Family identifies 4 killed in eastern Missouri house fire

DESOTO, Mo. (AP) — Family members have identified four people killed in an eastern Missouri house fire as a couple, their daughter and a granddaughter. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that those killed were 76-year-old Joe Detter and his 74-year-old wife, Frances Detter; their daughter, 37-year-old Sherri Detter; and granddaughter, 18-year-old Kari Detter. Two men…

Health care is focus as Barrett Supreme Court hearing opens

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Democrats branded Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett a threat to Americans’ health care during the coronavirus pandemic Monday at the start of a fast-tracked hearing that Republicans are confident will end with Barrett’s confirmation to replace the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg before Election Day. In a competing effort to…

Enrollment drops worry public schools as pandemic persists

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Parents around the United States are deciding whether to keep their children in public schools as the pandemic extends into a new academic year. Their choices could exacerbate the financial problems of school systems that receive state funding for every student they enroll. With preliminary attendance figures showing unexpected enrollment…