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Ruth Serven Smith

@ruthservensmith.bsky.social
2.3K followers 265 following 75 posts

Sr Editor at @aldotcom.bsky.social. I sew my own clothes on IG. Proud Okie + Mizzou alum

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Ruth Serven Smith @ruthservensmith.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
I spoke with some operatives around Alabama yesterday who noted that some Republicans running for office have smaller margins than they would like. A Trump visit isn’t expected to help much. Gift link— www.al.com/news/2026/09...
al.com
Will Trump’s visit help Alabama Republicans? Some in GOP worry about close contests
Trump promised to fix the economy, but many American voters are worried about costs.
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Scott Nover @scottnover.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
SCOOP: Justifying its ban of Politico, the White House said the news outlet used anonymous quotes from a "senior administration official." But those quotes were provided to Politico and other outlets by the White House during a background briefing. www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...
washingtonpost.com
The White House cited anonymous quotes in Politico ban. It was the source.
In a letter defending its ban of Politico, the White House critiqued a report based on a press call it conducted, where reporters were told not to name the speaker
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Sara Weissman @saraweissman.insidehighered.com · 12/08/2026
After more than two decades at the helm of the United Negro College Fund, Michael L. Lomax looks back at his career advocating for historically Black colleges and universities. Our conversation:
insidehighered.com
Departing UNCF President Reflects on How HBCUs Have Changed
After more than two decades at the helm of the United Negro College Fund, Michael L. Lomax looks back at his career advocating for historically Black colleges and universities.
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Ruth Serven Smith @ruthservensmith.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Alabama wasn't the main story for most election coverage last night, but as I told folks on a national livecast, it's certainly a story worth watching -- Gift link: www.al.com/news/2026/08...
al.com
GOP’s fight to retake Alabama Congressional seat could be ‘the most watched’ race of 2026 election
Rhett Marques said his race against Shomari Figures will "be one of the most highly contested races in the country."
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Ruth Serven Smith @ruthservensmith.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Polls close at 7pm Central in Alabama, where we’re waiting to finalize the matchup in AL-2, subject to crash redistricting earlier this year. Republicans want to flip the seat currently held by Rep. Shomari Figures. www.al.com/news/2026/08...
al.com
Low voter turnout expected as Alabama Republicans decide who will fight to unseat Shomari Figures
Six Republicans are running for the nomination in the southeast Alabama district.
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AL.com @al.com · 10/08/2026
Republicans will choose their nominee for the 2nd Congressional District, who will face Figures in November, in a special primary Aug. 11.
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Christina Samuels @casamuels.bsky.social · 09/08/2026
More people should be paying attention to this.There's a 60 day comment period (ends midnight 10/6) for this proposed Head Start overhaul. There may be ideas here you like, some you don't like - you have a chance to let the administration know: hechingerreport.org/it-wouldnt-b...
hechingerreport.org
‘It wouldn’t be Head Start anymore:’ Providers blast federal proposal to alter preschool program
The Trump administration would loosen mandates on class sizes, expulsion policies and teacher-student ratios
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Ruth Serven Smith @ruthservensmith.bsky.social · 09/08/2026
New— I spoke with voters in an Alabama county crucial to the fight over a seat in Congress, who said data centers have convinced them to vote Democrat in November. Gift link— www.al.com/news/2026/08...
al.com
In rural Alabama, voters feel sold out to massive data centers: ‘Slap in the face’
These Alabama conservatives are mad enough to switch sides in one of the nation’s most important elections.
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Phil Lewis @phillewis.bsky.social · 09/08/2026
Wrote about the passing of Robert Mason, an unsung hero who helped hundreds of thousands of students apply for HBCUs nationwide. He was 66
huffpost.com
Robert Mason, HBCU Advocate Who Helped Countless Black Students ‘Realize Their Full Potential,’ Dies At 66
The Common Black College Application has demystified the admissions process for hundreds of thousands of Black students since 1998.
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Ruth Serven Smith @ruthservensmith.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
New— Bobby Singleton elected chairman of Alabama’s state Democratic party by wide majority, defeating Randy Kelley, who was supported by longtime party boss Joe Reed. www.al.com/news/2026/08...
al.com
Alabama Democrats elect new party chair: ‘Build our party from the ground up’
Democrats have been deeply divided in recent years.
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Ruth Serven Smith @ruthservensmith.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
Covering Alabama’s state Democratic Party meeting today in Montgomery. Key question: Can the party dig out of years of dysfunction, low fundraising, poor candidate recruitment? The national DNC has also asked it to clean up internal party elections.
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johnedwinmason @johnedwinmason.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
Ruth is one of the best journalists I've ever met. When she talks about internet hoaxes, the crisis in the news biz, & seriously bad actors, pay attention. 👇🏽
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Ruth Serven Smith @ruthservensmith.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
Quick story from me: Tommy Tuberville is building an "action team" of people who will shape his first moves as governor. One of the group's focuses is streamlining state govt -- and it includes people with a background in correctional healthcare, oil and tax credits. www.al.com/news/2026/07...
al.com
Tuberville announces team to ‘clean up’ Alabama government, find waste
The team is reviewing state agencies and developing personnel, spending, and policy priorities.
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Ruth Serven Smith @ruthservensmith.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
New from me and @hdenham.bsky.social -- As more local governments in Alabama rush to restrict new data centers, some Democrats are calling for a statewide ban – at least temporarily. Gift link -- www.al.com/politics/202...
al.com
2 Alabama candidates call for halt to new data centers: ‘Let’s put a pause on this’
So far, temporary bans on data centers in Alabama have been at the city level. But pressure is growing for action from the state.
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Ruth Serven Smith @ruthservensmith.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
The local newspapers all are real… but the reporter claiming they have been systematically bought up and killed appears to be fake. As Joshua Benton at Nieman found, it’s pretty easy to convince people that local news is dead and dying— but we’re very much alive.
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Ruth Serven Smith @ruthservensmith.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
Tommy Tuberville said he’ll release records that prove he has lived in Alabama since 2019. An opponent has asked for state income tax records. Link: www.al.com/news/2026/06...
al.com
Tommy Tuberville promises to release tax records, proof of Alabama residency
The Alabama GOP will hold a hearing about Tuberville’s residency later this month.
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Ruth Serven Smith @ruthservensmith.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
Today is the deadline for Alabama to certify results of its May 19 primary, but the state won't certify results for 4 congressional districts. Election officials outlined a tight timeline for making changes to ballots before an August special primary. www.al.com/news/2026/05...
al.com
What happens now with Alabama’s special congressional primary? ‘Anybody’s guess’
Republican leaders are hoping the Supreme Court allows the state to use a GOP-favored map.
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Ruth Serven Smith @ruthservensmith.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
Covering Alabama primary elections and what they mean for the state and US midterms today for @al.com. See live updates on line and check back for results tonight. #alpolitics
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Ruth Serven Smith @ruthservensmith.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
Nice turn of phrase from John Sharp at @al.com about the crazy redistricting situation here in Alabama -- candidates are still running in "ghost" districts on May 19 ballots. Those votes will be void, per SOS, and August special elections will decide 4 congressional seats. #alpolitics
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Ruth Serven Smith @ruthservensmith.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
Birmingham is one of several Alabama school districts national researchers say are "on the rise" after improvements in math, reading in recent years. Glad to contribute to this piece with @APNews colleagues -- www.al.com/educationlab...
al.com
Alabama school districts stand out among US for these education gains
Researchers say the science of reading works.
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Ruth Serven Smith @ruthservensmith.bsky.social · 03/05/2026
Thanks to Kim @cnn.com for asking me to explain Alabama’s redistricting effort (spoiler: it’s complicated!!), SCOTUS and reactions from civil rights groups. See more reporting at @al.com. Clip:
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Ruth Serven Smith @ruthservensmith.bsky.social · 03/05/2026
Good morning Alabama! Planning to go on CNN shortly to discuss redistricting and the outcome of the Callais decision and our reporting from @al.com. Tune in if you’re up!
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Ruth Serven Smith @ruthservensmith.bsky.social · 07/04/2026
New: Tommy Tuberville received a $30,000 campaign contribution from a controversial gaming company. www.al.com/news/2026/04...
al.com
Alabama governor’s race: Tommy Tuberville gets $30,000 donation from controversial gambling company
Alabama is one of only five states without a lottery.
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Ruth Serven Smith @ruthservensmith.bsky.social · 06/04/2026
One of Tommy Tuberville's GOP challengers for Alabama governor has filed an ethics complaint, saying the Senator improperly spent campaign money in Florida. Gift link: www.al.com/news/2026/04...
al.com
Alabama governor’s race: Tommy Tuberville’s Florida travel subject of ethics complaint by GOP rival
An Alabama candidate for governor claims Sen. Tommy Tuberville improperly used campaign funds.
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Ruth Serven Smith @ruthservensmith.bsky.social · 04/04/2026
It was great to be back inside a school and get a feel for a few of the things that are contributing to improvements in Birmingham City Schools: 1. Taking attendance seriously. 2. Students who want to be in the building. 3. Community partnerships. Gift link for @al.com: www.al.com/news/2026/04...
al.com
Birmingham has 1 remaining school on ‘failing’ list: Inside the effort to help
Hayes’ turnaround has been a community effort.
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Ruth Serven Smith @ruthservensmith.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
I’m stopping by Hayes K-8 in Birmingham city schools this morning to check on a new learning lab and the turnaround effort at this school. Check back for more coverage later @al.com.
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Ruth Serven Smith @ruthservensmith.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
I covered a utilities committee meeting about the future of the public service commission today for AL.com . #alpolitics. www.al.com/politics/202...
al.com
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Ruth Serven Smith @ruthservensmith.bsky.social · 15/12/2025
www.al.com/news/2025/12...
al.com
Mountain Brook student mourned after Brown University shooting: ‘There are no words,’ White House says
Ella Cook was one of two people killed at the Rhode Island college.
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Rebecca Griesbach @greezbock.bsky.social · 20/11/2025
Our CHOOSE coverage has been a huge team effort. More on tuition trends, policy questions and future outlooks here: bsky.app/profile/gree...
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Rebecca Griesbach @greezbock.bsky.social · 04/12/2025
🧵 For some students, Alabama is a uniquely challenging state to pursue a college degree. Thanks to a grant from @edwriters.bsky.social, I was able to spend the past year speaking with 20+ Latino students and staff about how they're navigating higher ed today. www.al.com/educationlab...
al.com
Latino college students look for support as Alabama DEI programs vanish
Hispanic and Latino students are about 15% less likely than their peers to go to college.
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JD Crowe @crowejam.bsky.social · 04/12/2025
Ann Bedsole tribute: Beloved Alabama trailblazer ‘wrote the book on getting things done’ www.al.com/politics/202...
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Rebecca Griesbach @greezbock.bsky.social · 21/11/2025
Our second story in this mini-series is out today: www.al.com/educationlab...
al.com
Startups, out-of-state vendors are cashing in on Alabama school choice money
Alabama is appealing to companies that want to profit from state-funded vouchers
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Rebecca Griesbach @greezbock.bsky.social · 20/11/2025
In Alabama, millions of dollars in taxpayer money are going to private schools that teach that humans lived among dinosaurs, and that rock music and mental health conditions are signs of rebellion. Our latest story on the rollout of the state’s new CHOOSE Act: www.al.com/educationlab...
al.com
In Alabama, money goes to textbooks that downplay slavery, call rock music ‘rebellion’
The new school choice program does little to ensure the quality of private schools.
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johnedwinmason @johnedwinmason.bsky.social · 20/11/2025
"In Alabama, public money buys textbooks that downplay slavery, call rock music ‘rebellion.'"
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Ruth Serven Smith @ruthservensmith.bsky.social · 20/11/2025
Really glad to share this reporting from @greezbock.bsky.social out of Alabama for @al.com. It was fun to edit. www.al.com/educationlab...
al.com
In Alabama, public money buys textbooks that downplay slavery, call rock music ‘rebellion’
The new school choice program does little to ensure the quality of private schools.
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Katherine Knott @knottkatherine.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
Here's what we know about today's announcement regarding the dismantling of ED www.insidehighered.com/news/governm...
insidehighered.com
McMahon Says “Clock Is Ticking” on Education Department
Trump officials are reportedly planning to enact a number of agreements Tuesday that could send key ED responsibilities to other agencies.
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Ruth Serven Smith @ruthservensmith.bsky.social · 13/11/2025
I’m covering education topics live today in Montgomery for @al.com . We’ll hear about state report card results today and already saw a a slate of schools honored for boosting AP test scores via a ALSDE/ A+ Education Partnership program
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Ruth Serven Smith @ruthservensmith.bsky.social · 04/11/2025
t-6 hours until virginia candidates stop texting me every 5 minutes.
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Ruth Serven Smith @ruthservensmith.bsky.social · 30/09/2025
@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...
al.com
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.
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Willi Morris @williesha.bsky.social · 23/09/2025
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.
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Lawprofblawg @lawprofblawg.bsky.social · 23/09/2025
West Point in the mix of academic freedom: apnews.com/article/west...
apnews.com
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...
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Liam Adams @liamsadams.bsky.social · 19/09/2025
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 · 18/09/2025
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...
al.com
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.
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Jay Rosen @jayrosen.bsky.social · 10/09/2025
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Ruth Serven Smith @ruthservensmith.bsky.social · 13/08/2025
www.al.com/educationlab...
al.com
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.
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Ruth Serven Smith @ruthservensmith.bsky.social · 07/08/2025
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...
al.com
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.
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Ruth Serven Smith @ruthservensmith.bsky.social · 17/07/2025
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...
al.com
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.
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Willi Morris @williesha.bsky.social · 11/07/2025
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
media.tenor.com
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
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Ruth Serven Smith @ruthservensmith.bsky.social · 15/07/2025
Hey Birmingham! Would love to see you there!
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Peter Sagal @petersagal.bsky.social · 09/07/2025
Just noting for all the people who demand that the press ask Trump tough questions... well, this is what happens.
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