Tom Howell Jr.
Articles by Tom Howell Jr.
House virus panel finishes its work by adopting report on ‘likely’ lab origins
A House panel on Wednesday adopted its massive final report on the coronavirus and its origins, putting its final stamp on the fallout from the pathogen that upended society in 2020 and 2021. Published December 4, 2024
Former Vice President Mike Pence supports Trump’s tough approach on trade
Former Vice President Mike Pence says President-elect Donald Trump isn't bluffing in his threat to impose new tariffs on China and other countries. Published December 4, 2024
Global pivot from Biden to Trump sealed with Macron’s invite to Notre Dame
French President Emmanuel Macron's decision to invite President-elect Donald Trump to the grand reopening of the Notre Dame cathedral marks the end of the Biden era and signals the world is focused on courting the incoming U.S. leader with sharp elbows. Published December 3, 2024
White House: U.S. will redouble plastics-pollution effort after deal failure at Busan
The White House said Tuesday it is disappointing that negotiators could not strike a legally binding deal to address plastic pollution during a high-profile summit in South Korea. Published December 3, 2024
‘Hell to pay’: Trump threatens fierce action to free hostages in Middle East
President-elect Donald Trump said Monday there would be "all hell to pay" if hostages held in the Middle East are not released by his inauguration on Jan. 20. Published December 2, 2024
At White House Xmas event, first lady Jill Biden says she supports pardon of Hunter Biden
First lady Jill Biden said Monday "of course" she supports her husband's decision to pardon Hunter Biden on tax and gun convictions. Published December 2, 2024
Sen.-elect Alsobrooks resigns as Prince George’s County exec, setting up 2025 special election
Sen.-elect Angela Alsobrooks formally resigned her position as Prince George's County executive Monday so she can begin her term on Capitol Hill on Jan. 3. Published December 2, 2024
Biden says New York native Omer Neutra was killed in the 2023 Hamas raid
President Biden said Monday that an Israeli-American, Omer Neutra, was killed during the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel by Hamas and that militants had been holding his body since the raid. Published December 2, 2024
House Speaker Mike Johnson says Hunter Biden’s pardon damages justice system
House Speaker Mike Johnson slammed President Biden on Monday for reneging on his pledge not to pardon Hunter Biden, calling it a sign that "real reform" of the justice system is needed. Published December 2, 2024
Democratic Gov. Jared Polis slams Hunter Biden pardon: ‘Bad precedent’
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis says he is "disappointed" in President Biden's decision to pardon Hunter Biden, saying the president put his family ahead of the country. Published December 2, 2024
‘Times have changed’: Debate over fluoridated water resurfaces across U.S.
Studies about the potential link between high levels of fluoride and lower IQ in children, plus comments from President-elect Donald Trump's pick for health secretary, are throwing fuel on the debate to the chagrin of dental experts who say fluoridated water is an irreplaceable tool. Published November 29, 2024
Mexico says Trump tariff plan would kill 400K U.S. jobs, devastate auto sector
A sweeping 25% tariff on goods entering the U.S. from Mexico would be "a shot in the foot" that could kill 400,000 U.S. jobs, particularly in the automobile sector, a Mexican official warned Wednesday. Published November 27, 2024
FBI investigating bomb threats, ‘swatting’ against Trump Cabinet picks
Several of President-elect Donald Trump's nominees have been targeted with bomb threats and "swatting," the FBI said Wednesday. Published November 27, 2024
Rep. Ritchie Torres ramps up criticism of N.Y. Gov. Kathy Hochul
Rep. Ritchie Torres on Wednesday called New York Gov. Kathy Hochul a leading hypocrite in the Empire State. Published November 27, 2024
China releases three Americans in prisoner swap
The Biden administration has secured the release of three Americans from detention in China in exchange for unnamed Chinese persons held in the U.S. Published November 27, 2024
Trump team signs memos needed to kickstart transition, share info with Biden team
President-elect Donald Trump and his transition team have signed a memo of understanding that allows it to coordinate with the Biden White House and gain critical information from agency heads before the Jan. 20 inauguration. Published November 26, 2024
Harris thanks grassroots supporters after ‘heavy’ election loss
Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday thanked grassroots supporters who donated their time and treasure ahead of her losing bid for the presidency, saying the fight for their agenda "did not end of Nov. 5" and brighter days are ahead for the Democratic Party. Published November 26, 2024
Trump’s tariff threat divides lawmakers, business groups at home
While GOP allies cheer President-elect Donald Trump's threat to impose tariffs on Canada and Mexico unless those countries rein in illegal immigration and drug trafficking into the U.S., some business lobbies and trade groups warn of domestic pain if he follows through. Published November 26, 2024
Youngkin to incoming Trump aides: Live in Virginia instead of D.C. or Maryland
Virginia is for lovers -- and new members of Trump's administration. Published November 26, 2024
Target countries call Trump’s tariff threat counterproductive, plead for cooperation
The foreign governments targeted in President-elect Donald Trump's latest tariff threat said higher U.S. levies designed to rein in drugs and illegal migration could violate the North American free-trade deal Mr. Trump himself negotiated in his first term, and that dialogue is better than confrontation. Published November 26, 2024
