Ruth Serven Smith
@ruthservensmith.bsky.social
Sr Editor at @aldotcom.bsky.social. I sew my own clothes on IG. Proud Okie + Mizzou alum
t-6 hours until virginia candidates stop texting me every 5 minutes.
November 4, 2025 at 4:29 PM
t-6 hours until virginia candidates stop texting me every 5 minutes.
@al.com has been exploring Alabama's dramatic expansion of school choice -- and what it means for both public and private schools. @greezbock.bsky.social visited a school that just opened and is taking tax credits. www.al.com/educationlab...
Inside one new school cashing in on Alabama’s CHOOSE Act: ‘Changed our world’
Peach City Academy is one of at least a dozen private and microschools that have opened in Alabama recently.
www.al.com
September 30, 2025 at 2:07 PM
@al.com has been exploring Alabama's dramatic expansion of school choice -- and what it means for both public and private schools. @greezbock.bsky.social visited a school that just opened and is taking tax credits. www.al.com/educationlab...
Reposted by Ruth Serven Smith
The University of Alabama is unique in heavily recruiting out of state students. I talked with a UA admin, two new students, an alum and a researcher as to what's drawing folks here. My latest for @al.com.
September 23, 2025 at 5:18 PM
The University of Alabama is unique in heavily recruiting out of state students. I talked with a UA admin, two new students, an alum and a researcher as to what's drawing folks here. My latest for @al.com.
Reposted by Ruth Serven Smith
Reposted by Ruth Serven Smith
At World Outreach Church in Murfreesboro for the Culture & Christianity Conference.
Charlie Kirk had been scheduled to speak at this summit, so expecting a lot of references to Kirk. This afternoon’s session will feature Rob McCoy, co-founder of TPUSA Faith.
Charlie Kirk had been scheduled to speak at this summit, so expecting a lot of references to Kirk. This afternoon’s session will feature Rob McCoy, co-founder of TPUSA Faith.
September 19, 2025 at 6:31 PM
At World Outreach Church in Murfreesboro for the Culture & Christianity Conference.
Charlie Kirk had been scheduled to speak at this summit, so expecting a lot of references to Kirk. This afternoon’s session will feature Rob McCoy, co-founder of TPUSA Faith.
Charlie Kirk had been scheduled to speak at this summit, so expecting a lot of references to Kirk. This afternoon’s session will feature Rob McCoy, co-founder of TPUSA Faith.
I spoke with students across Alabama who considered Charlie Kirk to be a mentor and role model. I asked them what they think should happen next. www.al.com/educationlab...
Alabama colleges are firing staff over Charlie Kirk comments. It’s not enough, students say
Inside the campus battle to define Charlie Kirk's legacy.
www.al.com
September 18, 2025 at 5:04 PM
I spoke with students across Alabama who considered Charlie Kirk to be a mentor and role model. I asked them what they think should happen next. www.al.com/educationlab...
Reposted by Ruth Serven Smith
Gio Martinez was pulled over for going 1 mile over the speed limit.
She is an Alabama social worker who helped local students plan next steps in life.
“I try to be a support to the students,” she told @al.com earlier this summer.
www.al.com/news/2025/08...
She is an Alabama social worker who helped local students plan next steps in life.
“I try to be a support to the students,” she told @al.com earlier this summer.
www.al.com/news/2025/08...
Alabama immigration advocate detained by ICE in traffic stop, family says: ‘Just heartbreaking and discouraging’
"Her detainment is not only legally questionable — it is morally wrong," a petition demanding her release reads.
www.al.com
August 7, 2025 at 4:25 PM
Gio Martinez was pulled over for going 1 mile over the speed limit.
She is an Alabama social worker who helped local students plan next steps in life.
“I try to be a support to the students,” she told @al.com earlier this summer.
www.al.com/news/2025/08...
She is an Alabama social worker who helped local students plan next steps in life.
“I try to be a support to the students,” she told @al.com earlier this summer.
www.al.com/news/2025/08...
Neat story by @mattwake.bsky.social about ways some Alabama entertainment venues are working to make concerts more accessible for everyone who wants to jam. #accessability #ada #disabilityawareness
Gift link: www.al.com/life/2025/07...
Gift link: www.al.com/life/2025/07...
How Huntsville music venues make concerts more awesome for fans with disabilities
Local fans and musicians and Orion Amphitheater and Von Braun Center reps on making live music a great experience for everyone.
www.al.com
July 17, 2025 at 7:12 PM
Neat story by @mattwake.bsky.social about ways some Alabama entertainment venues are working to make concerts more accessible for everyone who wants to jam. #accessability #ada #disabilityawareness
Gift link: www.al.com/life/2025/07...
Gift link: www.al.com/life/2025/07...
Reposted by Ruth Serven Smith
If you will be affected by the termination of Grad PLUS loans (or any financial aid change in the budget bill) and attending an Alabama college, hit me up! wmorris@al.com
Looking to find stories of how students will overcome the deficit. #JournoRequest
Looking to find stories of how students will overcome the deficit. #JournoRequest
a man in a suit says " and i need you " in a dark room
ALT: a man in a suit says " and i need you " in a dark room
media.tenor.com
July 11, 2025 at 3:33 PM
If you will be affected by the termination of Grad PLUS loans (or any financial aid change in the budget bill) and attending an Alabama college, hit me up! wmorris@al.com
Looking to find stories of how students will overcome the deficit. #JournoRequest
Looking to find stories of how students will overcome the deficit. #JournoRequest
Hey Birmingham! Would love to see you there!
Join us for this free storytelling event! Free ticket link and more info available here: https://www.al.com/news/birmingham/2025/07/alcom-journalists-birmingham-poet-to-host-night-of-storytelling-birmingham-dreams.html
July 15, 2025 at 5:50 PM
Hey Birmingham! Would love to see you there!
Reposted by Ruth Serven Smith
Just noting for all the people who demand that the press ask Trump tough questions... well, this is what happens.
REPORTER: Yesterday you said you were not sure who ordered the munitions ordered to Ukraine. Have you figured it out?
TRUMP: I haven't though about it
REPORTER: What does it say that such a decision could be made without you knowing?
TRUMP: I would know. If a decision was made I will know.
TRUMP: I haven't though about it
REPORTER: What does it say that such a decision could be made without you knowing?
TRUMP: I would know. If a decision was made I will know.
July 9, 2025 at 5:56 PM
Just noting for all the people who demand that the press ask Trump tough questions... well, this is what happens.
Reposted by Ruth Serven Smith
*Only* at @al.com: a comprehensive list of tuition data for more than 200 Alabama private schools.
A labor of love I'm elated to see published. With in-depth reporting from @greezbock.bsky.social.
A labor of love I'm elated to see published. With in-depth reporting from @greezbock.bsky.social.
This year, the Ed Lab team is tackling the challenge of reporting on Alabama's unregulated private school market.
www.al.com/educationlab...
www.al.com/educationlab...
How much does private school cost in Alabama? See tuition for 216 schools
Even if a family can afford a local private school, it may be tough to claim a seat
www.al.com
July 8, 2025 at 2:23 PM
*Only* at @al.com: a comprehensive list of tuition data for more than 200 Alabama private schools.
A labor of love I'm elated to see published. With in-depth reporting from @greezbock.bsky.social.
A labor of love I'm elated to see published. With in-depth reporting from @greezbock.bsky.social.
This year, the Ed Lab team is tackling the challenge of reporting on Alabama's unregulated private school market.
www.al.com/educationlab...
www.al.com/educationlab...
How much does private school cost in Alabama? See tuition for 216 schools
Even if a family can afford a local private school, it may be tough to claim a seat
www.al.com
July 8, 2025 at 12:55 PM
This year, the Ed Lab team is tackling the challenge of reporting on Alabama's unregulated private school market.
www.al.com/educationlab...
www.al.com/educationlab...
Reposted by Ruth Serven Smith
Some more rural areas show improvement, even!
After several years of reporting on literacy efforts in Alabama, it's great to be able to publish good news. Story by @greezbock.bsky.social for @al.com : www.al.com/educationlab...
11 Alabama schools achieve perfect reading rates. See how your school compares
Reading on grade level means a student is confident with longer blocks of text.
www.al.com
June 16, 2025 at 6:24 PM
Some more rural areas show improvement, even!
After several years of reporting on literacy efforts in Alabama, it's great to be able to publish good news. Story by @greezbock.bsky.social for @al.com : www.al.com/educationlab...
11 Alabama schools achieve perfect reading rates. See how your school compares
Reading on grade level means a student is confident with longer blocks of text.
www.al.com
June 16, 2025 at 3:45 PM
After several years of reporting on literacy efforts in Alabama, it's great to be able to publish good news. Story by @greezbock.bsky.social for @al.com : www.al.com/educationlab...
Reposted by Ruth Serven Smith
ICYMI: @liamknox.bsky.social on the Trump admin & international students:
www.wnyc.org/story/the-la...
www.wnyc.org/story/the-la...
The Latest on International Students in the US | The Brian Lehrer Show | WNYC
Reporter Liam Knox reports on the latest on that plus the dispute between the administration and Harvard over enrolling foreign students.
www.wnyc.org
May 30, 2025 at 7:11 PM
ICYMI: @liamknox.bsky.social on the Trump admin & international students:
www.wnyc.org/story/the-la...
www.wnyc.org/story/the-la...
why is the st louis airport listing announcements in french
May 31, 2025 at 7:22 PM
why is the st louis airport listing announcements in french
Reporters from @apnews.com, @hechingerreport.org and @al.com reached out to more than 50 school districts this spring to find out how Trump’s new immigration policies are impacting schools.
Absenteeism and withdrawals could reshape local districts.
Gift link: www.al.com/educationlab...
Absenteeism and withdrawals could reshape local districts.
Gift link: www.al.com/educationlab...
They crossed the border for better schools. Now, families, students are leaving the US
Around the United States, immigrant families are considering whether to stay or self-deport.
www.al.com
May 21, 2025 at 1:59 PM
Reporters from @apnews.com, @hechingerreport.org and @al.com reached out to more than 50 school districts this spring to find out how Trump’s new immigration policies are impacting schools.
Absenteeism and withdrawals could reshape local districts.
Gift link: www.al.com/educationlab...
Absenteeism and withdrawals could reshape local districts.
Gift link: www.al.com/educationlab...
Reposted by Ruth Serven Smith
Alabama lawmakers are putting a price tag on a new school funding model. If the budget passes, the state plans to send $100 million to high-needs schools in 2025-26 and will increase amounts in future years.
www.al.com/educationlab...
www.al.com/educationlab...
Alabama’s ‘high needs’ schools could get $375 million more in funding: Which ones?
The program could send more money to schools with lots of English learners, students with disabilities and students in poverty.
www.al.com
April 9, 2025 at 6:34 PM
Alabama lawmakers are putting a price tag on a new school funding model. If the budget passes, the state plans to send $100 million to high-needs schools in 2025-26 and will increase amounts in future years.
www.al.com/educationlab...
www.al.com/educationlab...
Reposted by Ruth Serven Smith
The Trump Administration has pulled hundreds of millions of dollars in unspent federal pandemic relief money from public schools. Alabama's Selma City Schools, recently struck by a deadly tornado, was one of them.
www.al.com/educationlab...
www.al.com/educationlab...
Feds pull $9 million for tornado-stricken Alabama school district, reading program: ‘Panic’
The move is the latest in a series of efforts to minimize what the Trump administration has called “wasteful” government spending.
www.al.com
April 14, 2025 at 8:13 PM
The Trump Administration has pulled hundreds of millions of dollars in unspent federal pandemic relief money from public schools. Alabama's Selma City Schools, recently struck by a deadly tornado, was one of them.
www.al.com/educationlab...
www.al.com/educationlab...
Reposted by Ruth Serven Smith
Another deeply reported story about schools and immigration from @greezbock.bsky.social for @aldotcom.bsky.social: “Bottom line, we’re going to welcome kids into our schools ... But that doesn’t mean that the challenges are not real, because they are.” www.al.com/educationlab...
One Alabama school system responds to rise in immigration: ‘What they deserve’
More than a third of students in Albertville are English learners.
www.al.com
November 15, 2024 at 3:57 PM
Another deeply reported story about schools and immigration from @greezbock.bsky.social for @aldotcom.bsky.social: “Bottom line, we’re going to welcome kids into our schools ... But that doesn’t mean that the challenges are not real, because they are.” www.al.com/educationlab...
Important story from
@liamsadams.bsky.social
on the #pcaga: A pastor has been barred from ministry after an investigation into abuse, with implications for the denomination’s broader disciplinary process. www.tennessean.com/story/news/r...
@liamsadams.bsky.social
on the #pcaga: A pastor has been barred from ministry after an investigation into abuse, with implications for the denomination’s broader disciplinary process. www.tennessean.com/story/news/r...
www.tennessean.com
November 18, 2024 at 3:48 PM
Important story from
@liamsadams.bsky.social
on the #pcaga: A pastor has been barred from ministry after an investigation into abuse, with implications for the denomination’s broader disciplinary process. www.tennessean.com/story/news/r...
@liamsadams.bsky.social
on the #pcaga: A pastor has been barred from ministry after an investigation into abuse, with implications for the denomination’s broader disciplinary process. www.tennessean.com/story/news/r...