Ruth Serven Smith
@ruthservensmith.bsky.social
š¤ 2296
š„ 265
š 60
Sr Editor at
@aldotcom.bsky.social
. I sew my own clothes on IG. Proud Okie + Mizzou alum
Tommy Tuberville said heāll 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...
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Tommy Tuberville promises to release tax records, proof of Alabama residency
The Alabama GOP will hold a hearing about Tubervilleās residency later this month.
https://www.al.com/news/2026/06/tommy-tuberville-promises-to-release-tax-records-proof-of-alabama-residency.html
7 days ago
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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...
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What happens now with Alabamaās special congressional primary? āAnybodyās guessā
Republican leaders are hoping the Supreme Court allows the state to use a GOP-favored map.
https://www.al.com/news/2026/05/what-happens-now-with-alabamas-special-congressional-primary-anybodys-guess.html
11 days ago
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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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21 days ago
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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
27 days ago
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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...
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Alabama school districts stand out among US for these education gains
Researchers say the science of reading works.
https://www.al.com/educationlab/2026/05/national-reading-test-scores-are-falling-but-these-districts-show-success.html
27 days ago
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Thanks to Kim
@cnn.com
for asking me to explain Alabamaās redistricting effort (spoiler: itās complicated!!), SCOTUS and reactions from civil rights groups. See more reporting at
@al.com
. Clip:
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about 1 month ago
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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 youāre up!
about 1 month ago
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New: Tommy Tuberville received a $30,000 campaign contribution from a controversial gaming company.
www.al.com/news/2026/04...
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Alabama governorās race: Tommy Tuberville gets $30,000 donation from controversial gambling company
Alabama is one of only five states without a lottery.
https://www.al.com/news/2026/04/alabama-governors-race-tommy-tuberville-gets-30000-donation-from-controversial-gambling-company.html
2 months ago
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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...
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Alabama governorās race: Tommy Tubervilleās Florida travel subject of ethics complaint by GOP rival
An Alabama candidate for governor claims Sen. Tommy Tuberville improperly used campaign funds.
https://www.al.com/news/2026/04/alabama-governors-race-tommy-tubervilles-florida-travel-subject-of-ethics-complaint-by-gop-rival.html?gift=289fd0fc-fefb-4714-a50c-85bf4b833d0c
2 months ago
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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...
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Birmingham has 1 remaining school on āfailingā list: Inside the effort to help
Hayesā turnaround has been a community effort.
https://www.al.com/news/2026/04/birmingham-has-1-remaining-school-on-failing-list-now-they-are-turning-it-around.html?gift=1f7562ab-2be0-4b85-b6d5-3f3126326a8c
2 months ago
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Iām 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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2 months ago
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I covered a utilities committee meeting about the future of the public service commission today for
AL.com
.
#alpolitics
.
www.al.com/politics/202...
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https://www.al.com/politics/2026/02/gov-ivey-backs-psc-change-bill-would-end-elected-seats-change-to-appointed.html
4 months ago
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www.al.com/news/2025/12...
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Mountain Brook student mourned after Brown University shooting: āThere are no words,ā White House says
Ella Cook was one of two people killed at the Rhode Island college.
https://www.al.com/news/2025/12/mountain-brook-student-mourned-after-brown-university-shooting-there-are-no-words-white-house-says.html
6 months ago
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reposted by
Ruth Serven Smith
Rebecca Griesbach
7 months ago
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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reposted by
Ruth Serven Smith
Rebecca Griesbach
6 months ago
š§µ 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...
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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.
https://www.al.com/educationlab/2025/12/hispanic-students-look-for-support-as-alabama-dei-programs-vanish.html
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reposted by
Ruth Serven Smith
JD Crowe
6 months ago
Ann Bedsole tribute: Beloved Alabama trailblazer āwrote the book on getting things doneā
www.al.com/politics/202...
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reposted by
Ruth Serven Smith
Rebecca Griesbach
7 months ago
Our second story in this mini-series is out today:
www.al.com/educationlab...
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reposted by
Ruth Serven Smith
Rebecca Griesbach
7 months ago
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 stateās new CHOOSE Act:
www.al.com/educationlab...
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In Alabama, money goes to textbooks that downplay slavery, call rock music ārebellionā
The new school choice program does little to ensure the quality of private schools.
https://www.al.com/educationlab/2025/11/in-alabama-money-goes-to-textbooks-that-downplay-slavery-call-rock-music-rebellion.html
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reposted by
Ruth Serven Smith
johnedwinmason
7 months ago
"In Alabama, public money buys textbooks that downplay slavery, call rock music ārebellion.'"
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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...
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In Alabama, public money buys textbooks that downplay slavery, call rock music ārebellionā
The new school choice program does little to ensure the quality of private schools.
https://www.al.com/educationlab/2025/11/in-alabama-money-goes-to-textbooks-that-downplay-slavery-call-rock-music-rebellion.html?gift=6c75b2ea-cf38-4b82-8f8f-2f417eaac8af
7 months ago
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reposted by
Ruth Serven Smith
Katherine Knott
7 months ago
Here's what we know about today's announcement regarding the dismantling of ED
www.insidehighered.com/news/governm...
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McMahon Says āClock Is Tickingā on Education Department
Trump officials are reportedly planning to enact a number of agreements Tuesday that could send key ED responsibilities to other agencies.
https://www.insidehighered.com/news/government/student-aid-policy/2025/11/18/mcmahon-says-clock-ticking-education-department
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Iām covering education topics live today in Montgomery for
@al.com
. Weāll 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
7 months ago
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t-6 hours until virginia candidates stop texting me every 5 minutes.
7 months ago
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@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...
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Inside one new school cashing in on Alabamaās CHOOSE Act: āChanged our worldā
Peach City Academy is one of at least a dozen private and microschools that have opened in Alabama recently.
https://www.al.com/educationlab/2025/09/inside-one-new-school-cashing-in-on-alabamas-choose-act-changed-our-world.html
8 months ago
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reposted by
Ruth Serven Smith
Willi Morris
9 months ago
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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reposted by
Ruth Serven Smith
Lawprofblawg
9 months ago
West Point in the mix of academic freedom:
apnews.com/article/west...
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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...
https://apnews.com/article/west-point-lawsuit-first-amendment-professor-a4db138011c6fb9c8b445ce5a106aac2
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reposted by
Ruth Serven Smith
Liam Adams
9 months ago
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 afternoonās session will feature Rob McCoy, co-founder of TPUSA Faith.
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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...
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Alabama colleges are firing staff over Charlie Kirk comments. Itās not enough, students say
Inside the campus battle to define Charlie Kirk's legacy.
https://www.al.com/educationlab/2025/09/alabama-colleges-are-firing-staff-over-charlie-kirk-comments-its-not-enough-students-say.html?gift=977e6f00-177f-49b9-844f-983ec069e860
9 months ago
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reposted by
Ruth Serven Smith
Jay Rosen
9 months ago
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www.al.com/educationlab...
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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.
https://www.al.com/educationlab/2025/08/most-teachers-leave-their-jobs-after-3-years-this-alabama-program-aims-to-change-that.html
10 months ago
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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. āI try to be a support to the students,ā she told
@al.com
earlier this summer.
www.al.com/news/2025/08...
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Alabama immigration advocate detained by ICE in traffic stop, family says: āJust heartbreaking and discouragingā
"Her detainment is not only legally questionable ā it is morally wrong," a petition demanding her release reads.
https://www.al.com/news/2025/08/alabama-immigration-advocate-detained-by-ice-in-traffic-stop-family-says-just-heartbreaking-and-discouraging.html
10 months ago
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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...
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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.
https://www.al.com/life/2025/07/how-huntsvilles-big-music-venues-made-concerts-more-accessible-disabled-fans.html?gift=963de2ac-8af8-415b-850d-78d899910d8b
11 months ago
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reposted by
Ruth Serven Smith
Willi Morris
11 months ago
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
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Hey Birmingham! Would love to see you there!
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11 months ago
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reposted by
Ruth Serven Smith
Peter Sagal
11 months ago
Just noting for all the people who demand that the press ask Trump tough questions... well, this is what happens.
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reposted by
Ruth Serven Smith
Willi Morris
11 months ago
*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
.
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This year, the Ed Lab team is tackling the challenge of reporting on Alabama's unregulated private school market.
www.al.com/educationlab...
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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
https://www.al.com/educationlab/2025/07/how-much-does-private-school-cost-in-alabama-see-tuition-for-216-schools.html
11 months ago
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reposted by
Ruth Serven Smith
Tim Weigel
12 months ago
Some more rural areas show improvement, even!
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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...
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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.
https://www.al.com/educationlab/2025/06/alabama-students-are-getting-better-at-reading-see-how-your-school-compares.html
12 months ago
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reposted by
Ruth Serven Smith
The Brian Lehrer Show
about 1 year ago
ICYMI:
@liamknox.bsky.social
on the Trump admin & international students:
www.wnyc.org/story/the-la...
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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.
https://www.wnyc.org/story/the-latest-on-international-students-in-the-us
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why is the st louis airport listing announcements in french
about 1 year ago
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Reporters from
@apnews.com
,
@hechingerreport.org
and
@al.com
reached out to more than 50 school districts this spring to find out how Trumpās new immigration policies are impacting schools. Absenteeism and withdrawals could reshape local districts. Gift link:
www.al.com/educationlab...
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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.
https://www.al.com/educationlab/2025/05/they-crossed-the-border-for-better-schools-now-some-families-are-leaving-the-us.html?gift=48f1ddcf-e053-4147-b5ce-d858cb7acd67
about 1 year ago
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www.al.com/news/2025/04...
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Visas for 15 Auburn students, staff revoked in immigration crackdown: āPolitical ping pongā
More than 1,000 people have had their visas revoked recently.
https://www.al.com/news/2025/04/alabama-university-students-staff-see-immigration-visas-revoked-reports.html
about 1 year ago
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reposted by
Ruth Serven Smith
Rebecca Griesbach
about 1 year ago
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...
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Alabamaās āhigh needsā 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.
https://www.al.com/educationlab/2025/04/alabamas-high-needs-schools-could-get-375-million-more-in-funding-which-ones.html
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reposted by
Ruth Serven Smith
Rebecca Griesbach
about 1 year ago
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...
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Feds pull $9 million for tornado-stricken Alabama school district, reading program: āPanicā
The move is the latest in a series of efforts to minimize what the Trump administration has called āwastefulā government spending.
https://www.al.com/educationlab/2025/04/feds-pull-9-million-for-tornado-stricken-alabama-school-district-reading-program-panic.html
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reposted by
Ruth Serven Smith
Another deeply reported story about schools and immigration from
@greezbock.bsky.social
for
@aldotcom.bsky.social
: āBottom line, weāre going to welcome kids into our schools ... But that doesnāt mean that the challenges are not real, because they are.ā
www.al.com/educationlab...
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One Alabama school system responds to rise in immigration: āWhat they deserveā
More than a third of students in Albertville are English learners.
https://www.al.com/educationlab/2024/11/one-alabama-school-system-responds-to-rise-in-immigration-what-they-deserve.html
over 1 year ago
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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 denominationās broader disciplinary process.
www.tennessean.com/story/news/r...
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https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/religion/2024/11/18/presbyterian-church-america-nashville-ian-sears-ousted-denomination-ministry/75611371007/
over 1 year ago
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Another deeply reported story about schools and immigration from
@greezbock.bsky.social
for
@aldotcom.bsky.social
: āBottom line, weāre going to welcome kids into our schools ... But that doesnāt mean that the challenges are not real, because they are.ā
www.al.com/educationlab...
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One Alabama school system responds to rise in immigration: āWhat they deserveā
More than a third of students in Albertville are English learners.
https://www.al.com/educationlab/2024/11/one-alabama-school-system-responds-to-rise-in-immigration-what-they-deserve.html
over 1 year ago
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PSA: You donāt have to follow all the people you thought you āhadā to follow on other social media! Amplify with care.
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over 1 year ago
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reposted by
Ruth Serven Smith
ProPublica
over 1 year ago
This is just a small sample of our reporting team. We will continue to share our areas of interest as the news develops.
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Some Issues and Topics Our Reporters Will Be Following in a Second Trump Presidency ā and How to Get in Touch
During Donald Trumpās second presidency, ProPublica will continue our focus on the areas most in need of scrutiny. Here are some of the issues our reporters will be watching ā and how to get in touch ...
https://www.propublica.org/article/second-trump-presidency-issues-contact
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