Tom Howell Jr.
Articles by Tom Howell Jr.
NYC to require COVID-19 vaccine proof for indoor dining, gyms, performances
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said Tuesday customers must prove they are vaccinated for COVID-19 to enjoy indoor dining, gyms and public performances in the Big Apple, making it the first city in the nation to impose European-style rules for admission. Published August 3, 2021
Tyson Foods mandates COVID-19 vaccine for workers by Nov. 1
Tyson Foods said Tuesday it will require all of its workers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by November, a major step within a meat-processing industry that was hit hard by earlier waves of the pandemic. Published August 3, 2021
White House: U.S. has given 110 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to 60 countries
The U.S. has donated more than 110 million doses of its COVID-19 vaccines to 65 countries, President Biden said Tuesday as he plots new ways to get more Americans immunized at home. Published August 3, 2021
Four officers have died by suicide after U.S. Capitol attack
Four officers who defended the U.S. Capitol during and after the Jan. 6 attack have died by suicide. Published August 3, 2021
COVID-19 ‘breakthrough infection’ is rare amid increasing delta fears, Dr. Walensky says
The Biden administration said Monday that COVID-19 is clearly "not done with us" but that vaccines remain a critical barrier of protection against disease and transmission amid concerns about "breakthrough" infections from aggressive variants. Published August 2, 2021
Sen. Lindsey Graham reports breakthrough COVID-19 infection
Sen. Lindsey Graham said Monday he tested positive for the coronavirus despite being fully vaccinated, though he is experiencing a mild case. Published August 2, 2021
Obama plans 60th birthday bash amid COVID-19 fears: Report
Former President Barack Obama is reportedly planning a 60th birthday bash at his Martha's Vineyard home that will include a Pearl Jam performance and more than 600 guests and staff even as health officials sound the alarm over the fast-moving delta variant of the coronavirus. Published August 2, 2021
White House sees rising COVID-19 vaccine uptake as delta variant rips through the U.S.
Scary news about the coronavirus might be spurring a positive side benefit -- more vaccinations. Published August 2, 2021
New Jersey Republican sees COVID-19 impacts as viable way to unseat governor
Jack Ciattarelli, the GOP nominee, trying to knock Democrat Phil Murphy out of the governor's mansion in November. Mr. Murphy is the only governor facing reelection in the U.S. this year -- Virginia has a race, but Gov. Ralph Northam is term-limited -- and Garden State Democrats have been unable to get one of their governors reelected since 1977. Published August 2, 2021
Virus numbers worsen rapidly with delta variant but nowhere near peak
U.S. hospitalizations for COVID-19 are averaging nearly 35,000, a whopping 46% increase over the prior reporting week but still far below the pandemic peak in early January. Published August 1, 2021
Senate on track to approve $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill this week, key senators say
A $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill is on track for Senate passage this week, key lawmakers said Sunday, setting the stage for floor action and hand-wringing over Democrats' demands for a follow-up bill that would spend trillions more on child care, education and social welfare. Published August 1, 2021
NIH chief: New mask guidance mostly to protect the unvaccinated
National Institute of Health Director Francis Collins said Sunday the revised mask guidance is "mostly about protecting the unvaccinated." Published August 1, 2021
Kinzinger wants to probe actions of Trump allies on Jan. 6
Rep. Adam Kinzinger said Sunday he is OK with issuing a subpoena to anyone with information about the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol and relevant interactions with former President Donald Trump -- even House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy. Published August 1, 2021
Sens. Susan Collins, Joe Manchin: Infrastructure bill should pass this week
Sen. Susan Collins said Sunday that a Senate working group is "just about finished" with a massive infrastructure bill and she's confident the measure can attract enough Republicans to pass before the end of the week. Published August 1, 2021
COVID-19 hospitalizations rising fast but nowhere near peak
U.S. hospitalizations for COVID-19 are averaging over 31,000, a whopping 45% increase over the prior reporting week but still far below the pandemic peak in early January. Published July 30, 2021
Biden orders federal workers to get vaccinated or face testing, masks
President Biden on Thursday said federal employees and on-site contractors will be required to get COVID-19 vaccines or face regular testing and mask restrictions as he grows impatient with sluggish vaccination rates that allowed the delta variant to surge, threatening his economic recovery plan. Published July 29, 2021
N.Y. restaurant giant Danny Meyer mandates COVID-19 vaccination for indoor dining
Hospitality mogul Danny Meyer on Thursday said indoor diners and drinkers will have to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 at his prominent restaurants if they hope to get a seat. Published July 29, 2021
China battling COVID-19 cluster around Nanjing
China is battling one of its worst COVID-19 outbreaks in months, with officials canceling flights and conducting mass testing after an outbreak in the eastern city of Nanjing. Published July 29, 2021
Disney parks reimpose indoor mask rule; reversal comes amid local surge, CDC revision
Disney will require all guests to wear masks indoors as of Friday at its two major theme parks, reimposing the policy after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said fully vaccinated persons should cover up in places with high transmission. Published July 29, 2021
COVID-19 mandates wade into uncertain legal territory
Public and private employers seeking to mandate the COVID-19 vaccines are bolstered by a Department of Justice opinion and high-profile victory in Texas, but their chances in court remain iffy for one big reason: The shots have not been fully approved. Published July 28, 2021
