Laura Kelly
Local 22 & Local 44
Washington, DC, United States
Contact Laura
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Recent articles by Laura:
5 sore spots between the US and Israel as the Biden-Netanyahu era begins
Spiraling violence between Israelis and Palestinians and fierce protests against proposed judicial reforms are at the forefront of President Biden’s concerns more than one month into the renewed leadership of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. U.S. and Israeli officials stress the unbreakable bond between the two countries, but a recent visit by Secretary of State […] → Read More
Tanks, jets and justice: Ukraine’s top prosecutor tries to rally US on legal battle
After the U.S. and its partners reached a major breakthrough in delivering heavy weapons to Ukraine, Kyiv’s top law enforcement official is pushing allies to show similar determination to punish Russia in the courtroom. “The instruments of delivering justice should be as strong as weapons we receive in order to fight for our independence,” Ukrainian […] → Read More
In significant shift, Biden sending 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine
President Biden will send 31 M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, matching a German announcement to immediately provide Leopard tanks that Kyiv says are essential in its fight against Russia. The Abrams tanks are not expected to reach the battlefield for months due to the time needed to procure the tanks and carry out the training […] → Read More
Doomsday Clock now at closest point to midnight in history
The clock has moved to 90 seconds before midnight, 10 seconds closer than when it was last set in January 2022, shortly before Russia launched its invasion against Ukraine on Feb. 24. → Read More
Blinken ‘surprised’ government documents were taken to Biden think tank
Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday said he was surprised to learn that any government records were taken to President Biden’s former University of Pennsylvania Washington office and said he would cooperate fully if called for an interview by the special counsel. Blinken, speaking during a joint press conference with Britain’s foreign secretary, said […] → Read More
Zelensky planning to visit US Capitol in person on Wednesday
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to visit the U.S. Capitol in person on Wednesday, sources confirmed to The Hill. The visit is not set stone, but hinges on security, according to a second source familiar with the planning. The media leaks, the source said, are “not helping.” Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) confirmed the plans […] → Read More
Dozens of senators warn China of ‘grave consequences’ if it uses violence against protesters
Nearly half of the Senate signed onto a pointed letter to China’s Ambassador in Washington on Friday, warning of “grave consequences” and “extraordinary damage” to Sino-U.S. relations if Beijing carries out violence against recent protesters. The letter, sent to Chinese Ambassador Qin Gang and signed by 42 senators from both parties, said Congress is closely […] → Read More
Cotton blocking quick passage of 9/11 victims bill over Beirut concerns
Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) is blocking the Senate from voting on a bill aimed at providing close to $3 billion to victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, calling for victims of the 1983 bombings of the U.S. Marine Barracks in Beirut, Lebanon, to share in the compensation. The Republican senator opposed efforts by […] → Read More
Blinken to travel to Qatar for World Cup under shadow of human rights criticisms
Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Qatar next week to attend the World Cup as it kicks off in Doha while also launching a bilateral dialogue with Qatari officials. Blinken is the first official the Biden administration has announced it is sending to the soccer tournament, which is taking place under a shadow […] → Read More
Ukraine says Iran’s help for Russia should push Israel out of neutral stance
Ukrainian officials say Iran’s war-time aid to Russia should convince Israel to abandon its position of withholding military assistance to Kyiv. Ukraine also wants the Biden administration to step … → Read More
Saudi Arabia unfazed by US backlash on oil as Russia reaps benefits
Saudi Arabia shows no sign of backing down in the face of U.S. pushback to its decision to cut oil production, part of Riyadh’s strategy to flex its foreign policy influence more forcefully. Saudi officials insist that the highly criticized decision to cut oil production to keep prices high is purely economical, pushing back on […] → Read More
White House says Iranian troops on the ground in Crimea aiding Russian drone strikes
The White House on Thursday confirmed that Russia is attacking Ukraine with Iranian drones launched from the occupied Crimean Peninsula with on-the-ground assistance from military trainers from Iran. National Security spokesperson John Kirby further raised concern that Russia will seek to acquire advanced conventional weapons from Tehran as it faces military supply shortages under pressure […] → Read More
SpaceX threatens to pull Starlink services in Ukraine if Pentagon doesn’t shoulder the cost: report
SpaceX is calling for the Pentagon to increase the amount it pays for critical internet service in Ukraine provided by the company’s Starlink service or risk losing it, CNN reported on Friday, with CEO Elon Musk suggesting the move is related to the rejection of his proposed peace plan. In a letter to the Pentagon […] → Read More
Biden trip to Middle East expected in July
President Biden is looking to visit the Middle East in July, a spokesperson for the National Security Council told The Hill on Wednesday. The White House has yet to publicly announce the trip… → Read More
House Democrats ask Biden to prioritize oil, humanitarian issues ahead of potential Saudi meeting
The Democratic chairs of six House panels are asking President Biden to lay out a list of priorities ahead of a potential meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman that include addressing… → Read More
American, global donations fill key gap in Ukraine’s military needs
Grassroots efforts by NGOs and private citizens are helping raise millions of dollars to support Ukrainian forces, donating critical items from medical kits to bulletproof vests and even Turkish dr… → Read More
Biden lays groundwork for risky meeting with Saudis
President Biden and his officials are laying the groundwork for a high-profile meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, reversing course on the campaign promise to isolate the powerful … → Read More
Biden doubles down on support for Ukraine, but shows limits
President Biden is once again ramping up U.S. support for Ukraine, vowing to send more advanced weapons to Kyiv with the express goal of helping the Ukrainians defeat the Russians. But the pr… → Read More
Ukraine assured US it will not strike within Russia
Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday said Ukraine has given the U.S. strict assurances that it would not use American-delivered heavy weapons for strikes within Russia, part of effor… → Read More
Navalny in prison: How a thorn in Putin’s side reaches the outside world
For one hour each week, imprisoned Russian dissident Alexey Navalny is allowed to send and receive messages with the outside world. Navalny’s hand-written missives are transmitted through his lawye… → Read More