SALLY HO

Sally Ho is a news reporter and investigative correspondent.

In this photo provided by the New York Stock Exchange, Adoption-Share founder and CEO Thea Ramirez, center, Miss Utah USA 2013 Marissa Powell, center right, and fellow adoption supporters ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange in New York on Aug. 20, 2013. An Associated Press investigation found that Adoption-Share’s tool known as Family-Match – among the few adoption algorithms on the market in 2023 – has produced limited results in the states where it has been used, according to the organization’s self-reported data that AP obtained through public records requests from state and local agencies. (NYSE via AP)

Inspired by online dating, AI tool for adoption matchmaking falls short for vulnerable foster kids

Former social worker Thea Ramirez has developed an artificial intelligence-powered tool that she says helps social service agencies find the best adoptive parents for some of the nation’s most vulnerable kids.

This image shows part of the user guide for Adoption-Share's Family-Match software in Florida, Georgia and Virginia dated April 2023. An Associated Press investigation found that Adoption-Share's tool – among the few adoption algorithms on the market in 2023 – has produced limited results in the states where it has been used, according to the organization’s self-reported data that AP obtained through public records requests from state and local agencies. (AP Photo)

Does an AI tool help boost adoptions? Key takeaways from an AP Investigation

An artificial intelligence-powered tool meant to help social service agencies in adoptions was inspired by online dating.

Portland, Oregon, largely peaceful after right-wing rally

Police say a right-wing rally and counter-protests in Portland, Oregon, have largely dispersed without serious violence on Saturday, though they are investigating an assault after one person who was documenting the event was pushed to the ground and kicked in the face.

Donations to fight virus, injustice could sustain charities

A recession is expected to curtail Americans’ generosity following a record year for charitable donations.

Seattle schools to remove officers from campuses

School leaders are booting officers off Seattle campuses for a year while the district reevaluates its partnership with the Police Department. Superintendent Denise Juneau shared the decision in a letter to families Tuesday.

Teacher protests hang over state lawmakers in budget season

The shadow of the past year’s teacher protest movement is hanging over state capitals, where officials are piecing together the money to make good on promised pay raises and try to forge a sustainable funding formula for the future.

Melinda Gates talks ‘brash’ Microsoft culture in new book

Looking back as an early Microsoft employee, Melinda Gates said the brash culture at the famously tough, revolutionary tech company made her want to leave.

Public school strikes revive clash with Teach for America

The tensions between traditional public schools and the education reform program Teach for America are getting new life as U.S. teachers walk off the job.

APNewsBreak: Teach for America slammed over Oakland strike

Teach for America alumni are urging the nonprofit to stop pressuring young teachers to cross the picket line during a potential teachers strike in Oakland, California.

Smaller class sizes not proven but teachers strike for them

Most educators and parents see class size as an indicator of a quality education and have made it a priority in teacher strikes across the United States, but its effectiveness is still up for debate.