincy company set out over the last year to build its brand as easy style and timeless fashion to appeal to baby boomers.

Big smartphones luring consumers

The Samsung S4, introduced Thusday night, has a 5-inch screen, which is 25 percent larger than the iPhone 5.

By Michael B. Farrell

After years of craving the slimmest, smallest, sleekest devices, many cellphone users now want their phones a bit beefier.

Obituaries

Ray Martin; Norwood star pitched to Ruth, played for Braves

Seven teams pursued the prospect. The Red Sox even sent a scout to Ray Martin’s Norwood High School prom.

By Marvin Pave

Mr. Martin, 87, was a three-sport star at Norwood High who faced retired slugger Babe Ruth in an exhibition game.

Jack Curran, coaching giant in basketball, baseball; 82

Mr. Curran guided many stars, including Kenny Anderson.

By Jim O’Connell

Mr. Curran spent more than five decades compiling what is among the best coaching records in high school basketball and baseball.

Ewald-Heinrich von Kleist; Nazi plotted to kill Hitler

Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler inspected damage after the assassination attempt.

By David Rising

Lieutenant von Kleist, 90, volunteered to wear a suicide vest to a meeting with Adolf Hitler and to blow himself up along with the Nazi dictator.

Sports

on football

Patriots offense now set to evolve

By Greg A. Bedard

Moving on from Welker was about pointing the team in a different direction, one it hopes will end in more playoff victories.

Christopher L. Gasper

Patriots’ problem is still leaky defense

The argument can be made that cornerback Aqib Talib, acquired as a quick fix from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the season, is a free agent of more importance to the cause than Wes Welker.

By Christopher L. Gasper

The real question isn’t how will the Patriots replace Wes Welker? It’s how will they stop receivers like Welker?

Bruins 4, Panthers 1

Bruins do enough to defeat Panthers

Zdeno Chara’s first-period goal was a welcome sight to rookie Dougie Hamilton (right).

By Fluto Shinzawa

The Bruins picked up a solid win despite being what Tuukka Rask said was “just pretty bad out there.”

G: Arts & Movies

Justin Timberlake’s unfettered, confident new album

Justin Timberlake has an undeniable maturity on “The 20/20 Experience.’’

By James Reed

“The 20/20 Experience,” which will be released on March 19 after a monthlong publicity onslaught, is the first record Timberlake has made not as a pop star.

Meredith Goldstein