Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Ruth Serven Smith @ruthservensmith.bsky.social · 8d

@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

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Reposted by Ruth Serven Smith

Willi Morris @williesha.bsky.social · 15d

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.

AL.com @al.com · 16d

🔗: https://www.al.com/news/2025/09/more-out-of-state-students-are-calling-the-university-of-alabama-home-at-peace.html

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Reposted by Ruth Serven Smith

Lawprofblawg @lawprofblawg.bsky.social · 15d

West Point in the mix of academic freedom:

apnews.com/article/west...

West Point is violating the First Amendment with a crackdown on professors, lawsuit says

A law professor at West Point has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Military Academy, saying it violates the First Amendment by banning professors' opinions in the classroom and restricting certain boo...

apnews.com

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Reposted by Ruth Serven Smith

Liam Adams @liamsadams.bsky.social · 19d

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.

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Ruth Serven Smith @ruthservensmith.bsky.social · 19d

Thanks for reading!

Ruth Serven Smith @ruthservensmith.bsky.social · 20d

Thanks John!

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Ruth Serven Smith @ruthservensmith.bsky.social · 20d

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

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Reposted by Ruth Serven Smith

Jay Rosen @jayrosen.bsky.social · 28d

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Ruth Serven Smith @ruthservensmith.bsky.social · Aug 13

www.al.com/educationlab...

Many teachers leave their jobs after 3 years. This Alabama school aims to change that

Birmingham schools faced record shortages in 2021 and 2022, often scrambling to hire staff weeks into the new school year.

www.al.com

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Ruth Serven Smith @ruthservensmith.bsky.social · Aug 7

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...

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

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Ruth Serven Smith @ruthservensmith.bsky.social · Jul 23

It's been great to learn how my AL.com colleagues conquer web traffic. Living in one of the less-populated and less-wealthy states, but conducting best-in-class journalism? Hell yeah

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Ruth Serven Smith @ruthservensmith.bsky.social · Jul 17

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...

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

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Reposted by Ruth Serven Smith

Willi Morris @williesha.bsky.social · Jul 11

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! [email protected]

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

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Ruth Serven Smith @ruthservensmith.bsky.social · Jul 15

Hey Birmingham! Would love to see you there!

AL.com @al.com · Jul 15

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

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Reposted by Ruth Serven Smith

Peter Sagal @petersagal.bsky.social · Jul 9

Just noting for all the people who demand that the press ask Trump tough questions... well, this is what happens.

Aaron Rupar @atrupar.com · Jul 9

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.

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Ruth Serven Smith @ruthservensmith.bsky.social · Jul 8

You could be. It's up to DOR to decide whether the stated use + education service provider is allowed in the regulation. We're trying to parse out some of those use cases and see whether anyone is being allowed to use them. I'll pass that one along.

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Reposted by Ruth Serven Smith

Willi Morris @williesha.bsky.social · Jul 8

*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.

Ruth Serven Smith @ruthservensmith.bsky.social · Jul 8

This year, the Ed Lab team is tackling the challenge of reporting on Alabama's unregulated private school market.

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

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Ruth Serven Smith @ruthservensmith.bsky.social · Jul 8

Here's that longer story. www.al.com/educationlab...

How a new $7,000 tax credit will reshape school choice, education in Alabama: ‘Balancing act’

There has been intense demand for new school choice options, but oversight remains unclear.

www.al.com

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Ruth Serven Smith @ruthservensmith.bsky.social · Jul 8

Thanks for reading! Send tips and questions!

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Ruth Serven Smith @ruthservensmith.bsky.social · Jul 8

This reporting lays the foundation for transparency and accountability with public dollars. And it gives parents the information they need to make critical decisions about their children's future. Stay tuned for more, plus a great in-depth story today from Rebecca Griesbach.

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Ruth Serven Smith @ruthservensmith.bsky.social · Jul 8

Education journalism is evolving. With Alabama's massive school choice expansion (and something similar looming nationwide), covering only public schools no longer serves our readers.

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Ruth Serven Smith @ruthservensmith.bsky.social · Jul 8

This year, the Ed Lab team is tackling the challenge of reporting on Alabama's unregulated private school market.

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

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Reposted by Ruth Serven Smith

Tim Weigel @timweigel.bsky.social · Jun 16

Some more rural areas show improvement, even!

Ruth Serven Smith @ruthservensmith.bsky.social · Jun 16

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

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Ruth Serven Smith @ruthservensmith.bsky.social · Jun 16

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

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Reposted by Ruth Serven Smith

The Brian Lehrer Show @thebrianlehrershow.bsky.social · May 30

ICYMI: @liamknox.bsky.social on the Trump admin & international students:

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

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