Kellan Howell
Articles by Kellan Howell
Golden Hammer: U.S. sends China millions in foreign aid despite $1.3 trillion debt
China has become one of the world's largest two economies, and is wealthy enough to buy up at least $1.3 trillion of the U.S. debt. But that hasn't stopped Uncle Sam from continuing to send foreign aid to Beijing. Published February 12, 2015
‘Anonymous’ hacking group shuts down over 800 Islamic State Twitter accounts
The hacking group "Anonymous" on Tuesday took credit for shutting down hundreds of social media accounts linked to Islamic State sympathizers. Published February 11, 2015
Newsweek Twitter account hacked by ‘cyber caliphate’ Islamic State supporters
Newsweek's Twitter account was hacked on Tuesday morning by Islamic State sympathizers as the White House prepares to unveil new cyber security initiatives. Published February 10, 2015
Aaron Schock faces second ethics complaint over home sale
A Washington watchdog group filed Monday a second ethics complaint against embattled Illinois Republican Rep. Aaron Schock after new reports revealed that he sold his home to a campaign donor for three times its worth. Published February 10, 2015
Brian Williams stepping down from news broadcast ‘for several days’
Embattled NBC news anchor Brian Williams announced Saturday afternoon that he would be taking a break from "NBC Nightly News" following reports that he falsely reported being aboard a helicopter that was forced to make an emergency landing after taking enemy fire in Iraq in 2003. Published February 7, 2015
Iraqi Christians form militia: ‘I want to defend our own lands’ from Islamic State
Hundreds of Iraqi Christians are picking up arms and forming a new Christian militia, training to reclaim their homes from Islamic State militants. Published February 7, 2015
Vladimir Putin: ‘We are not going to wage war on anyone’
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Saturday that Russia did not plan to wage war on anyone, but added that Moscow would not tolerate a world order where one leader tells others what to do. Published February 7, 2015
Brian Williams said he looked ‘down the tube’ of fired RPG, new video reveals
Another video from the past of embattled NBC anchor Brian Williams. In 2007, the "NBC Nightly News" anchor recounted another version of his helicopter ride in Iraq in 2003, saying he "looked down the barrel of an RPG." Published February 7, 2015
Obama administration issues 5.5M work permits to non-citizens; Jeff Sessions wants investigation
New documents reveal that the Obama administration has issued roughly 5.5 million work permits to non-citizens without Congressional authorization. Published February 7, 2015
Joe Biden to make Iowa trip next week
Vice President Joseph R. Biden will head to Iowa next week, sparking more rumors that he is considering a bid for the Democratic nod in 2016. Published February 7, 2015
Bill Maher: media treat vaccines like Iraq War: ‘Don’t ask any questions’
HBO talk show host Bill Maher said Friday that the media's attitude toward vaccine skeptics reminded him of the "don't ask any questions" attitude he perceived leading up to the Iraq War. Published February 7, 2015
Rope used in Saddam Hussein execution up for auction: source
The rope used to hang ousted Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein is up for auction and could sell for as much as $7 million. Published February 7, 2015
NBC to launch Brian Williams investigation: report
NBC is reportedly launching an internal investigation into erroneous news claims made by "NBC Nightly News" host Brian Williams about being in a helicopter that was forced to land after taking fire in Iraq. Published February 6, 2015
Alan Nunnelee dies at 56 after struggle with brain cancer
Mississippi Republican Rep. Alan Nunnelee died Friday at age 56 from complications from brain cancer. Published February 6, 2015
Islamic State claims U.S. female captive killed in Jordanian airstrike
Islamic State militants claimed that a female American hostage was killed Friday during a Jordanian airstrike in northern Syria as part of the country's retaliation for the killing of a captured pilot held hostage by the group. Published February 6, 2015
Aaron Schock aide resigns over racist Facebook posts
A senior adviser to Illinois Rep. Aaron Schock has resigned after reports surfaced of racist posts he made on Facebook comparing black people to zoo animals and suggesting President Obama build a mosque at the White House. Published February 6, 2015
Patent law reform bill to stop trolls could stifle innovation as well, critics say
House Republicans on Thursday restarted their campaign to reform U.S. patent laws, a bipartisan effort backed by heavyweights such as Google and Facebook that also has awakened protest from some conservatives who are fearful it will trample inventors' protections. Published February 5, 2015
Pro-life forces start new campaign to press Congress
On the heels of the annual March for Life in Washington, a group of pro-life activists is seeking to enlist thousands of Americans in a massive mail protest to Congress. Published February 5, 2015
Aaron Schock spends thousands of tax dollars for ‘Downton Abbey’ office
Rep. Aaron Schock, Illinois Republican allegedly spent thousands in taxpayer dollars to redecorate his Raybourn office in the style of "Downton Abbey." Published February 5, 2015
Kim Jong-un executes army general over difference of opinion
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un executed an army general last month following a difference of opinion as part of his latest purge of senior government officials. Published February 4, 2015
