Tom Howell Jr.
Articles by Tom Howell Jr.
D.C. I-Gaming plans proceed despite delay in public input
A Greek company charged with running the D.C. lottery system is hiring personnel as part of their online gaming "strategy" in the city and three unidentified states, even though the program has not passed key hurdles in the District. Published August 31, 2011
Gray appoints Obama official as new chief of staff
Mayor Vincent C. Gray on Monday introduced his new chief of staff and a deputy to handle community outreach, frankly accepting that early "hits" to his administration besmirched his office ahead of more recent, positive strides. Published August 30, 2011
Washington area continues recovery from quake-storm combo
The D.C. region returned to relative calm Monday after an "extraordinary week" in which a rare earthquake damaged two national icons, then Hurricane Irene arrived and knocked out power to roughly 1 million customers. Published August 29, 2011
Former D.C. council member Winter to lie in repose
The body of former council member Nadine P. Winter will lie in repose at the John A. Wilson Building on Thursday, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., council Chairman Kwame R. Brown said Monday. Published August 29, 2011
D.C. residents heed call to shelter as Irene approaches
D.C. residents appeared to be heeding the call to stay indoors as the worst of Hurricane Irene's wrath approached the city, Mayor Vincent C. Gray said late Saturday. Published August 27, 2011
Quake damage keeps School Without Walls closed
School Without Walls, a high school in Northwest, remained closed Friday while crews repair its chimney and bell tower damaged in Tuesday's earthquake. Published August 26, 2011
Gray says D.C. is ‘as ready as we can be’ for Irene
Mayor Vincent C. Gray urged city residents on Friday to stock up and form emergency plans as Hurricane Irene threatens to produce tropical storm-like rain and winds in the capital region. Published August 26, 2011
Hurricane delays King dedication
An impending storm threatening to be the worst to hit the region in nearly a decade has prompted evacuations and declarations of emergency and forced the postponement of the Sunday dedication of the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial on the Mall. Published August 25, 2011
Gray unveils ‘MLK Drive’ in D.C., cancels statehood march
Mayor Vincent C. Gray unveiled street signs designating "Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive" on Thursday, hours before Hurricane Irene disrupted his plans to tout D.C. statehood and voting rights in a march framed from the spirit of the late civil rights leader. Published August 25, 2011
Gray cronyism probe sparks call for reform
D.C. Council member Mary M. Cheh plans to introduce legislation next month that reduces the number of political appointees afforded the mayor, calls for proper screening of appointees and sheds light on their qualifications. Published August 24, 2011
D.C. ‘red flags’ 13 schools for quake damage
D.C. officials closed schools on Wednesday and "red-flagged" 13 educational facilities as they inspect damage from a 5.8-magnitude earthquake that surprised residents up and down the East Coast on Tuesday afternoon. Published August 24, 2011
D.C. mayor’s team unethical in hiring practices, probe reveals
The administration of D.C. Mayor Vincent C. Gray engaged in cronyism, paid salaries above legal caps and illegally hired the children of senior officials, according to the findings of a D.C. Council investigation released Tuesday. Published August 23, 2011
Report: ‘Clear evidence’ Gray administration engaged in cronyism
There is "clear evidence" that Mayor Vincent C. Gray's administration engaged in cronyism, paid excessive salaries above legal caps and illegally hired the children of senior officials, according to a council committee's draft report. Published August 23, 2011
D.C students asked to show up, step up
After millions of dollars in infrastructure investment and years of sharply scrutinized teacher performance, D.C. officials say it's time for students to step up their game this school year. Published August 22, 2011
Local schools kick off year with new chiefs
As another school year begins across the region, the District of Columbia and Montgomery County open their doors under new leadership and with widely contrasting academic and socioeconomic challenges. Published August 21, 2011
Investigation largely clears Alexander
D.C. Council member Yvette Alexander and her vocal opponent in next year's race to represent Ward 7 are breathing sighs of relief now that recent investigations have largely cleared both of mishandling government money. Published August 18, 2011
Gray wants big turnout at King events to back self-rule
D.C. Mayor Vincent C. Gray urged residents Tuesday to attend events preceding the dedication of the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial that highlight the city's efforts to achieve statehood and more autonomy from Capitol Hill. Published August 16, 2011
D.C.’s Internet gambling goal gets good odds
D.C. officials are optimistic about reaching their first-year revenue goal of roughly $2.2 million for an online gambling program, despite delays caused by concerns and opposition. Published August 16, 2011
D.C.’s medical-marijuana program accents risks
Applicants for the District of Columbia's medical-marijuana program now must state in writing that they assume the risk of federal prosecution for growing or distributing the drug and that they cannot hold the city liable for arrests, according to newly revised rules. Published August 14, 2011
Wal-Mart, D.C. announce job-training program
D.C. officials and Wal-Mart announced a three-year, $3 million pilot program Thursday to provide 2,000 city residents with skills needed to succeed in retail, as the box-store giant continues to prepare for at least four locations in the nation's capital. Published August 11, 2011
