More than 200,000 Virginians —most without insurance— could access healthcare services under an executive plan announced today by Governor McAuliffe.  The 10-step program is called “A Healthy Virginia” and does not require General Assembly approval.  And as Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan reports, the governor aims to secure as many federal dollars as possible—instead of funding the entire plan through the state budget.

Steve Helber/AP via NPR

There was no media briefing and no victory lap by the prosecutors who conducted the trial…and few comments by either Bob or Maureen McDonnell-who are now convicted felons. As Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, after three days of deliberations, the jury handed down convictions on the majority of the charges against the two-leaving many asking, “What just happened?”. . .

AP Photo/Steve Helber via NPR

Day 2 of the jury deliberations in the Bob and Maureen McDonnell corruption trial has the media, onlookers, and, of course, the McDonnell family camped out or nearby awaiting a verdict. Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports.

The jury continues its deliberations today in the federal trial of former Governor Bob McDonnell and his wife, Maureen. The two defendants face 14 counts involving corruption, obstruction of justice, and lying on financial documents. Much of the disagreement over whether the former first couple broke the law by accepting gifts and loans from ex-Star Scientific CEO Jonnie Williams—while supporting his business—comes from differing interpretations of what some believe are murky ethics and corruption laws. Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan explains.

Former Governor Bob McDonnell and son leave the courthouse.

The case of the “United States of America versus Robert and Maureen McDonnell” now rests in the hands of the jury.  U.S. District Judge James Spencer spent all morning presenting his instructions to the 12 jurors—including the definitions of each charge and the elements of the complex federal laws that would be essential for conviction beyond a reasonable doubt.  The proceedings began with the defense formally objecting to some of the jury instructions that echoed statements made by prosecutors.

The jury will not be sequestered. Until a verdict is rendered, the jury will deliberate each day until the early evening, then each juror will go home and begin again the next morning.  They were instructed to not read, listen to, or watch any news, discuss the case with anyone, or do research on the Internet.

Fracking has produced massive amounts of natural gas in West Virginia.  North Carolina and wants some.  Now, Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas have announced they would team up with AGL and Richmond-based Dominion to make that possible — building a pipeline through Virginia.  The news provoked an outcry from the environmental community and grassroots groups as Sandy Hausman reports.

Former Gov. Bob McDonnell leaves the courthouse with his children.

Day 24 of the corruption trial of former Governor Bob McDonnell and his wife, Maureen, began with the prosecution’s rebuttal witness, FBI Special Agent Kathryn Weber.

Since the former first lady was not a public official under the law, prosecutors must prove that the former first couple engaged in a conspiracy to win convictions on some charges.

After days of testimony by McDonnell and other witnesses that the couple did not communicate well, that was a huge challenge.

Weber compared 22 relevant months of schedules and said the couple spent about 90 percent of those nights together. But she conceded that “together” meant an overnight stay under the same roof. The defense pointed out numerous dates when McDonnell flew in from out-of-state and arrived home late at night.

Executive Mansion logs showed that Jonnie Williams visited Maureen twice when he was gone. Judge James Spencer then dismissed the jurors so that he could finalize jury instructions.  Legal analyst Todd Stone said those include standards of evidence.

“The government has to prove each and every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. And all the jurors have to unanimously agree in order for there to be a finding of guilt.”

With his children embracing him for support, McDonnell briefly left the courthouse. In response to reporters, he said he wished he had done many things differently in his 60 years of life.

“I’m a human being, and like every one of you, we all do things we wish we did a little differently. It’s just the way life is.”

He admitted his fallibility—then was asked if he forgave Jonnie Williams. The former governor replied, “Sure.”

Hear the report from Anne Marie Morgan:

Jeanine McDonnell Zubowsky

Former Governor Bob McDonnell’s defense team rested their case on Day 23 of his federal corruption trial …and then lawyers for Maureen McDonnell took a turn calling witnesses for the former first lady. As Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan reports, their testimonies seemed to bolster defense assertions that ex-Star Scientific CEO Jonnie Williams pushed his gifts onto people who never asked for them…and that the former first couple’s marriage was troubled for years before they ever reached the Executive Mansion.

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.

State Delegate Joe Morrissey

Henrico Delegate Joe Morrissey says he will not resign his seat in the General Assembly following this week’s indictment that stems from his relationship with a teenager.  He made the statement after a fellow Democrat, Delegate Mark Keam, had called on Morrissey to step down.  Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil has more details from the State Capitol.

 

While the state budget and Medicaid expansion dominated news coverage of the General Assembly this year, lawmakers also worked on a wide array of other issues. In Part Two of our series on state laws that take effect this week, Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan reports on some of the new public safety and ethics laws—including a few arising from several well-publicized cases.

A broad bipartisan and bicameral consensus at the General Assembly may not create sensational headlines—but such agreements DO occur.  In Part One of our series on NEW state laws that take effect this week, Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan reports on two sets of bills that fit that description:  reforming school Standards of Learning tests and overhauling the Commonwealth’s mental health system.

Photo: Environment Virginia

While some groups and businesses have touted their environmental accomplishments and criticized new EPA regulations, one watchdog organization says “not so fast.” As Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, Environment Virginia says although significant strides have been made in watershed cleanup, the state’s waterways are still endangered and lots more work needs to be done.

As more commuters turn to bicycles as an alternative method of transportation, lawmakers say everyone must rethink how we take to the roads. That approach is now reflected in a new law that takes effect on July 1st.  The law will require motorists to allow three feet of clearance when passing bicyclists.  Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports.

Virginia House Republicans are pulling out the big guns and preparing for a major battle with Governor Terry McAuliffe’s plans to expand Medicaid on his own. They asked the former Solicitor General who has argued more Supreme Court cases this century than another other lawyer to provide a legal analysis of McAuliffe’s options.  As Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, they are not saying a lawsuit is inevitable, they are telling the Governor he needs to tread carefully over the issues.

State Senator Bill Stanley

When House of Delegates Speaker Bill Howell ruled two of Governor McAuliffe’s line-item vetoes out of order Monday night, he cited the state Constitution and Virginia Supreme Court precedents for doing so.  Those include a 1996 case where then—as now—one major dispute was over budget language about federal funds.  And as Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan reports, the Speaker’s rulings ultimately may not be the final word on the subject.

Some Virginia policy analysts say after months of stalling and keeping constituents on the edge of their seats, the General Assembly still blundered by passing a budget without Medicaid expansion. Groups that include Virginia Organizing, Progress Virginia, and the Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis say that not only has the budget left hundreds of thousands of Virginians without affordable healthcare options—but residents are left with a gaping budgetary hole that needs to be filled.  Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil has more from the State Capitol.

From USS Wisconsin Facebook, Submitted by: Jeffrey J. Jankowski, Timothy Snipes.

Nearly three years after Virginia Public Radio told you about the growing problem of veterans’ homelessness in the Commonwealth, the state is putting pen to paper to help put an end to it. The legislation is one of 10 veteran-friendly bills that Governor McAuliffe ceremonially signed into law  at the World War II Battleship Wisconsin museum in Norfolk.

The state’s economists and fiscal experts are urging lawmakers to pass a budget as soon as possible to help mitigate lower revenues by tapping into the state’s rainy day fund. As Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, they informed the House Appropriations Committee that if lawmakers don’t act soon, the state has much to lose.
Both houses of the General Assembly will convene to work on the budget Thursday night.

While the attack on State Senator Creigh Deeds and subsequent suicide by his son have brought more attention to the issue of mental health in Virginia, child advocates say there are significant gaps in how children and adolescents receive treatment. As Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, it’s because since the incident last year, the number of young people who are admitted to mental health facilities has risen—but the number of available beds at a specialized facility has not.

Although Virginia lawmakers are still locked in a stalemate over Medicaid expansion, over the next two days business leaders, health care providers, and technology innovators will be addressing the rising costs of healthcare and how to mitigate them—whether lawmakers reach a deal or not. As Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, it’s all part of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce-sponsored Virginia Health Care Conference held in downtown Richmond.

Average Internet access and connectivity costs in Virginia schools are more expensive than the national average, and now a nonprofit organization has chosen the Commonwealth for a free program that will discover why AND propose cost-lowering options.  

Governor McAuliffe  announced that the “EducationSuperHighway” will gather detailed information from all school divisions, analyze the data, and then provide technical assistance.
And as Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan reports, the governor emphasized that high-speed connectivity is now essential for both a 21st-century education AND economy.

For weeks, speculation has run rampant at the State Capitol over what authority Governor McAuliffe might have under the Virginia Constitution to keep the state operating if a budget is not passed by the start of the new fiscal year on July 1st. Attorneys for the nonpartisan Division of Legislative Services were asked to advise state lawmakers about executive options for paying bills or mitigating a government shutdown.  At the heart of the issue is the constitutional requirement for separation of powers and co-equal branches—and as Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan reports, the answer is … complicated.

Three Virginia plaintiffs are asking a federal judge to delay the upcoming June primaries—AND if lawmakers fail to implement a new congressional redistricting plan, impose one himself. Although the plan was pre-cleared by the U.S. Justice Department,  both sides of a lawsuit that alleges gerrymandering began presenting their case, which is expected to carry over into Thursday.  Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil has more from the U.S. District Courthouse in Richmond.

Hundreds of law enforcement officers, behavioral health specialists, and other community advocates gathered in Richmond  for a statewide conference that brought together Virginia’s Crisis Intervention Teams. The C-I-Ts increase collaboration among first responders, mental health treatment-providers, and agencies to de-escalate behavioral health crises and help individuals obtain the care they need. And as Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie reports, while challenges still remain, the CITs appear to be working.

Virginia’s potentially landmark case on gay marriage is now in the hands of a federal appeals court, where it could stay for weeks, or even months.  Connie Stevens reports.

Within the halls of the oldest representative body in the U.S., in the very same seats that Virginia lawmakers craft legislation, sat 44 people from 32 different countries who, for the first time, were called “Americans.” As Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, it was all part of a naturalization ceremony at the State Capitol that, for some, marked a decades-long journey for U.S. citizenship.

Former Governor Doug Wilder says he’s received lots of inquiries regarding the future of a proposed National Slavery Museum, so he’s revealed what he hopes to be its new location. As Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, while Fredericksburg is no longer a consideration, Wilder says a historic church now owned by Virginia Commonwealth University would be ideal.

In a written statement, Wilder says that since funds for the Museum were included in the new state budget, it is the intention of the National Slavery Museum to further these discussions with the appropriate authorities, including the State Legislature and the Governor.
Wilder says he envisioned a museum in downtown Richmond, not far from where slaves were traded and herded like cattle, but at the same location where they found hope.