Tom Howell Jr.
Articles by Tom Howell Jr.
Biden administration approves Raytheon arms sale to Finland
The Biden administration is poised to approve a $323 million arms sale to Finland as the northern European nation takes steps to join the NATO military alliance. Published November 29, 2022
Autopsy 2.0: GOP forms council to analyze less-than-stellar midterm results
The Republican National Committee is forming an advisory council to build on its momentum with voters of color while examining how the party can win over suburban women, young people and other voters after a midterm cycle that failed to produce the expected "red wave." Published November 29, 2022
Former VP Pence: Trump should apologize for dinner with antisemite Nick Fuentes
Former Vice President Mike Pence says former President Donald Trump should apologize for dining with Nick Fuentes, a White nationalist known for antisemitic rants who went to Mar-a-Lago with rapper Kanye West. Published November 29, 2022
WHO decides to rename monkeypox as mpox to avoid stigma
The Biden administration said Monday it supports the World Health Organization's decision to rename monkeypox as mpox. Published November 28, 2022
White House resists criticism of China’s crackdown on COVID protesters, GOP calls for tougher stance
The White House on Monday said it supports the rights of protesters in China but stopped short of criticizing the Chinese Communist Party's sometimes violent crackdown on demonstrations against the country's strict COVID-19 policies. Published November 28, 2022
NYC prosecutor downgrades half of 2022’s felony cases, new statistics show
New York County's top prosecutor has downgraded slightly more than half of all felony cases to misdemeanors in 2022, compared to 39% in 2019, according to new data. Published November 28, 2022
Sen. Chris Murphy: Not enough votes to pass ‘assault’ weapons ban that Biden wants
Sen. Chris Murphy says Democrats don't have enough votes in the Senate to pass the type of "assault" weapons ban championed by President Biden, but he would like to try to pass something in the new Congress. Published November 28, 2022
First lady Jill Biden unveils White House holiday decor and theme: ‘We the People’
First lady Jill Biden revealed the White House holiday decor on Monday featuring 77 Christmas trees, mirrored ornaments and reflective surfaces to underscore the theme: "We the People." Published November 28, 2022
A new way to vote: No longer a need to pick lesser of two evils — pick them both with ranked choice
It's got its supporters and detractors, but seven cities or counties voted this month to use ranked choice in future elections and Nevada will opt into the system if a ballot measure passes for a second time in 2024. Published November 27, 2022
Ranked choice election process gains popularity nationwide
Midterm races from Alaska to Maine were decided this year by ranked choice, a system that's designed to lift up candidates with broad appeal instead of fringe candidates who eke out wins by carving up the electorate. Published November 24, 2022
Biden mourns, calls for congressional action after mass shooting at a Virginia Walmart
President Biden on Wednesday said he mourns for Chesapeake, Virginia, and directed federal officials to support the town after a Walmart employee late Tuesday opened fire, killing six inside the store. Published November 23, 2022
Sen. Lindsey Graham testifies before Fulton County grand jury for two hours
Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina testified before a Georgia special grand jury for more than two hours Tuesday and "answered all questions," his office said. Published November 23, 2022
Bill Gates was among first to meet with Biden’s energy secretary: Report
Billionaire Bill Gates, a champion of green-energy initiatives, was among the first people to nab a meeting with Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm after she was confirmed by the Senate, according to agency calendars. Published November 23, 2022
Heritage Foundation launches $1M ad buy against Senate same-sex marriage bill
The Heritage Foundation is launching a $1 million ad campaign against a bill that would codify same-sex marriage protections, saying the legislation needs stronger religious liberty protections. Published November 23, 2022
Before his retirement, Anthony Fauci makes final pitch to Americans to get updated COVID booster
Dr. Anthony Fauci defended his legacy and made a final plea for Americans to get an updated COVID-19 booster Tuesday in a White House sendoff after nearly 40 years as the top infectious diseases researcher at the National Institutes of Health. Published November 22, 2022
Uncovered audits show rampant overpayments in Medicare Advantage
Government payments to Medicare Advantage plans are riddled with overcharges and errors, newly uncovered audits show. Published November 22, 2022
Congress eyes greater oversight of the crypto market
Congress is scrambling for a response to the calamitous collapse of the FTX cryptocurrency exchange, with some in Washington seeking greater regulatory oversight of the digital markets. Published November 22, 2022
Retiring Sen. Roy Blunt praises former House whip rival Steny Hoyer
Sen. Roy Blunt, Missouri Republican, is hailing a fellow vote-counter and friendly rival, Rep. Steny H. Hoyer of Maryland, as a "giant" on Capitol Hill after the longtime Democratic No. 2 said he will not seek a leadership position in the new Congress. Published November 22, 2022
Georgia court lets counties offer post-Thanksgiving early voting
A Georgia appeals court says it is leaving in place a ruling that allows counties to offer early voting on the Saturday after Thanksgiving in the U.S. Senate runoff election. Published November 22, 2022
China imposes new lockdowns, reports first COVID deaths in months
China is resorting to new lockdowns in its fight against COVID-19 even as western nations attempt to move on with life ahead of a potential winter surge in infections. Published November 21, 2022
