This Just In: Fight over beauty fortune; 20-somethings and constant trauma

Also, NCAA dreams dashed. [providencejournal.com]( This Just In Friday, March 19 [Probate Judge Gregory F. Fater, top center, presides over a recent Zoom hearing involving the court-appointed guardians of beauty school founder Henri Blain and his future heirs.]( [This Just In: Fight over beauty fortune]( Also, NCAA dreams dashed. Good afternoon and welcome to This Just In. I'm Mike McDermott, managing editor of The Providence Journal. I think all of us knew that this was going to be a bleak winter, and it really was: most of us spent the holidays apart from many of the ones we love, and we continued to endure a drumbeat of depressing news. But it's just about over now: Spring comes tomorrow, so let's all give ourselves a little pat on the back for getting through these last three months. An ugly fight [is playing out in a Rhode Island probate court]( over the estate of Henri Blain, the founder of a successful chain of beauty schools who has been suffering with dementia for years. The legal wrangling has pitted Blain's court-appointed guardians and future heirs against each other, and led to a judge questioning the validity of Blain's surprise 2018 marriage. From 9/11 to the COVID pandemic, traumatic events have consistently been part of life for people in their 20s. Wayne Miller tells the stories of young Rhode Island adults living in [a world of uncertainty]( The state Department of Health [reported 423 additional coronavirus cases but just one COVID-related death](. The seven-day new-case average and the number of hospitalized patients both increased slightly. It appears that any American adult who wants a coronavirus vaccine should be able to get one by the summer, but what about kids? Linda Borg [spoke to some local middle school students]( who are taking part in a trial of the Moderna vaccine. The state's Public Utilities Commission [has extended a moratorium]( on utility shutoffs through the end of the school year. The moratorium applies to those who qualify for low-income gas and electric rates. Gov. Dan McKee says [he will veto legislation that puts a three-year halt on charter schools]( if such a bill reaches his desk. More than 300 people [have signed up to testify for or against a suite of gun-control bills]( that are before the House Judiciary Committee. But unlike in past years, neither supporters nor opponents will be crowding the halls of the State House. Please read [Mark Patinkin's latest column]( which pays tribute to a woman who showed extraordinary grace despite a horrible illness. A retired U.S. Army sergeant [has given a Bronze Star and his chevron]( to Rowan Shaw, a 2-year-old Warwick boy who is battling cancer. Passover begins a week from tomorrow, and a Providence rabbi has collaborated with a Massachusetts food lab [to bring Passover food boxes]( to the Ocean State. But if you want one, don't wait too long to order. Curt Schilling [is a New Englander no more]( The Boston Bruins [are entering a COVID-related pause]( Bill Belichick is excited about the Patriots' roster additions. [Just look at the smile on his face]( NCAA Tournament update: My dream of a "toothpaste classic" between Colgate and Oral Roberts [isn't going to happen]( I mentioned that spring comes tomorrow, and it's going to be nice out too. If you want to get out and enjoy it, you might consider checking out [this week's Walking Rhode Island destination]( in South Kingstown. Have a great weekend. And remember, if you enjoy This Just In, please [encourage a friend to sign up]( [Discover more with our newsletters: Get the latest headlines, things to do and more in your inbox. Sign up here.]( [click here]( Problem viewing email? [View in browser]( [Unsubscribe]( • [Manage Newsletters]( • [Terms of Service]( • [Privacy Policy/Your California Privacy Rights]( • [Privacy Notice]( • [Do Not Sell My Info/Cookie Policy]( • [Feedback]( © 2021 75 Fountain St. , Providence, RI 02902