Tom Howell Jr.
Articles by Tom Howell Jr.
Trump: COVID-19 vaccine ‘possible’ by Nov. 3
President Trump said Thursday that a coronavirus vaccine is possible by Election Day, offering an optimistic timeline for a shot that could return life to normal in the U.S. while amplifying concerns that the unprecedented race could be tainted by election-year politics. Published August 6, 2020
Donald Trump to sign ‘Buy American’ order on essential medicines
President Trump signed a long-promised executive order Thursday that compels federal agencies to "Buy American" when it comes to a list of essential medicines and supplies, saying the coronavirus pandemic has underscored the need to bring supply chains home. Published August 6, 2020
Voters help strengthen Obamacare’s hold in U.S.
President Trump wants the Supreme Court to clear the decks for his long-promised Obamacare replacement, but his predecessor's law is solidifying its place in the U.S., with two more states opting to expand their Medicaid rolls under the 2010 program. Published August 5, 2020
Kanye West not getting Donald Trump aid in getting on swing-state ballots, president says
President Trump said Wednesday he is not involved in efforts to get rapper Kanye West on the ballot in swing states. Published August 5, 2020
Trump praises Ducey for wrangling COVID-19 surge
President Trump and Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey said Wednesday there is a "common-sense" approach to tackling COVID-19 that falls short of a complete lockdown, from widespread mask-wearing to staying at home when possible. Published August 5, 2020
NIH launches trials of synthesized antibodies for COVID-19
The government is recruiting COVID-19 patients to test a promising treatment for the coronavirus -- antibodies made in a lab -- as President Trump pushes to reduce the fatality rate among cases that are cropping up across America. Published August 4, 2020
Sun Belt gains offset by increase in coronavirus cases in Midwest
The Sun Belt is getting its surge in COVID-19 cases under control but those gains are being offset by worrying trends in the Midwest and places that seemed to have the virus under control earlier this year. Published August 3, 2020
Trump signs telehealth executive order
President Trump signed an executive order Monday that expands the use of telehealth and makes permanent the options he provided to help rural areas deal with the pandemic. Published August 3, 2020
White House ramps up COVID-19 testing on its campus
The White House said Monday it is tightening up its COVID-19 testing protocols on campus. Published August 3, 2020
Storms complicate fight against coronavirus pandemic
Just when it seemed like 2020 couldn't get any worse, the storms showed up. Published August 2, 2020
Trump, DeSantis say storm evacuation will have a different look
The Trump administration said Friday that people fleeing Hurricane Isaias will have to factor in the coronavirus pandemic, from sheltering in place where possible to observing physical distancing if they enter a shelter. Published July 31, 2020
Trump doesn’t think Herman Cain got virus at his June 20 rally
President Trump said Friday he does not believe the late Herman Cain caught the coronavirus at his late-June rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Published July 31, 2020
Kay Granger tests negative for COVID-19, had sat next to Louie Gohmert on plane
A member of Congress who sat next to Rep. Louie Gohmert on a plane ride from Texas on Sunday has tested negative for the coronavirus. Published July 31, 2020
NIH announces nearly $250 million investment for new rapid coronavirus testing
The National Institutes of Health said Friday it is investing nearly $250 million in seven companies that whipped up quick and innovative tests for the coronavirus. Published July 31, 2020
Trump officials: ‘Personal responsibility’ crucial to defeating coronavirus
Trump administration officials said Friday the country is not "defenseless" against the coronavirus, but it will take greater cooperation from the public to beat back the pandemic. Published July 31, 2020
Deborah Birx, Anthony Fauci recommend face shields
Top members of the White House coronavirus task force now say that face shields and goggles can be effective ways to combat the spread of the coronavirus -- the latest shift in messaging from the federal government on the how to contain a pandemic that has now claimed more than 150,000 American lives. Published July 30, 2020
Trump highlights virus revival in other countries
President Trump on Thursday said places outside of the U.S. that were praised for their efforts to stamp out the coronavirus are seeing a resurgence, underscoring its wily nature and need to protect the vulnerable instead of shutting down again. Published July 30, 2020
Trump pledges justice to family of Vanessa Guillen, slain Fort Hood soldier
President Trump met Thursday with the family of slain Army soldier Vanessa Guillen at the White House and pledged justice in her death. Published July 30, 2020
Coronavirus case fatality rate in U.S. declines, sparking lockdown merit questions
The share of Americans who succumb to COVID-19 is dropping and is lower than many peer nations, but the U.S. death toll hit a once-unfathomable 150,000 Wednesday. Published July 29, 2020
Louie Gohmert tests positive for COVID-19: Report
Rep. Louie Gohmert of Texas tested positive for the coronavirus Wednesday, making him the latest federal lawmaker to contract the virus and sparking a review of Capitol Hill's ability to stiff-arm the pathogen. Published July 29, 2020