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Gov. Kay Ivey reaffirms support for educational savings accounts – Alabama Reflector

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Gov. Kay Ivey reaffirms support for educational savings accounts – Alabama Reflector


Gov. Kay Ivey Monday reaffirmed her support for creating education savings accounts at a rally on the Alabama State Capitol steps on Monday. 

But Ivey and other speakers gave few details of what they would support on the issue, which has already drawn pushback from State Schools Superintendent Eric Mackey and other educators in the state. 

“It will be sustainable, responsible and it’s how we will shape the future of education in Alabama,” Ivey told several dozen people at a rally for “School Choice Week,” a push to expand nontraditional public schools and publicly-funded private school options. 

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Education savings accounts are similar to vouchers in that they allow the use of money originally intended for public schools to be used for other items, including private school tuition. Vouchers send the money to an educational institution that the student attends. Education savings accounts go to the parents, who can use it for any number of services, including tuition, tutoring and counseling. 

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Ivey made expansion of education options a priority in last year’s legislative session. The Alabama Legislature passed legislation expanding the Alabama Accountability Act, a scholarship program allowing students in low-performing schools to qualify for scholarships to private schools. 

The governor told the crowd that her “top priority is ensuring education savings accounts bill crosses the finish line.” 

What emerges from the session will be up to the Legislature, and likely Rep. Danny Garrett, R-Trussville and Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, the chairs of the legislative committees overseeing the Education Trust Fund budget, which would fund any type of Education Savings Account. Messages seeking comment were left with Orr and Garrett on Monday morning; neither man could be seen at Monday’s rally. 

Sen. Larry Stutts, R-Tuscumbia, filed an expansive education savings account bill last year, which would have allowed roughly $6,900 to follow a student. The bill, filed late in the session, did not become law. 

Rep. Ernie Yarbrough, R-Trinity, who filed a House version of Stutts’ bill, said Monday that he also supported an expansive education savings account option. 

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“It brings the free market back to education,” he said.

Stutts and Yarbrough tend to be some of the most conservative members of the Republican supermajority Legislature.

Yarbrough lined out his plans for “true school choice:” universal for all students; flexible spending ability; protects autonomy of private and home schools, while making traditional public schools’ curriculum transparent and is not an “attempt” to increase government spending.

“I believe that true school choice does not increase the size or scope of government,” he said. 

The bill has not been filed as of Monday morning.

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Students and parents spoke about their own experiences with education options in the state at the rally also.

June Henninger, a fifth grade student at the private Montgomery Christian School, said that she benefited from her experience at the school. She said she was grateful for her education and her teachers.

“I’m ready for my next school of my choice,” she said.

Montgomery Christian School students are on scholarships through donations and from scholarships from the Alabama Accountability Act.

“School choice” can refer to a number of things, namely charter schools, vouchers and/ or education savings accounts.

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At the January State Board of Education board meeting and work session, State Superintendent Eric Mackey said that he would want the money to go to schools and would require accountability.



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‘We Will Never Forget’: Police End 40-Day Search for Remains of South Alabama 2-Year-Old

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‘We Will Never Forget’: Police End 40-Day Search for Remains of South Alabama 2-Year-Old


The Enterprise Police Department announced Monday that a 40-day search of the Coffee County Landfill for the remains of 2-year-old Genesis Reid has concluded without locating her remains.

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During a news conference on July 13, the Enterprise Police Department said the search operation, which began May 7, involved federal, state, county and municipal law enforcement agencies, forensic experts, volunteers and support personnel from across Alabama.

According to police, investigators developed evidence that led them to believe Genesis’ mother, Adrienne Reid, murdered Genesis on Christmas night 2025, removed her from an apartment and later disposed of her body. Police said Reid reported Genesis missing 53 days after her death, which investigators said affected the timeline of the investigation.

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Authorities said the landfill search was based on evidence that led investigators to believe Genesis had been placed in a dumpster at the apartment complex. The search continued for 40 working days and included approximately 10 million pounds of landfill material, according to police.

Investigators said teams examined more than 20,000 non-human bones and inspected numerous bags and other materials during the operation. Officials said the search area was reviewed and cleared by experts before landfill operations concluded on July 10.

Police said the search did not locate Genesis’ remains but emphasized that the operation was conducted thoroughly based on the evidence available at the time.

“The landfill search answered one important question,” police said during the news conference. “It strongly indicates that Genesis was not located in the specific area of interest that would have been believed to be associated with landfill operations.”

The department said the investigation will continue, with the focus now shifting toward court proceedings and efforts to seek justice for Genesis.

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Police also expressed appreciation to the agencies, volunteers, local organizations and community members who assisted with the search effort.

“Although our search has concluded, our commitment to Genesis has not,” police said. “We will continue to pursue justice, we will continue to seek the truth, and we will never forget this precious child.”



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One Critically Injured, Self-Defense Possible Motive In Tuscaloosa Gas Station Shooting

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One Critically Injured, Self-Defense Possible Motive In Tuscaloosa Gas Station Shooting


“After interviewing witnesses and processing the scene for physical evidence, initial investigation shows that the shooting may have been in self-defense during a possible robbery attempt,” he said. “Surveillance video from the business corroborates the witness statements. At this time no one has been charged, but the investigation is ongoing”

This is a developing story. Tuscaloosa Patch will have more information as it becomes available.





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The positions Alabama football will continue to recruit in the 2027 recruiting class

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The positions Alabama football will continue to recruit in the 2027 recruiting class




Alabama football’s 2027 recruiting class holds commitments from 13 2027 recruits with summer official visits behind them.

The Crimson Tide holds commitments from two quarterbacks, two running backs, two tight ends, one wide receiver, one offensive lineman, two edges, one defensive lineman, one defensive back and a kicker.

With the Tide expected to add a few more players to this class, here is a look at three positions Alabama will likely continue to recruit 2027 prospects at:

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Wide Receiver

Osani Gayles is currently the only wide receiver verbally committed to the Crimson Tide. Alabama would love to grab a commitment from Monshun Sales later this month, but the Tide is not considered to be the favorite to land the five-star less than a week out from his Friday decision. Alabama recently offered Jalijah Rutledge out of Moody High School. Rutledge is a 2027 wide receiver, and he is committed to App State. Before Rutledge announced his offer, Alabama made a strong push for Cedrick Simmons, who eventually committed to Auburn. The Tide wants to add at least one more wideout to this class to pair with Gayles.

Linebacker

Alabama does not have an inside linebacker commit, but the Tide did make a significant push for several off-the-ball linebackers before they committed to other programs. It would not be a surprise if Alabama makes a push for an inside linebacker committed elsewhere or offers a prospect who puts some good film together and flashes potential to start their senior season. Alabama’s push for a prospect at this position in the 2027 class could be very fluid moving forward.

Safety

Alabama also does not hold a commitment from a safety prospect. The Tide’s only defensive back commit is Darrius White, and he is projected to play cornerback at the next level. The Tide did not go after a long list of safeties in this class, but it did show a lot of interest in Junior Tu’upo out of Thompson High School in Alabama. A continued push for Tu’upo is likely, along with the possibility of the Tide evaluating a safety prospect who impresses them to kick off their senior season.


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