Laura Matthews
Laura is a U.S. politics reporter for the International Business Times. She was always fascinated by the BBC World News each morning on the radio in Jamaica. That, and a love for writing led her to a masters in journalism from Columbia University and a bachelors in media and communication from the University of the West Indies, Mona. She has worked for Gannett's Pacific Daily News in Guam, the Jamaica Observer, the Jamaica Gleaner, the Nassau Guardian in the Bahamas and Choices magazine for whom she ghost wrote the guidebook Help Your Child With Career Choice.
Boehner's Challenger Loses Job After Rude Attack Ad
One of House Speaker John Boehner's Republican challengers lost his job at an Ohio university after an ad parodied an erectile-dysfunction drug commercial.
Prosecutors Say US Rep. Grimm Failed To Report $1M In Income
The New York Republican is accused of hiding more than $1 million in income from a restaurant he owned and hiring illegal immigrants.
Boehner, Heritage Action Clash Again, This Time Over Immigration Reform
The relationship between the speaker of the House and conservative groups went south last December over a budget agreement.
Bloomberg-Backed Moms Group Set To Take On NRA
Just days after the former NYC mayor announced a $50 million initiative to fight the NRA, one of the groups he funds is about to face the gun lobby head on.
Oklahoma, With An Oil And Gas Boom, Is Facing A Budget Crisis
State lawmakers strapped for cash are considering even more cuts to public programs. Critics say oil tax breaks are the real culprit.
Lawmaker Drops Bid To Make Bible Louisiana's Official Book
Republican Rep. Thomas Carmody says the controversial bill has become a distraction.
US House Still Opposed To Funding CDC's Gun Violence Research
Republicans say the CDC's gun violence prevention research will get no funding in FY 2015, and gun control advocates aren't happy.
In South Carolina, It's Students Vs. Lawmakers On Gay-Themed Books
South Carolina students are rebelling against lawmakers trying to cut funds because gay-themed books are on the curriculum.
Rob Ford Launches Re-election Bid With Populist Message
Ford says he has learned his lesson since the scandals and asks for a second chance to lower taxes and fight against elitists.
Clinton's Favorability Hits 6-Year Low
The former secretary of state's favorability rating is still higher than those of her potential 2016 presidential GOP challengers.Republicans Sink Texas 'Boats 'N Hoes' PAC
The Texas fundraising group's name started a political war between Republicans and Democrats vying for women voters.
Christie Ahead Among Republicans For 2016, But Barely
The New Jersey governor is beating the Republican competition, but he loses to Hillary Clinton in a hypothetical matchup.
North Dakota's 'Heartbeat' Abortion Law Found Unconstitutional
A U.S. district court judge says the Supreme Court has already legalized abortions up to a certain point.
Out Of Office, Bloomberg Gets Even Tougher With NRA
Bloomberg's grassroots group will use the NRA's single-minded, single-issue strategy to take on the gun lobby.The Bible Could Soon Become Louisiana's Official Book
Louisiana state lawmakers want to make the Holy Bible the state's official symbol.ACLU Sues Michigan To Recognize Same-Sex Marriages
The ACLU of Michigan says same-sex couples who wed last month in the state's historic ceremony are being treated as "second-class" citizens.
How Senate GOP's Block Of Paycheck Fairness Act Could Haunt Party In November
Senate Republicans say no again to a law meant to help close the gender wage gap.
Deportations Hit Minor Offenders, Not Serious Criminals, Say Immigration Advocates
Independent studies appear to support complaints of a heavy-handed approach to deporting undocumented immigrants.
Here's Where Jeb Bush And Other GOP Hopefuls Stand On The Issues
As Chris Christie's clout fades, several Republicans are maneuvering. From the Tea Party favorites to moderates, here's where they stand.
Obamacare Now 'Hip'? Not Quite
However, Gallup data indicates that Republicans may have to adjust their strategy from the current all-out attack on health care reform.
