Tom Howell Jr.
Articles by Tom Howell Jr.
More households earn enough money to pay federal income tax
About 40% of U.S. households will pay no federal income tax this year, down from 60% two years ago in a sign that workers are making enough money again to fork over some of it to the government. Published November 1, 2022
Judge dismisses Mark Meadows’ lawsuit against House Jan. 6 committee
A judge has dismissed former Trump White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows' lawsuit against the House select committee on Jan. 6, saying the panel is protected by a part of the Constitution that shields its legislative activities. Published November 1, 2022
Assailant wanted to break Pelosi’s kneecaps if she didn’t tell ‘the truth,’ federal officials charge
The man accused of assaulting the husband of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi with a hammer wanted to hold Mrs. Pelosi hostage and break her kneecaps if she didn't tell the "truth," federal officials said Monday as they filed criminal charges against the suspect. Published October 31, 2022
Four Senate races remain tight in sprint to Election Day, polls show
Senate races in four states are neck-and-neck in polls released Monday that show the battle for the chamber will come down to the wire. Published October 31, 2022
GOP holds 9-to-1 edge over Democrats among newly registered Florida voters
Newly registered Republicans outnumber Democrats 9-to-1 in Florida ahead of the midterm elections, spelling trouble for President Biden's party in key races. Published October 31, 2022
Accused attacker of Paul Pelosi had zip ties, wrote a blog with fairy rantings, extreme screeds
David DePape, who is accused of attacking House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's husband in San Francisco, was carrying zip ties with him, ran a website that talked about an invisible fairy friend and posted images of Hillary Clinton as a zombie. Published October 31, 2022
Report: Grand jury subpoenas go out in inquiry involving Sen. Bob Menendez
Dozens of federal grand jury subpoenas have gone out in recent months in connection with a new probe into Sen. Robert Menendez of New Jersey, according to a report. Published October 28, 2022
Wuhan, COVID-19 origin city in China, heads back into partial lockdown
Wuhan, the Chinese city that introduced the coronavirus and related lockdowns to the world, is shutting down again as Beijing maintains its strict "zero-COVID" policies despite President Xi Jinping's solidifying his grip at a recent communist party meeting. Published October 28, 2022
Paul Pelosi, House speaker’s husband, violently attacked in San Francisco home
A 42-year-old California man broke into the home of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in San Francisco early Friday and attacked her husband, Paul, with a hammer while asking "Where is Nancy?" authorities said. Published October 28, 2022
Soaring mortgage rates, inflation forecast downturn despite third-quarter growth
The highest mortgage rates in 20 years, high inflation and the biggest interest-rate hikes in three decades were dimming hopes for an economic rebound Thursday despite a third-quarter report that showed the economy growing for the first time this year. Published October 27, 2022
Bolduc accuses Maggie Hassan of pushing voters into economic peril: ‘Granite Staters are hurting’
Retired Army Brig. Gen. Don Bolduc on Thursday said sky-high energy bills are forcing New Hampshire residents to choose between heating and eating, and voters must send him to Washington to rein in spending and increase domestic drilling. Published October 27, 2022
Trump to rally in Iowa, stoking 2024 talk
Former President Donald Trump plans to rally in Iowa before the midterm elections, sparking talk of a 2024 bid since key Republicans in the Midwest state don't really need a boost in this cycle. Published October 27, 2022
U.S. economy grew 2.6% in 3rd quarter, dubbed a mirage by economists
The U.S. economy grew in the third quarter of this year due to trade fluctuations, new home construction and consumer and government spending, the Commerce Department said Thursday in the final major economic report before the midterm elections. Published October 27, 2022
National GOP recommits to Bolduc’s Senate campaign in N.H., sensing momentum
Republicans are throwing money at the New Hampshire Senate race after polls showed retired Army Brig. Gen. Don Bolduc within striking distance of Democratic Sen. Maggie Hassan in a race the GOP had all but forfeited as a missed opportunity to pick up a seat. Published October 26, 2022
‘2000 Mules’ book hits shelves with major changes amid legal peril
"2000 Mules," a book that claims left-wing groups stuffed ballot boxes to swipe the 2020 contest from former President Donald Trump, has undergone major revisions to water down certain claims amid the threat of legal action. Published October 26, 2022
Poll finds broad support for marijuana legalization, Biden pardons
Nearly 7 in 10 Americans support President Biden's decision to grant pardons to people convicted in federal court of marijuana possession and two-thirds say the drug should be legalized in small amounts for personal use, a new poll finds. Published October 26, 2022
N.Y. court orders rehiring, back pay for fired unvaccinated workers
The New York Supreme Court says employees who were terminated for failing to get the COVID-19 vaccine should be reinstated and given back pay. Published October 26, 2022
Biden rolls up his sleeve for a retooled booster shot, hoping to jump-start fall campaign
President Biden revved up the COVID-19 booster campaign Tuesday by rolling up his sleeve for a pre-winter shot and prodding Americans to get their own at pharmacies and special clinics across the country. Published October 25, 2022
Biden warns Moscow not to deploy dirty bomb in Ukraine, says Brittney Griner case a work in progress
President Biden said Tuesday he is in "constant contact" with Russian authorities to get Brittney Griner and other American detainees out of Russia, and that it would be a "serious mistake" for Moscow to deploy radioactive weapons in Ukraine. Published October 25, 2022
COVID-19 vaccine side effects like chills, fever are signs of good antibody response: paper
A new scientific paper says there is evidence that side effects like fever, chills and muscle pain following COVID-19 vaccinations are a sign of a robust antibody response. Published October 25, 2022
