Emma Withrow

An Army National Guard airborne soldier steps off of a CH-47 Chinook helicopter during a training exercise. The Department of Defense estimates about 4,200 service members have been diagnosed with gender dysphoria, with 1,000 who have already self-identified and begun the voluntary separation process. Overall, about 2.1 million troops are currently serving. (PFC. SKYLER SCHENDT VIA AP/FILE)

Process of involuntary separation for active-duty transgender troops underway

June 13, 2025 at 8:25 a.m.

The Department of Defense estimates about 4,200 service members have been diagnosed with gender dysphoria, with 1,000 who have already self-identified and begun the voluntary separation process. Overall, about 2.1...

In Hollywood, artificial intelligence recognized for its creative potential

June 6, 2025 at 12:53 p.m.

While AI was once seen as a threat in Hollywood, particularly during last year’s writers' and actors' strikes, it’s now being recognized for its creative potential.

With the conversation about welfare heating up again, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps, is part of the discussion. (AP FILE)

The key to latest welfare debate is balancing support and self-sufficiency

June 6, 2025 at 11:11 a.m.

Under the Trump administration, the conversation about welfare is heating up again, this time with renewed claims that the system is being abused, especially by able-bodied adults who, critics argue,...

Will Trump’s threatened 25% tariff on smartphones move production to US?

May 30, 2025 at 3:53 p.m.

President Donald Trump is threatening to impose a 25% tariff on smartphones manufactured overseas, specifically targeting companies like Apple. Trump called out Apple CEO Tim Cook on Truth Social.

Elon Musk flashes his t-shirt that reads "DOGE"

Elon Musk’s exit and what’s next for Department of Government Efficiency

May 30, 2025 at 2:46 p.m.

Despite speculation of political friction, Elon Musk’s departure from the Department of Government Efficiency was expected. He was appointed as a Special Government Employee, a category created under 18 U.S.C....

New recruits participate in the Army's future soldier prep course that gives lower-performing recruits up to 90 days of academic or fitness instruction to help them meet military standards at Fort Jackson, a U.S. Army Training Center in Columbia, South Carolina. (CHRIS CARLSON/AP FILE)

US military recruitment surges, exceeding goals during strategic changes

May 30, 2025 at 9:11 a.m.

The increase in U.S. recruitment comes after several challenging years for military recruiters, who faced obstacles such as COVID-19 restrictions limiting in-person recruiting and stiff competition from private-sector jobs offering...

With political action underway through an executive order from President Donald Trump and pharmaceutical industry shifts emerging, the question remains whether these changes will lead to sustained price reductions of prescription drugs and greater access for the millions of Americans who could benefit. (JONEL ALECCIA/AP)

Same weight loss drugs, different prices in US; Trump wants to change that

May 23, 2025 at 3:46 p.m.

With political action underway through an executive order from President Donald Trump and pharmaceutical industry shifts emerging, the question remains whether these changes will lead to sustained price reductions of...

The Golden Dome Act legislation complements President Donald Trump’s executive order directing the implementation of a next-generation missile defense shield for the nation. The proposed system would include space-based interceptors, and draws inspiration from Israel's Iron Dome. (MARK SCHIEFELBEIN/AP)

Could Trump’s ‘Golden Dome’ missile defense system work in the US?

May 23, 2025 at 12:02 p.m.

President Donald Trump's "Golden Dome" missile defense system is modeled after Israel's "Iron Dome." He wants it to be operational by the end of his term in 2029 and to...

Dr. Carey Wright, the former Mississippi superintendent who played a pivotal role in the transformation, emphasized the progress was not a miracle but the result of years of focused and hard work. She led the Misssippi education department from 2013 to 2022 and now leads Maryland's schools. (PAUL W. GILLESPIE/STAFF)

How Mississippi, America’s poorest state, just beat the nation in education

May 15, 2025 at 1:36 p.m.

Mississippi's success is largely attributed to the Literacy-Based Promotion Act, passed in 2013. This law introduced reading coaches to struggling schools, ensured regular reading assessments for young children and involved...

A protester is silhouetted against a trans pride flag

HHS advises therapy first, not hormones and sex changes for trans kids, report says

May 9, 2025 at 1:10 p.m.

The new report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends medical professionals and parents prioritize talk therapy and individualized care over immediate medical interventions such as puberty...

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