Today’s Top Stories: Revisiting the notorious Ladd Center 25 years after its closing; Hummel Report chronicles a costly battle over public records; Kraft apologizes after prostitution arrest

[View email with images]( [Providence Journal]( 'The beast is dead': The Ladd Center's legacy 25 years after closing A quarter-century after the notorious Ladd Center was shuttered, ending decades of abuse and neglect of some of the state s most vulnerable residents, R.I. has made strides but still struggles to serve people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. [READ MORE]( The Hummel Report: Costs soar in R.I. public-records battle The state Board of Elections has spent more than $12,000 over the last 10 months defending its decision to charge former gubernatorial candidate Ken Block $410 to fulfill a public-records request. Is the fight a matter of principle and legal precedent for the board, or an act of retaliation against a longtime adversary? [READ MORE]( Robert Kraft: ‘I am truly sorry’ The New England Patriots owner, in his first statement since he was charged with soliciting prostitution at a Florida day spa, apologizes to family, friends, co-workers and fans "who rightfully hold me to a higher standard.” [READ MORE]( Embattled tennis coach Gordie Ernst resigns from URI job Gordon “Gordie” Ernst, the University of Rhode Island women’s tennis head coach who has been charged as part of the national college admissions scandal for alleged crimes while he worked at Georgetown University, has resigned. [READ MORE]( In R.I., young people rally on anniversary of gun-control march Gun-control advocates gathered outside the Rhode Island State House Saturday afternoon, a year after the first March For Our Lives galvanized young people around the country. Their message: They aren t giving up the fight against gun violence. [READ MORE]( At URI conference, actor recalls 'Hamilton' as a celebration of diversity Bryan Terrell Clark, a black man who played George Washington in the hit Broadway musical, told the audience that the show shifted after "the Mike Pence event" of 2016 "to almost being a protest piece standing up for what America looks like today." [READ MORE]( Alan Rosenberg: Your family photos in our new book The second volume of "Rhode Island Memories" will cover the 1940s and 50s. [READ MORE]( Familiar 'Phantom' looks fresh, can still dazzle The glitzy makeover of “The Phantom of the Opera” that kicked off a national tour at the Providence Performing Arts Center more than five years ago has come full circle. The Andrew Lloyd Webber classic, still going strong three decades after it opened in London, plays PPAC through Sunday, March 31. And it’s definitely worth another look. [READ MORE]( Bill Reynolds: URI's David Cox is living the dream David Cox s first season as Rams basketball coach ended in disappointment, despite a strong finish. But Cox is already thinking about next season, and finding lessons in the coaching road he s traveled so far. [READ MORE]( Editorial: Water system is no cash cow At some point, stubbornness becomes pure pig-headedness. Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza may have ascended to the summit of obstinacy in his quixotic quest to force water ratepayers to fund city pensions. [READ MORE]( [providencejournal.com]( Connect with Us! [Facebook]( [Twitter]( Connect with Us! [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [WWW.PROVIDENCEJOURNAL.COM]( You are receiving this communication as a member of the Providence Journal. Providence Journal values your online privacy. For more information, view our [privacy policy]( now. Please do not reply to this message. [Manage Preferences]( | [Unsubscribe]( Providence Journal 75 Fountain St Providence, RI 02902 © 2019 Providence Journal. All rights reserved.