Kellan Howell
Articles by Kellan Howell
Families of POWs and MIAs frustrated by Bergdahl exchange deal
One of the nation's largest organizations for prisoners of war and those missing in action opened its annual gathering in Arlington on Wednesday, and the case of Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl was very much on the minds of those in attendance. Published June 11, 2014
GOP lawmakers admits donor money affects votes
A Louisiana GOP congressman has publicly acknowledged that "pay-to-play" donor contributions affect how lawmakers vote. Published June 10, 2014
Users petition to keep Va. ride-sharing services running
Consumers of two popular ride-share services in Virginia fought back Friday against the state's attempt to quash the companies with a petition to the governor to keep both on the road. Published June 6, 2014
Obama chews gum during D-Day ceremonies, sparks Twitter outrage
President Obama was caught on camera chewing gum during the D-Day ceremonies in France as Queen Elizabeth II was welcomed, and Twitter feeds worldwide exploded with criticism. Published June 6, 2014
A day with heroes: Honor flight brings veterans to D.C. to see monuments
On a quiet afternoon at Ronald Reagan National Airport, feet shuffle through the terminals and bags scrape across the floor. From Terminal 30 a trumpet begins to sound and onlookers cheer as a group of unsuspecting WWII and Korean War veterans shuffle up the jet bridge, greeted by a fanfare of patriotism. Published June 5, 2014
Virginia DMV halts ride-sharing services
Virginia's Department of Motor Vehicles sent cease and desist orders Thursday to two popular ride-share services, warning that they must stop operating in violation of state law or face mounting fines. Published June 5, 2014
Morgan Freeman: Race does not affect income
Morgan Freeman, Oscar-winning actor and possibly the world's most recognizable voice, said that the income gap and race are not related. Published June 4, 2014
FEC halts probe of former Rep. Robert Andrews
The Federal Election Commission has dropped a long-running campaign finance investigation into former New Jersey Democratic Rep. Robert E. Andrews, despite the objections of a leading campaign finance watchdog. Published June 3, 2014
Watchdog criticizes EPA oversight of contract for research on climate
On the day it unveiled sweeping new rules on greenhouse gases, the Environmental Protection Agency was facing criticism Monday from its internal watchdog for failing to better monitor a research contract on climate change to ensure taxpayers get the services for which they pay. Published June 3, 2014
Watchdog finds home health care providers could have criminal records
Home health care workers, who have become an essential part of the treatment network for the elderly and homebound, are escaping background checks in at least 10 states in what federal investigators warn is potential security hole. Published June 1, 2014
Terror suspects freed by Obama admin. for soldier were labeled ‘high risk’ in 2008: report
All five terror suspects the Obama administration exchanged for the release of Sgt. Bowe Berghdahl on Saturday were deemed in a 2008 Pentagon dossier to be 'high risk' for launching attacks on American interests if released. Published May 31, 2014
Sudan to release Christian Meriam Ibrahim on death row for two years to nurse newborn
Authorities in Sudan will temporarily release a woman sentenced to death for apostasy, a foreign ministry official says. Published May 31, 2014
Scientist’s idea for ending tornadoes: Gargantuan $16B walls 100 miles wide, 1,000 feet tall
A scientist from Temple University believes he has found a way to end dangerous tornadoes along parts of the southern and Midwestern U.S.: giant walls. Published May 31, 2014
Obama defends deal with Taliban to free only American POW in Afghanistan
The only American soldier held as a prisoner of war in Afghanistan has been released, administration officials announced Saturday. Published May 31, 2014
Chili’s, Sonic-Drive-In tell gun owners to leave firearms at home
Sonic-Drive-In and Chili's Bar & Grill both issued statements asking diners to refrain from bringing concealed weapons into their restaurants, even if they have a permit, NBC News reported Friday. Published May 31, 2014
Drones over Los Angeles: LAPD gets new UAVs to combat crime
The Los Angeles Police Department announced Friday it had added two "unmanned aerial vehicles" to it's arsenal on Friday. Published May 31, 2014
Soda warning label bill passes California Senate; lawmakers deny ‘nanny governing’ charge
California lawmakers passed a bill Thursday requiring soft drinks to carry warning labels for obesity, diabetes and tooth decay. The bill passed in the state Senate and moves on to the state Assembly before Governor Jerry Brown can sign it into law. Published May 31, 2014
Phil Mickelson insider trading probe: PGA star targeted by FBI
Federal investigators are probing possible insider trading violations between investor Carl Icahn, golfer Phil Mickelson, and Las Vegas high roller William "Billy" Walters. Published May 31, 2014
Cabinet politics: Federal officials, grants are sent to help vulnerable Democrats
If you were looking for Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz this week, you might want to consult the 2014 electoral map of endangered Democrats as a guide. Published May 29, 2014
Robert Gates refuses to re-open debate on gay adults in Boy Scouts of America
The new leader of the Boy Scouts of America said Friday that he would allow gay adults as Scout leaders, but would not re-open talks on the issue he says "left us divided, distracted and defensive." Published May 24, 2014