Kellan Howell
Articles by Kellan Howell
FCC media diversity survey sparks an uproar
The Federal Communications Commission finds itself on the defensive over a proposed research project that critics say directly threatens First Amendment protections for the news media. Published February 20, 2014
DHS report warns of credit, debit fraud risk posed by cards issued to employees
Despite a legal requirement to stamp out federal worker credit card abuse, the Homeland Security Department still faces a "moderate risk" that the credit and debit cards it issued its employees will be used for illegal or fraudulent purchases, according to an internal warning that found department officials in some case ignored important safeguards. Published February 15, 2014
‘Miracle on Ice’ captain praises Team USA, T.J. Oshie for defeating Russians
Mike Eruzione, the captain of 1980's "Miracle on Ice" U.S. Olympic hockey team, praised the U.S. defeat of Russia Saturday, which required a thrilling final shootout in Sochi's Bolshoy Ice Dome to determine the winner. Published February 15, 2014
Trapped U.S. bobsledder wins gold for destroying locked Sochi bathroom
A U.S. Olympic bobsledder was forced to break down a door when he was locked in his hotel bathroom. Published February 8, 2014
U.S. Army vet faces Canadian prison time over gun found at border: ‘It was an honest mistake’
A U.S. Army veteran is facing three years in prison in Canada after mistakenly bringing a gun to the border. Published February 8, 2014
NBC whitewashes Russia’s past for Sochi: Russia ‘overwhelms,’ ‘mystifies,’ ‘transcends’
NBC showed us Russia's troubled legacy through rose-colored glasses in the lead segment of it Friday broadcast of the Winter Olympic opening ceremonies in Sochi. Published February 8, 2014
McGruff the Crime Dog actor sentenced to 16 years in prison
McGruff the Crime Dog has fallen on hard times. Actor John Morales, who dressed as the famous bloodhound known for taking a "bite out of crime," has been sentenced to 16 years in prison. Published February 8, 2014
Ex-fundraiser’s testimony rocks Crist’s Florida campaign
Charlie Crist, the former Republican governor of Florida now seeking his old seat as a Democrat, has received the worst type of attention at the start of his campaign. Published February 6, 2014
A few challengers outraise rivals
Two Democratic challengers finished among the leaders of the field in the early money chase for the 2014 midterm elections, according to new campaign fundraising totals from the Federal Election Commission. Published February 5, 2014
Super PAC for top tea party group targets Senate races
A prominent tea party group announced this week a new superPAC that will focus on the upcoming battle for the Senate in the 2014 midterm races. Published February 4, 2014
Prominent tea party groups raise almost $8M in last six months of fiscal year 2013
The tea party might have a lot of enemies, but they also have friends — with deep pockets. Two national tea party groups were given a combined total of almost $8 million during the last six months of fiscal year 2013, according to Roll Call. Published February 1, 2014
Bill Maher: Country Music Awards should counter Grammy’s gay weddings with mass shooting
HBO "Real Time" host Bill Maher joked on Friday night that since the liberals behind the Grammy Awards used the show to perform gay weddings, conservatives should even out the score with a mass shooting at this year's Country Music Awards. Published February 1, 2014
Judge certifies class action status in Virginia for gay marriage lawsuit
A federal judge in western Virginia has certified a class action lawsuit challenging the state's ban on same-sex marriages. Published February 1, 2014
Krauthammer: ‘So what’ if Christie knew about lane closures? ‘Everybody in N.J. knew’
Fox News contributor Charles Krauthammer isn't impressed with a letter written by a former New York Port Authority official that asserts New Jersey Governor Christ Christie knew of the George Washington Bridge lane closures when they were happening. Published February 1, 2014
Watchdogs sue FEC over Rove’s Crossroads PAC
Two campaign finance watchdog groups on Friday sued the Federal Election Commission over the panel's decision not to pursue a complaint against the conservative Crossroads GPS, co-founded by GOP strategist Karl Rove. Published January 31, 2014
Postal Service opts for stamp hike over deeper spending cuts
The struggling U.S. Postal Service began asking customers to pay an extra 3 cents for every stamp they buy this week even as it fell short on some promised cost savings and failed to more aggressively cut spending identified by Congress as excessive. Published January 29, 2014
Ancient tablet with ark instructions predates Biblical story of Noah
An ancient tablet has been recently deciphered and purportedly lists instructions for building an ark to endure a great flood. Published January 25, 2014
Child killer on U.S. Marshals Service 15 Most Wanted list extradited
One of U.S. Marshals Service 15 Most Wanted fugitives was extradited from Mexico today. Published January 25, 2014
State Dept. updates travel warning for Sochi Winter Olympics travelers
The Department of State has issued a new travel warning for athletes and spectators traveling to the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. Published January 25, 2014
Mitt Romney ‘slow jams’ the news with Jimmy Fallon
Former GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney showed a more humorous side of his personality when he "slow jammed the news" Friday night on Jimmy Fallon. Published January 25, 2014