From the Marketplace Datebook, here’s a look at what’s coming up Thursday:  

• In Washington, the Senate Finance Committee discusses “Innovative Ideas to Strengthen and Expand the Middle Class.”

• Is the middle class spending money? The Commerce Department reports on retail sales for February.   

• And it’s the anniversary of earmuffs. That stylish and highly-functional accessory was patented by teen inventor Chester Greenwood on March 13, 1877.