Week five and day 21 of the Bob and Maureen McDonnell corruption trial has neither the prosecutors nor the judge handling the former governor with care. As Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, Monday’s testimony had onlookers grabbing a virtual bag of popcorn and a soft drink waiting for prosecutors to really hone in on the corruption charges.

On day 20 of the former first couple’s federal corruption trial and day 3 of testimony from former Governor Bob McDonnell, jurors were able to follow the money. The last two days were focused on McDonnell’s troubled marriage and how it conflicted with his job as governor.  The former governor testified about the loans and relationship he had with ex-Star Scientific CEO Jonnie Williams. Tommie McNeil reports.

Testimony by former governor Bob McDonnell during his federal corruption trial consisted of his description of the breakdown of his marriage and pleading to his wife and co-defendant, Maureen, about her overspending. The morning was pretty solemn—and at one point, there was some much-needed comic relief when he was asked about his own purchases.  Tommie McNeil reports.

Former Governor Bob McDonnell has now taken the stand in his corruption trial.

Secretary of Agriculture Todd Haymore

Prosecutors in the case turned the tables on another of the defense witnesses … and momentarily backed the McDonnells’ attorneys up against a wall.  But as Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, subsequent testimony from a cabinet member and other associates MAY have created some balance between the opposing cases in the middle of this third week of the trial.

Political Analyst Dr. Bob Holsworth

Day 16 of the federal corruption trial of former Governor Bob McDonnell and his wife opened with Judge James Spencer thanking the jurors for being there—and saying that he had prayed for each of them last night. That was a subtle reference to the loss of three jurors since the proceedings began. And as Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan reports, the defense continued with its witnesses and meticulously focused on McDonnell’s sister and real estate business partner—who, like his wife, is also named “Maureen.”

Janet Vestal Kelly, the former Secretary of the Commonwealth

Day 15 of the federal corruption trial of former Governor Bob McDonnell and his wife, Maureen, began with the replacement of a juror who had to go out-of-state for a family emergency. That leaves just one alternate juror in the event that any others are excused. And as Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan reports, this week the defense is calling the witnesses—in hopes of casting doubt on the prosecution’s case.

Governor McAuliffe speaks to reporters as budget committee members look on.

“Not surprised—but still disappointing.” That statement from one of Virginia’s budget-writing committee leaders is the consensus of the others who heard a dismal financial report from Governor McAuliffe.  As Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, they nevertheless applaud the Governor for his leadership… and have already begun figuring out ways to address the projected shortfall.

Nanette Bolt leaves the courthouse after testifying.

The prosecution is close to wrapping up its arguments in the federal trial of former Governor Bob McDonnell and his wife, Maureen. This time it focused primarily on how the former governor allegedly lied on mortgage refinance applications to cover up the loans given to him and the former first lady by ex-Star Scientific CEO, Jonnie Williams. Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports from the federal courthouse in Richmond.

Sec. Bill Hazel

Governor McAuliffe has signed two executive orders to create a new framework within his administration to potentially help more children succeed.  The goal is to develop, implement, and prioritize a policy agenda related to health, poverty, safety, education, nutrition, and housing.   And as Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan reports, the plan is to coordinate and strengthen public services on all levels —with a special focus on at-risk children in high-poverty communities.

Day five of the corruption trial of former Governor Bob McDonnell and his wife, Maureen, kicked off with the former first lady’s attorney cross-examining the prosecution’s key witness, ex-Star Scientific CEO Jonnie Williams. As Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, the strategy seemed to include attributing most business dealings associated with the first family to Maureen and away from her husband.

Day four of the corruption trial of former Governor Bob McDonnell and his wife, Maureen, picked up where it left off the previous day—with the prosecution’s star witness, Jonnie Williams. As Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, the former Star Scientific CEO detailed the gifts and loans he provided to the former first family—and the point where he knew he believed he was crossing ethical and legal lines.

Jerri Fulkerson at the courthouse in Richmond.

Day three in the trial of former Governor Bob McDonnell and his wife, Maureen, opened up with testimony from former Star Scientific CEO Jonnie Williams’ assistant, Jerri Fulkerson.
As Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, she testified that not only did the former first couple accept lavish gifts from her boss, but their children also received favors.

Maureen McDonnell arrives at the courthouse.

The second day of the federal corruption trial of former Governor Bob McDonnell and his wife, Maureen, began with instructions to the jury that they must be convinced beyond a reasonable doubt by the evidence—and not by leaks or media accounts. Prosecutor Jessica Aber recounted the indictment’s theory that the McDonnells exchanged official acts for gifts and loans from former Star Scientific CEO Jonnie Williams. But as Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan reports, the bombshells hit when the couple’s defense attorneys spoke.

Jury selection began today in the federal corruption trial of former Governor Bob McDonnell and his wife, Maureen. Prosecutors allege that the former first couple promoted Star Scientific’s products in exchange for gifts and mortgage loans from the company’s former CEO, Jonnie Williams. But as Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan reports, the first step on Monday was to try and choose a fair and impartial jury.

With people still adjusting to their insurance policies and premiums under the Affordable Care Act, now might not be the ideal time to tell Virginians that sales taxes associated with some health procedures, prescriptions, and even Band Aids could be passed on to them.  But that was one of the issues the Joint Subcommittee to Evaluate Tax Preferences has examined. Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil has more.

The Annie E. Casey Foundation has just released its 25th annual Kids Count survey. And while Virginia has made progress in the areas of education and overall health, it still suggests that more children are living in impoverished homes and lack the community make-up or family foundation to help increase their likelihood of living successful lives. Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil explains.

Richmond, VA

A new General Assembly panel is vowing to conduct a thorough review of Virginia’s mental health system, while not shielding any “sacred cows” in the process.  The Joint Subcommittee to Study Mental Health Services in the 21st Century held its inaugural meeting… and began by examining how the Commonwealth’s system is faring—then comparing it to other states. Members already seem determined to make reforms.  Anne Marie Morgan reports.

While parents look for more affordable ways to send their kids to college, many are seeking information about the Virginia 529 College Savings Plan. As Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, a new briefing by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission suggests that the state’s Plan may be one of the most viable and sustainable options.

The return on Virginia Retirement System investments fell 21 percent in 2009—but the pension fund has now rebounded and is exceeding expectations. That’s the message delivered by VRS officials to state lawmakers.  And as Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan reports, all are cautiously optimistic that the fund’s health will keep improving.

Another national debate is taking center stage in Virginia—this time over a potential Internet sales tax. And as Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, one group that’s opposed to out-of-state e-commerce taxation and the federal Marketplace Fairness Act says they have overwhelming proof that Virginians don’t want it.

Virginia, no longer ranked as the best state to do business, still has a strong economic footing, especially in Northern Virginia. But because the state is so heavily reliant on defense contracts which have recently been on the federal chopping block, Governor McAuliffe is looking to strengthen the state’s economy through other avenues. More from Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil.

In June, four state lawmakers unexpectedly resigned their seats in the General Assembly.  While legislative retirements are not unusual, four Democrats in one month calling it quits before their terms expire is not the norm—and left many to wonder why.  But as Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan reports, the answer may be as simple as timing and opportunity.

Special elections will be held on August 19th for the vacant seats that were held by Puckett, Howell, and Brink.

As Virginians celebrate American independence this weekend, many can’t help but think about our veterans past and present—as well as the rights and nation that they have defended. So as we continue our series on new state laws that just took effect, Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports on one that directly impacts those who have served overseas … another that addresses state energy resources … and a third that affects the Commonwealth’s democratic process.