Colo. dentist accused of poisoning his wife’s protein shakes going on trial for murder

DENVER (AP) — A Colorado dentist is set to go on trial next week, accused of killing his wife by poisoning her protein shakes. Prosecutors say James Craig bought poison online just before his wife began experiencing symptoms that baffled doctors. After his initial attempts to kill her failed, prosecutors allege he ordered a rush shipment of potassium cyanide, saying it was needed for a surgery. Craig’s attorneys have argued that testing of his wife’s shake containers did not turn up signs of at least one poison blamed for killing her. Craig is also accused of asking a fellow jail inmate to kill the lead detective in the case.

Flames tear through assisted-living facility in Massachusetts, killing 9 and trapping residents

FALL RIVER, Mass. (AP) — Flames roared through an assisted-living facility in Massachusetts, killing nine people and trapping residents inside, including some who leaned out of windows and screamed for help. Authorities said at least 30 people were hurt. Firefighters responded late Sunday to the Gabriel House facility in Fall River, about 50 miles south of Boston. A firefighters union said inadequate staffing hindered the response to the blaze and that rescuers could have saved more lives with more manpower. Firefighters were met with heavy smoke and flames at the front of the building. The cause was under investigation.

More than 20 states sue Trump admin. over frozen after-school and summer funding

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — More than 20 states have sued President Donald Trump’s administration over billions of dollars in frozen funding for after-school care, summer programs and more. Programs for more than 1 million students are at risk because of a Trump administration freeze on education grants. Congress set aside money for the programs at Boys & Girls Clubs, the YMCA and public schools to provide academic support, enrichment and child care. But Trump’s administration says it wants to make sure recipients’ programs align with the Republican president’s priorities. The lawsuit was filed Monday. The lawsuit is led by California and alleges withholding the money violates the Constitution and several federal laws.

Supreme Court allows Trump to lay off nearly 1,400 Education Department employees

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court is allowing President Donald Trump to put his plan to dismantle the Education Department back on track and go through with laying off nearly 1,400 employees. With the three liberal justices in dissent, the court on Monday paused an order from U.S. District Judge Myong Joun in Boston, who issued a preliminary injunction reversing the layoffs and calling into question the broader plan. The layoffs “will likely cripple the department,” Joun wrote. A federal appeals court refused to put the order on hold while the administration appealed.