Tom Howell Jr.
Articles by Tom Howell Jr.
WHO to debate dangerous South Africa coronavirus variant with ‘many mutations’
The World Health Organization will meet Friday to discuss what an alarming coronavirus variant with a "large number of mutations" could mean for COVID-19 vaccines and treatments as European countries started to ban flights from South Africa and surrounding nations. Published November 26, 2021
Biden nominates Shalanda Young as White House budget director
President Biden on Wednesday said he will nominate Shalanda Young to serve as White House budget director, a move that will elevate her from an acting role to the permanent post if she is confirmed by the Senate. Published November 24, 2021
Rapid COVID tests in spotlight as families gather again
The winter holidays are putting a sharp focus on at-home testing for COVID-19 as families look to ensure their first gatherings in two years don't turn into superspreader events. Published November 24, 2021
Trump: Kyle Rittenhouse paid me a visit after Kenosha shooting acquittal
Former President Donald Trump said Kyle Rittenhouse visited his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida days after a jury in Wisconsin found the teen not guilty of charges related to shootings that killed two persons and injured a third during racially charged unrest in Kenosha last summer. Published November 24, 2021
Texas leaders, White House hail plans for Samsung chip plant
Texas leaders and the White House are celebrating news that South Korean tech giant Samsung will build a $17 billion semiconductor plant outside of Austin, a move that could help fill a shortage of computer chips used in phones and cars. Published November 24, 2021
White House announces 92% vaccination rate among federal workforce
The Biden administration's vaccine mandate for millions of federal workers seems to be working, with no apparent disruption to law enforcement, intelligence-gathering or holiday travel. Published November 24, 2021
Germany starts to check COVID-19 documents on public transport
German inspectors on Wednesday will begin demanding proof of vaccination, COVID-19 recovery or a negative test on public transport as the country tries to mitigate a coronavirus surge that is gripping Europe. Published November 24, 2021
Biden doesn’t support ‘Squad’ bill to abolish federal incarceration, White House says
The White House on Tuesday said President Biden enjoyed visiting the Michigan district of Rep. Rashida Tlaib earlier this month but he does not support a proposal that she and other members of the progressive "Squad" are championing to release federal prisoners within 10 years. Published November 23, 2021
Biden orders release of strategic oil reserves, says high gas prices not caused by clean-energy push
President Biden insisted on Tuesday that Democrats' climate change policies are not causing high gas prices, as he ordered the release of 50 million barrels of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in a bid to ease soaring prices at the pump. Published November 23, 2021
Thomas Jefferson statue ousted from NYC City Hall
An 884-pound statue of Thomas Jefferson has been removed from City Hall in New York City after a contentious debate over his slave-owning past. Published November 23, 2021
Biden to tap U.S. strategic oil reserve as gas pump prices surge
President Biden plans to release 50 million barrels of oil held in the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve in an attempt to slash sky-high fuel prices on the cusp of the holidays, the White House said Tuesday. Published November 23, 2021
White House rejects return of lockdowns as Europe’s new shutdowns spark protests
The White House said Monday it has no plans to shut down the economy again as COVID-19 chaos seizes Europe, with lockdowns meant to thwart a fourth wave triggering violent protests. Published November 22, 2021
White House: Over 90% of federal workers have at least one COVID-19 shot
More than 90% of the 3.5 million federal employees subject to President Biden's COVID-19 vaccine mandate have received at least one dose, the White House said Monday, the deadline to comply. Published November 22, 2021
Europe sees COVID-19 chaos amid new lockdowns
A top official said Monday that Germans will be "vaccinated, cured or dead" by the end of winter as Europe scrambles to stem another wave of the coronavirus at the start of the Christmas season, sparking a cycle of restrictions and raucous protests. Published November 22, 2021
Biden briefed on Wisconsin parade tragedy
President Biden has been briefed about the parade tragedy in Wisconsin and will receive regular updates, the White House said Monday as law enforcement in Waukesha tried to unravel why a sport utility vehicle barreled into the parade-goers, killing five. Published November 22, 2021
Former Trump ‘fixer’ Michael Cohen celebrates the end of house arrest
Michael Cohen, the ex-attorney and "fixer" to former President Donald Trump, was freed from house arrest on Monday. Published November 22, 2021
More COVID-19 deaths in 2021 than 2020
COVID-19 killed more people in this calendar year than in 2020, according to federal data that shows the staying power of the virus despite the advent of vaccines nearly a year ago. Published November 22, 2021
Dr. Fauci encourages all adults to get COVID-19 booster shots after FDA approval
Dr. Anthony Fauci says he "absolutely" recommends every adult get a COVID booster shot, now that the FDA has approved adult boosters. Published November 21, 2021
Austria to impose 10-day lockdown, mandatory COVID-19 vaccination
Austria on Friday said it will start a 10-day lockdown on Monday and make vaccination for COVID-19 mandatory in February, making it the first western nation to announce such a drastic step. Published November 19, 2021
FDA authorizes Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 boosters for all adults
The Food and Drug Administration on Friday approved COVID-19 booster shots from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna for all adults, opening a new chapter in the vaccine rollout and allowing the Biden administration to catch up to states that advised residents to seek an extra dose regardless of eligibility. Published November 19, 2021
