Schools & Kids
Wednesday, April 8, 2026 · Lee County
UA System's $20M Push Targets Alabama Teacher Shortage
The University of Alabama System is injecting $20 million into educator preparation to battle the state's chronic teacher shortage. Facing empty classrooms from rural Black Belt counties to Birmingham suburbs, the investment aims to fast-track certifications and scholarships for future instructors. With Alabama ranking low nationally in teacher retention, this could reshape K-12 education across the Heart of Dixie.
UA Hits Record 42,360 Students, Boosting Alabama Workforce
The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa shattered enrollment records for fall 2025, welcoming 42,360 students amid a surge in top scholars and in-state talent. With over 4% more Alabama residents and a freshman class boasting 362 National Merit Scholars, UA cements its role as the state's flagship engine for education and jobs. This growth, now in its fifth straight year, signals robust momentum for higher ed across the Heart of Dixie.
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
College Football Top 25: Strengths and Potential Challenges
An objective look at the strengths and weaknesses of the top 25 college football teams. This analysis highlights potential trouble spots and areas of dominance. No projections, just facts.
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Alabama's CHOOSE Act Expands School Choice to All Families
Two years after launch, Alabama's CHOOSE Act now opens voucher-like education savings accounts to every K-12 family, fueling debates over public school funding. Gov. Kay Ivey's 2024 signature unleashed $7,000 per-child credits for private tuition and homeschooling. Critics warn of drained resources from underfunded districts like those in Birmingham and Montgomery.
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
College Football Coaching Salaries See Movement at the Top
Recent contract negotiations have altered the landscape of college football's highest-paid coaches. Curt Cignetti, Lane Kiffin, and Kirby Smart now occupy the top three positions. The deals reflect the value placed on successful leadership in the sport.
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Alabama Expands School Choice with CHOOSE Act, Federal Boost
Governor Kay Ivey has supercharged school choice in Alabama, signing the CHOOSE Act into law and a new executive order tapping federal tax credits. Families now access up to $7,000 per child for private tuition and more, sparking debate over public school funding. As the 2025-26 school year nears, parental options widen dramatically.
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Alabama Senate Adds Retiree Bonus to Teacher Pay Raise Bill
The Alabama Senate has approved House Bill 239, which delivers a 2% pay raise to public school teachers starting in fiscal year 2026-2027, while also adding a one-time bonus for retired educators. The measure, which allocates $100 million for teacher salary increases, now heads back to the House for final approval as lawmakers near the end of the legislative session.
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Alabama Senate OKs Expansion of School Choice Vouchers
The Alabama Senate has passed a bill to dramatically expand the state's school choice voucher program, opening doors for more families to fund private education. Amid fierce debates over public school funding, the measure heads to the House as supporters hail it a win for parental rights. Critics warn it could drain resources from traditional classrooms.
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
College Football Recruiting: Evaluations of Five-Star Prospects
Analyses are available for the 21 five-star players in the current recruiting class. Individual scouting reports focus on projecting their skills to the college level. Key attributes and positional fit are examined for each prospect.
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
College Basketball Transfer Impact: Bidunga to Louisville and Beyond
Several top men's college basketball transfers are poised to make an immediate impact on their new teams. Flory Bidunga's arrival at Louisville is expected to bolster their frontcourt, while other notable transfers will contribute across various programs.
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Ivey Expands Alabama School Choice with Federal Tax Credits
Gov. Kay Ivey signed an executive order Friday, thrusting Alabama into a new federal school choice program that layers tax credits atop the state's CHOOSE Act. Families could soon access scholarships for private tuition, tutoring and more, starting in 2027. The move builds on two years of state-led reforms, promising broader options for K-12 students statewide.
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Top 25 College Football Teams: Strengths and Weaknesses Overview
A look at the expected strengths and potential weaknesses of the top 25 college football teams as they navigate the season. Analysis focuses on key statistical areas and positional matchups. No predictions, just facts.
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Alabama Expands School Choice, Opens Federal Tax Credits to Families
Governor Kay Ivey has positioned Alabama at the forefront of school choice policy by signing Executive Order No. 742, allowing families to access federal education tax credits alongside the state's existing CHOOSE Act program. The dual programs now offer up to $7,000 annually for private school tuition, with income eligibility expanding in coming years.
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Auburn University Lands $3M USDA Grant for Alabama Farm Conservation
Auburn University has secured the largest $3 million grant from the USDA to revolutionize conservation on Alabama's row crop farms. Focusing on cover crops and water-smart practices, the initiative partners with farms across the state to combat nutrient runoff and boost sustainability. This funding promises agronomic, economic and environmental wins for Alabama agriculture.
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Alabama Lawmakers Finalize Record $12.4B Education Budget Boost
Alabama lawmakers have approved a historic $12.4 billion Education Trust Fund package for fiscal year 2027, including a 2% teacher pay raise and expanded pre-K access. The budget, surpassing Gov. Kay Ivey's proposal, pumps billions into K-12 classrooms, literacy initiatives and higher education amid Montgomery's push for student success. With 72% targeted at K-12, it's a generational investment for Alabama families.
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Magic Johnson Set to Inspire Tuscaloosa Grads at Stillman Commencement
NBA icon Earvin 'Magic' Johnson will deliver the commencement address at Stillman College in Tuscaloosa on May 9, 2026. The Hall of Famer's message of leadership, purpose and legacy promises to electrify the Class of 2026 as they step into their futures. 'This one's for you,' the college announced.
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Alabama Schools Surge in Reading, Math Under Mackey Leadership
Alabama public schools notched gains in reading proficiency across every grade and showed math recovery strides in 2024-25 testing, State Superintendent Eric Mackey announced. From a record 92% graduation rate to top national rankings in key areas, the state is rewriting its education story. But challenges linger in middle school math and growing English learner needs.
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Alabama Schools Surge: Historic Gains in Literacy, Math and Graduation
Alabama public schools are posting record-breaking improvements, climbing national rankings and boosting graduation rates to 92%. State Superintendent Eric Mackey and Gov. Kay Ivey hail gains fueled by literacy and numeracy acts. From Birmingham turnarounds to statewide progress, educators are reshaping the future.
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
College Basketball Transfer Portal Boom Reshapes Alabama Rosters
The college basketball transfer portal sees increased activity as more players explore options. A recent ranking identifies 60 of the top talents currently available. This development underscores the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics.
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Alabama Schools Surge in Reading, Graduation Rates, Mackey Reports
Alabama State Superintendent Eric Mackey announced broad gains in student outcomes, with reading proficiency and graduation rates climbing despite tougher standards. From Montgomery to high-poverty districts, these improvements signal momentum in the state's education overhaul. Officials credit targeted investments and innovative programs for the upward trend.
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Alabama Students' Tobacco Use Mirrors National Rise, Raising Health Concerns
A recent report in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) indicates a rise in the use of emerging tobacco products like e-cigarettes and hookahs among middle and high school students. The study highlights a trend in tobacco use within this demographic.
Wednesday, April 8, 2026