Tom Howell Jr.
Articles by Tom Howell Jr.
WHO: Risk of avian flu in humans is low — but might not stay that way
The World Health Organization says it is closely monitoring a strain of avian flu that spilled into mammal populations and could potentially lead to a new pandemic in humans. Published February 9, 2023
Speaker Kevin McCarthy hauls in $12M for GOP at D.C. fundraiser
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy raised a record $12 million for Republicans in a large D.C. fundraiser Wednesday as he seeks to preserve and expand the GOP majority. Published February 9, 2023
Top White House drug-fighter sees progress on fentanyl overdoses, but warns of new threats
The White House drug czar sounded the alarm Wednesday over "tranq," a veterinary drug that is fueling horrific ulcers, amputations and deaths in opioid users, and urged Congress to "stop playing politics" and to help tackle the overdose crisis by permanently banning fentanyl. Published February 8, 2023
TikTok is dominant app for young Americans, besting YouTube, study finds
TikTok is the most popular social media app for young Americans, according to a survey that finds its lead over YouTube has only widened since it took over as the top app in 2020. Published February 8, 2023
Colorado River caucus forms to address water crisis in basin states
A group of U.S. senators has formed the Colorado River caucus to discuss how Washington can help states grapple with dwindling water supplies from the critical artery out West. Published February 8, 2023
S.D. Gov. Kristi Noem to deliver trifecta of D.C. speeches on China, COVID policies
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem is set to deliver three speeches in Washington this month to highlight the threat posed by China and the efforts she took to keep her state open during the COVID-19 crisis. Published February 8, 2023
Pelosi says GOP heckling of Biden amounted to ‘showbiz’
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said GOP heckling of President Biden during his State of the Union address amounted to "showbiz," but she added that her political rivals were relatively well-behaved compared to a typical week. Published February 8, 2023
Republicans shout ‘border!’ when Biden talks tough on fentanyl
President Biden on Tuesday called for stepped-up enforcement and stiff penalties to tackle the fentanyl crisis that is killing tens of thousands of Americans per year, vowing to root the drug out of commercial parcels entering the U.S. Published February 7, 2023
Biden: COVID-19 not gone but no longer has ‘grip’ on America
President Biden took a victory lap over his handling of the COVID-19 crisis Tuesday, characterizing it as a manageable disease even as House Republicans push him to move faster in unwinding emergency powers and leftover vaccine rules. Published February 7, 2023
Biden reprises bid to cap insulin at $35 a month for everyone
President Biden pushed Congress to "finish the job" and cap the cost of insulin at $35 for anyone who needs it, saying his signature tax-and-climate legislation set a limit on older Americans' costs last year but others need relief. Published February 7, 2023
Schumer: Implementing Biden wins will be the priority over the next two years
Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer on Tuesday said implementation of major legislation will be his focus as Democrats contend with a House GOP majority that will serve as a check on liberal policies and the Biden White House. Published February 7, 2023
Kaine, Warner urge Virginia to repeal state constitution ban on same-sex marriage
Virginia's U.S. senators are pressing the commonwealth to get rid of a state constitutional ban on same-sex marriage because they are worried the U.S. Supreme Court might revisit the landmark 2015 decision that established the national right for gay couples to marry. Published February 7, 2023
McCarthy, Scalise freezing out Chamber of Commerce after Dem endorsements
Top House Republicans say they have no plans to meet with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce after the lobbying group endorsed some Democrats in recent cycles. Published February 7, 2023
DirecTV says it would welcome back Newsmax under the right terms
DirecTV says it is disappointed that it no longer carries Newsmax and that its rift with Newsmax stemmed from a financial spat, rejecting claims it dropped the conservative news outlet for political reasons. Published February 7, 2023
White House says Bono, Paul Pelosi and Ukraine’s ambassador are among SOTU guests
First lady Jill Biden on Tuesday said her guest list at the State of the Union will include Bono, Paul Pelosi and the mother and stepfather of Tyre Nichols, the Memphis man who died after he was beaten by police following a traffic stop. Published February 7, 2023
House GOP to disapprove D.C. plans for illegal immigrant voting, weaker crime penalties
The House GOP is poised to formally rebuke D.C. officials this week by voting on resolutions that reject city plans to allow illegal immigrants to vote in local elections and weaken maximum penalties for crimes like carjacking. Published February 6, 2023
NYC Mayor Adams says COVID-19 vaccination to be optional for city workers
New York City Mayor Eric Adams said Monday that COVID-19 vaccination will be optional for city workers as of Feb. 10, arguing the mandate "served its purpose" by increasing uptake during the worst of the pandemic. Published February 6, 2023
Migrants taking buses from NYC to Canada on taxpayers’ dime
Some migrants are reportedly ditching New York City for Canada with help from New York taxpayers and the National Guard. Published February 6, 2023
Defense officials report previous balloon sightings to Congress
The Defense Department says previous Chinese spy balloons have been spotted close to U.S. airspace, including near Texas, Florida, Hawaii and Guam. Published February 6, 2023
Biden directs USAID, agencies to assist Turkey and Syria after earthquakes
President Biden has directed the federal government to assess how the U.S. can help those most affected by massive earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. Published February 6, 2023
