Tom Howell Jr.
Articles by Tom Howell Jr.
A coronavirus reprieve? Washington State votes by mail on Tuesday
Washington State votes by mail in its elections, a policy that should reduce the risk of spreading the coronavirus in Tuesday's primary, since there are no lines to cough in or germ-laden screens to touch. Published March 4, 2020
Spending deal reached on emergency coronavirus funds
Congressional leaders raced to approve a roughly $8 billion package to combat the coronavirus Wednesday, as the U.S. death toll climbed to 11 and Vice President Mike Pence announced plans to visit the center of the crisis in Washington state. Published March 4, 2020
Donald Trump huddles with airlines on coronavirus, highlights domestic travel
President Trump highlighted his efforts to seal off the U.S. from the coronavirus by huddling Wednesday with major airlines and musing that domestic tourism will offset losses from canceled flights. Published March 4, 2020
Congress deal on coronavirus response spending package near
Congress sped toward approval of a $7 billion-plus package to fight the COVID-19 coronavirus Tuesday as lawmakers demanded an aggressive response to an outbreak that has killed at least nine in the U.S. and more than 3,000 globally, while the Federal Reserve delivered an emergency rate cut to shield the economy. Published March 3, 2020
U.S. coronavirus death toll rises to 9
The U.S. coronavirus death toll rose to nine Tuesday, as Washington state announced three new fatalities in the Seattle area. Published March 3, 2020
DHS shutters Washington state office amid coronavirus fears
Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf said Tuesday he closed an agency office in Washington state for 14 days because an employee got sick after visiting someone at a nursing facility that's seen a number of coronavirus infections and multiple deaths. Published March 3, 2020
Sen. Patty Murray: Lack of prep, direction on coronavirus is ‘completely unacceptable’
Sen. Patty Murray of Washington on Tuesday said her constituents are seeing delays and confusion in getting tested for coronavirus and that if anyone is in charge at the White House, it "would be news to anyone in my state." Published March 3, 2020
Japan’s Olympics chief hints games could be held later in 2020
Japan's Olympic minister hinted Tuesday the Summer Games in Tokyo could be held later in the year if coronavirus problems persist. Published March 3, 2020
Mike Pence: Italy, South Korea coronavirus screening up and running by Tuesday
The Trump administration said Monday new coronavirus-screening rules on passengers from Italy and South Korea will be up and running by early Tuesday. Published March 2, 2020
Trump hints at new travel restrictions due to coronavirus
President Trump said Monday the White House is eyeing new travel restrictions on countries facing high numbers of coronavirus cases. Published March 2, 2020
CDC: Total U.S. coronavirus cases now at 91, six deaths reported
Six people have died from the coronavirus outside of Seattle, according to Washington state officials who find themselves at the epicenter of the outbreak in the U.S. Published March 2, 2020
Florida reports two COVID-19 cases, as bicoastal worry grows
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said Monday he's declared a public health emergency after weekend lab tests revealed two cases of the coronavirus in the Tampa Bay area. Published March 2, 2020
Coronavirus deaths in U.S. increase fears of long-term impact
The coronavirus is creeping through the U.S., with Washington State reporting the nation's first two deaths and infections at a nursing home as President Trump tightened the borders to project calm amid an outbreak with sweeping human, financial and political stakes. Published March 1, 2020
Trump: GOP stuck together on impeachment except for ‘lowlife’ Romney
President Trump on Saturday touted how Republicans stuck together in voting to acquit him in his recent impeachment trial except for Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah, who Mr. Trump called a "lowlife." Published February 29, 2020
Trump announces first U.S. death from coronavirus, in Washington state
Federal and state officials announced the first coronavirus-related death on U.S. soil Saturday as President Trump said he will tighten his travel ban on Iran and warn Americans not to go to parts of South Korea and Italy. Published February 29, 2020
Lindsey Graham to Trump: Thanks for putting up with ‘never-ending bulls—t’
Mr. Scott, a Republican, strutted across a North Charleston stage like a WWE champion late Friday, urging Trump supporters to bring the noise on the eve of a closely watched Democratic primary. "If South Carolina is Trump country, let me hear you scream!" Mr. Scott said. Published February 28, 2020
Trumps to S.C. crowd: Who should I face?
President Trump is so disgusted with actual polls that he conducted one of his own late Friday, asking South Carolina supporters in real-time who he should face in November. Published February 28, 2020
Trump: Coronavirus hype is Democrats’ ‘new hoax’
President Trump accused his Democratic rivals of politicizing his response to the wily coronavirus in the U.S, dubbing it their "new hoax" and saying his moves to restrict travel have paid off. Published February 28, 2020
Trump nominates John Ratcliffe for director of national intelligence
President Trump tweeted Friday he would tap Texas Rep. John Ratcliffe, a staunch defender of the president during the impeachment hearings, as director of national intelligence. Published February 28, 2020
White House officials hope for coronavirus funding deal by next week
The White House and Congress are in "productive" talks on a package to fund the coronavirus response and hope to strike an agreement by early next week, the administration said Friday. Published February 28, 2020
