SUMMARY: The Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education approved a contract for the state‘s new education savings account (ESA) program, aiming for a March launch. The Louisiana Giving All True Opportunity Scholarship Program will replace the existing voucher system and provide flexible funding for K-12 education, allowing families to use funds for private school tuition, tutoring, and other educational expenses. The 2024-2025 budget allocates $1.8 million for this initiative, focusing on students with special needs and low-income families. Board members stressed the urgency of timely implementation to ensure students’ educational opportunities, with a commitment to inform parents about the program.

Read the full article

The post Louisiana education board approves ESA program contract | Louisiana appeared first on www.thecentersquare.com

SUMMARY: Authorities are investigating early morning fires set in ballot drop boxes in Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington. In Portland, only three ballots were damaged due to an incendiary device activating a fire suppression system. However, the drop box in Vancouver, which is located in a highly competitive congressional district, suffered significant damage as hundreds of ballots were destroyed when its fire suppression system failed. Clark County auditor Greg Kimsey noted the malfunction, leaving the cause unknown. These incidents occur during a critical period for the upcoming U.S. House elections, expected to be among the closest in the nation.

Fox 14 Your Morning News: Authorities open investigation after ballot drop boxes were set on fire

Source

SUMMARY: A man found guilty of murder awaits sentencing in court today, while concerns over voter intimidation and ballot security rise ahead of the upcoming election, especially following incidents of voting drop boxes being set ablaze. In San Antonio, light rain has been affecting the morning commute, with a chance of showers continuing throughout the day. The forecast suggests a warm day with temperatures reaching 86°F. Additionally, the ongoing search for a missing mother highlights community concerns, as local educators face increasing violence in schools. Lastly, urgent changes in airline refund policies aim to protect travelers during the busy holiday season.

The KSAT 12 News Team provides a look at local, regional, statewide and national news events and the latest information on local traffic and weather issues.

Source