Tom Howell Jr.

D.C.-area lawmakers balk at Trump’s July 4 plans

D.C.-area lawmakers say they're seriously concerned about President Trump's plans to hold another "Salute to America" military event on July 4 despite the coronavirus pandemic, saying the region continues to see high infection rates and large crowds would set them back. Published May 27, 2020

Rural hot spots reignite COVID fears as summer revelers shun social distancing

Deaths tied to COVID-19 approached the 100,000 mark Tuesday as the U.S. entered a tenuous phase of the outbreak, with lax summertime behavior and rural hot spots sparking new fears even as hard-hit places such as New York and New Jersey reported progress. Published May 26, 2020

Donald Trump rails against mail-in voting

President Trump on Tuesday continued to attack sweeping plans in some states to let voters cast their ballot via mail, saying it invites mischief. Published May 26, 2020

White House on in-person G-7 summit: ‘We think it will happen’

The White House said Tuesday it is getting a "great reception" from world leaders who've been asked to consider a trip to Washington for an in-person Group of Seven summit in late June, despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Published May 26, 2020

HHS IG office is probing CDC, FDA efforts to test for COVID-19

A government watchdog who angered President Trump said Tuesday the Health and Human Services Department inspector general is probing the administration's role in approving, producing and distributing test kits for the coronavirus, after early stutter steps were blamed for allowing the disease to spread uncontrollably. Published May 26, 2020

Coronavirus transmission maybe reduced in warm humid weather

Memorial Day is ushering in summer and hopes that warm, humid weather will take a bite out of coronavirus transmission, though scientists warn it won't be a panacea as Americans flock to beaches, public pools and parks. Published May 24, 2020

Top Democrats slam Trump plan to send ventilators to Russia

Top House Democrats objected Friday to White House plans to send hundreds of ventilators to Russia at a taxpayer cost of $5.6 million, saying the "gift to President Putin" is unjustified given the ongoing pandemic and needs at home. Published May 22, 2020

Donald Trump to states: Churches must reopen this weekend

President Trump on Friday said churches, synagogues and mosques are "essential places that provide essential services" and must reopen this weekend despite ongoing coronavirus transmission. Published May 22, 2020

Trump rallies with vets’ group ahead of Memorial Day

President Trump used a White House event for veterans Friday to tout his accomplishments ahead of the November election and rally bikers to his side, saying they seem to like him and the feeling is mutual. Published May 22, 2020

‘Social distancing’ nearly as novel as coronavirus

Isolating sick persons to avoid infecting the rest of the population isn't new. In fact, it's in the Bible. Published May 21, 2020

U.S. offers $1.2B to support AstraZeneca/Oxford University vaccine effort

The U.S. government is committing over $1 billion to secure at least 300 million doses of a coronavirus vaccine that's being developed by Oxford University in Britain and licensed to pharma-giant AstraZeneca. Published May 21, 2020

Donald Trump says Democratic governors not treating churches with respect

President Trump vowed Thursday to take action against Democratic governors whom he said are disrespecting churches by not allowing in-person worship services during the coronavirus crisis. Published May 21, 2020

Donald Trump pushing for in-person G-7 at White House, a portion at Camp David

President Trump said Thursday he's pushing to host Group of Seven leaders at the White House in June, as he tries to revert from a virtual summit to a live-person event amid the coronavirus pandemic. Published May 21, 2020

Donald Trump says he’ll wrap up ‘hydroxy’ use in a day or two

President Trump said Wednesday he would wrap up his use of hydroxychloroquine as a preventive measure against COVID-19 "in a day or two," after a two-day maelstrom over his decision to try a drug with unproven results against the coronavirus. Published May 20, 2020