Timeline: McDonnell's involvement with Star Scientific

Timeline: McDonnell's involvement with Star Scientific

» Related article: McDonnells benefited from $120,000 more of donor’s funds

JAN. 16, 2010

Maureen and Bob McDonnell. (Ricky Carioti/The Washington Post)

Robert F. McDonnell sworn in as 71st governor of Virginia. Star Scientifichad contributed more than $28,500 of in-kind air travel to his 2009 campaign. The company would also give more than $80,000 in air travel to his political action committee in 2010 and 2011.

DEC. 29, 2010

McDonnell signs a contract for catering for his daughter Cailin’s wedding, making him financially responsible for the food. He pays the first of two $3,974.25 deposits.

JAN. 31, 2011

McDonnell pays a second $3,974.25 deposit for the wedding catering.

SOMETIME IN APRIL OR MAY 2011

Jonnie Williams. (AP)

Star Scientific chief executive Jonnie R. Williams Sr. takes Maureen McDonnell on a $15,000 clothing shopping trip in New York City.

MAY 23, 2011

A check drawn from a trust controlled by Williams and signed by his assistant is made out to the catering company for food at the wedding of Cailin McDonnell. The governor later says the money was a wedding present to Cailin. Williams writes a second $50,000 check from the trust made out to Maureen McDonnell. Sources say McDonnell viewed the money as a loan.

JUNE 1, 2011

Maureen McDonnell speaks to a group of doctors and investors meeting in Florida to learn more about the science behind Star Scientific’s new dietary supplement. She tells the group she believes Anatabloc could be used to lower health-care costs and publicly offers the Executive Mansion for the product’s launch party when it comes to market.

JUNE 4, 2011

Cailin McDonnell and Chris Young. (Mike Topham via the Governor's Office)

Cailin McDonnell marries Chris Young, with a reception at the 200-year old Executive Mansion. Guests feast on poached jumbo shrimp and free-range chicken without knowing they came courtesy of Williams.

JUNE 6, 2011

The catering company writes a $3,532.60 check to Maureen McDonnell, a reimbursement because the Williams check on top of deposits made by the governor overpaid the catering bill.

JULY 28, 2011

Jonnie Williams's Ferrari. (Obtained by The Washington Post)

The McDonnell family spends a long weekend at Williams’s vacation home at Smith Mountain Lake near Roanoke. When the trip ends, the McDonnells borrow Williams’s Ferrari to drive back to Richmond. The car retails for $190,000.

AUG. 1, 2011

Star Scientific's Anatabloc dietary supplement. (PRNewswire via AP)

Williams meets with a top official from the Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, where he pitches Anatabloc and proposes a study of whether use of the non-FDA inflammatory results in a reduction in health costs among state employees. Just before the beginning of the meeting, which had been arranged by Maureen McDonnell, a source says the first lady admired Williams’s Rolex and told him how great it would be if he would buy her a similar one she could give her husband.

AUG. 14, 2011

Williams purchases a $6,500 Rolex.

AUG. 29, 2011

Top McDonnell aides learn the governor is scheduled to attend a launch event for Anatabloc at the mansion the next day and express concern over e-mail. “Are we sure we can do something like this?” writes one. “You were exactly right to be suspicious,” responds another.

AUG. 30, 2011

Star Scientific press release.

Despite those concerns, the luncheon goes forward at the mansion. The first lady serves as a host of the event. The governor also attends, he has said, to recognize the company for giving research grants to state universities. The company touts the event in a news release about Anatabloc’s launch.

SEPT. 24, 2011

Williams attends the American Cancer Society’s Cure by Design fundraiser as a guest of the McDonnells, sitting at their table.

OCT. 18, 2011

Online investors advertise that Maureen McDonnell will be a special guest at a dinner event intended to tout the science behind Anatabloc at a Richmond hotel.

OCT. 22, 2011

A similar event is held in Flint, Mich. Virginia State Police logs indicate that members of the executive protection detail were in the city the same day. The governor’s calendar shows he was in Washington. It is unclear if Maureen McDonnell attended a similar event five days later in California.

JAN. 3, 2012

McDonnell wears a Rolex during an interview in his office. (AP)

The governor wears the Rolex during an interview with the Richmond Times-Dispatch. He tells the newspaper it was a Christmas gift from his wife. Sources say the watch is engraved "71st Governor of Virginia."

FEB. 10, 2012

Todd Schneider. (AP)

Mansion chef Todd Schneider is interviewed for the first time by Virginia State Police and FBI agents about accusations he has diverted state-owned food from the mansion for use in his private business. He is fired shortly after.

FEB. 29, 2012

Williams is allowed to play a key organizing role in a reception of the governor’s mansion for health-care leaders and top state lawmakers, recommending doctors he believes should be invited and bringing several Star employees.

MARCH 2012

Williams writes a $50,000 check from his trust to MoBo Real Estate Partners, a corporation owned by McDonnell and his sister. He later gives MoBo an additional $20,000. Sources say McDonnell viewed the money as loans to the corporation.

MARCH 21, 2012

Schneider provides documents to a lawyer with the Virginia Office of the Attorney General and Virginia State Police troopers showing that Williams paid for the wedding catering and McDonnell signed the contract.

NOV. 7, 2012

Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli II secretly asks Richmond Commonwealth's Attorney Michael Herring to conduct a review of McDonnell’s annual financial disclosures. Virginia law requires the attorney general to ask for such a review by a local prosecutor if he determines there is “reasonable basis” to conclude that an elected official knowingly violated disclosure laws.

DEC. 2012

Williams gives McDonnell's eldest daughter, Jeanine McDonnell, a check for $10,000 as a wedding present.

JAN.-FEB. 2013

Star Scientific, its executives and officers receive federal subpoenas from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia seeking documents. The company informs investors in March that it believes the government’s investigation is “principally focused” on securities transactions dating to 2006, including “private placements” and “related party transactions.”

MARCH 29, 2013

McDonnell’s relationship with Williams becomes public with a Washington Post article detailing the executive’s payment for the wedding and some of the efforts taken on behalf of the company by the McDonnells. A steady stream of other revelations, including the existence of the state and federal investigations, follows.

APRIL 30, 2013

In a radio interview with WTOP, McDonnell insists that “there’s nothing going on at all that impairs my ability … to serve the people of Virginia.” He says he understands the questions about the wedding payment but insists that Star Scientific received no special benefits from his administration.

JULY 23, 2013

McDonnell announces he has repaid more than $120,000 in loans made by Williams to his wife and a small real estate corporation the governor owns with his sister. He apologizes for the first time, saying he is "deeply sorry for the embarrassment certain members of my family and I brought upon my beloved Virginia and her citizens."

• McDonnell apologizes, repays loans

JULY 30, 2013

McDonnell says he will return all gifts he has received from businessman Jonnie R. Williams Sr. and indicated for the first time that he was not aware of everything the Star Scientific executive had given to his family.

• McDonnell says he will return other gifts

Petitions Calling For Steve King To Be Stripped Of Immigration Seat Attract Over 100,000 Signatures

It's kind of obvious that King shouldn't be on the Immigration committee.

Petitions Calling For Steve King To Be Stripped Of Immigration Seat Attract Over 100,000 Signatures: "Petitions calling for Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) to be removed from a House subcommittee on immigration picked up steam this week, attracting more than 100,000 total signatures. The push comes after King sparked a national outcry when he suggested that many young undocumented immigrants were drug smugglers.

A Credo petition to strip King of his seat on the subcommittee has garnered over 40,000 signatures. A similar call from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee to remove King from the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration Policy and Border Security has surpassed 76,000 signatures, according to a spokesperson.

"

'via Blog this'

Statement from Virginia Gov. Robert F. McDonnell - Washington Post

Those are his words not mine!

Statement from Virginia Gov. Robert F. McDonnell - Washington Post: "“Being Governor of Virginia is the highest honor of my 37 years in public service. I am deeply sorry for the embarrassment certain members of my family and I brought upon my beloved Virginia and her citizens. I want you to know that I broke no laws and that I am committed to regaining your sacred trust and confidence. I hope today’s action is another step toward that end. Virginia has never been stronger and I plan to focus on creating even more jobs and facilitating greater opportunity during the last five months of my term as your Governor. Our work together on education, transportation, pension reform, voting rights, and economic expansion has produced great results for Virginia,” said Governor McDonnell."

'via Blog this'

Private lawyers for McDonnell, staff bill state $54,000 - The Washington Post

What!  I paid for this dork's lawyers!  That's BS!
Private lawyers for McDonnell, staff bill state $54,000 - The Washington Post: "The private law firm hired to represent Gov. Robert F. McDonnell and his staff in the embezzlement case against the former chef at the governor’s mansion has billed Virginia nearly $54,000 for its first five weeks of work, according to documents released Monday.

About $24,000 of the bill was for legal work performed on behalf of McDonnell (R), said Tony Troy, the firm’s lead attorney on the matter. The remainder was for representation provided to McDonnell’s staff and for handling Freedom of Information requests related to the case, Troy said."

'via Blog this'

Mr. McDonnell apologizes, but he still needs to explain - The Washington Post

Mr. McDonnell apologizes, but he still needs to explain - The Washington Post: "DOES VIRGINIA Gov. Robert F. McDonnell get it or not?

On Tuesday, Mr. McDonnell (R) apologized “for the embarrassment certain members of my family and I brought upon my beloved Virginia and her citizens.” And, in an action that spoke much louder than those somewhat parsimonious words, he said he had repaid more than $124,000 to the businessman who plied him and his family with gifts, loans and cash."

'via Blog this'

McAuliffe offers qualified support for Bob McDonnell amid 'Giftgate' | WJLA.com

McAuliffe offers qualified support for Bob McDonnell amid 'Giftgate' | WJLA.com: "McAuliffe offers qualified support for Bob McDonnell amid 'Giftgate'"

'via Blog this'

McDonnell says he will return other gifts - The Washington Post

He's so dirty!

He will pull a George Allen and come back in a few years to ran for Senator; and republican voters will vote for him.  Just hate!

McDonnell says he will return other gifts - The Washington Post: " Gov. Robert F. McDonnell said Tuesday that he will return all the gifts from businessman Jonnie R. Williams Sr. and indicated for the first time that he was not aware of everything the Star Scientific executive had given to his family.

McDonnell (R) made the comment in a radio interview one week after announcing that he had repaid $120,000 in loans that Williams had made — $70,000 to a real estate company owned by the governor and his sister and $50,000 to first lady Maureen McDonnell."

'via Blog this'

Virginia governor's wife charged almost $10K in clothes to PAC | The News Leader | newsleader.com

She so rich!  Marry a cheerleader that's what you get!

Virginia governor's wife charged almost $10K in clothes to PAC | The News Leader | newsleader.com: "Virginia first lady Maureen McDonnell bought nearly $9,800 in clothing with money from her husband’s political action committee and tapped into his campaign and inaugural funds to buy $7,600 in mostly unspecified items, according to records and a representative for the PAC.

The spending is legal under Virginia’s lax campaign finance laws, which prohibit the conversion of political funds for private use only when a PAC or campaign committee disbands — not while it is operating.

But the purchases are unusual in Virginia, where campaign finance records indicate that candidates do not routinely dip into political funds to buy personal items such as clothing for themselves or their spouses."

'via Blog this'

Va. Gov. Robert McDonnell’s new tactics - The Washington Post

Va. Gov. Robert McDonnell’s new tactics - The Washington Post: "Regarding the July 25 Metro article “Shift in response to Va. scandal”:

As a Virginia resident, I am delighted that Gov. Robert F. McDonnell has gone to Afghanistan. I am sure he will come back full of new ideas for maintaining and improving Virginia’s highways and schools. Is it safe to assume that the cost of the trip is not being covered by any wealthy Virginia businessmen?"

'via Blog this'

Government Shutdown Will Not Shut Down Obamacare, Says New CRS Report

So funny!

Government Shutdown Will Not Shut Down Obamacare, Says New CRS Report: "The nonpartisan Congressional Research Service issued a report on Monday stating that the law would still be in effect even if lawmakers hold up the functioning of the government over budget disputes.

"It appears that substantial [Affordable Care Act] implementation might continue during a lapse in annual appropriations that resulted in a temporary government shutdown," the report says."

'via Blog this'

Governor Accepted Gifts From Individuals Who Later Landed Lucrative State Contracts | ThinkProgress

Another One!

Governor Accepted Gifts From Individuals Who Later Landed Lucrative State Contracts | ThinkProgress: "Gov. Tom Corbett (R-PA) campaigned for his office pledging to prohibit gifts to government officials from those seeking state contracts. But his own financial disclosures show he accepted thousands of dollars worth of gifts from friends who could benefit from his position.

Last week, Gov. Bob McDonnell (R-VA) apologized for bringing embarrassment to Virginia as a result of tens of thousands of dollars worth of gifts and loans he and his family took from a tobacco executive. Like McDonnell and others, Corbett received gifts from several benefactors in recent years:"

'via Blog this'

Tom Cole: Obamacare shutdown ‘suicidal political tactic’ - James Arkin - POLITICO.com

Tom Cole: Obamacare shutdown ‘suicidal political tactic’ - James Arkin - POLITICO.com: "House Deputy Whip Tom Cole thinks shutting down the government to defund Obamacare is a “suicidal political tactic.” “Shutting down the government is a suicidal political tactic. Eventually it will be reopened, but the president will not have capitulated and you will have discredited yourself and along the way you will have hurt the American people,” Cole (R-Okla.) said Monday on MSNBC’s “Now with Alex Wagner.”" 'via Blog this'

FEMA grants nearly $3M for West, Texas, schools - Las Vegas Sun News

FEMA grants nearly $3M for West, Texas, schools - Las Vegas Sun News: "Federal emergency officials have announced a grant of nearly $2.8 million to help schools devastated by a plant explosion in the Texas town of West.

An April fertilizer plant explosion killed 15 people and wrecked three of the West Independent School District's four schools. The district had sent most of the affected students to nearby Waco for classes."

'via Blog this'

Va. first lady McDonnell spent thousands from husband’s PAC on clothes, other items - The Washington Post

Who voted for these two!

Va. first lady McDonnell spent thousands from husband’s PAC on clothes, other items - The Washington Post:
Virginia first lady Maureen McDonnell bought nearly $9,800 in clothing with money from her husband’s political action committee and tapped into his campaign and inaugural funds to buy $7,600 in mostly unspecified items, according to records and a representative for the PAC.

0The spending is legal under Virginia’s lax campaign finance laws, which prohibit the conversion of political funds for private use only when a PAC or campaign committee disbands — not while it is operating.

But the purchases are unusual in Virginia, where campaign finance records indicate that candidates do not routinely dip into political funds to buy personal items such as clothing for themselves or their spouses.

Maureen McDonnell’s use of political donations comes to light at a time when she and her husband, Gov. Robert F. McDonnell (R), are under intense scrutiny for accepting luxury items and$120,000 in loans from wealthy Virginia businessman Jonnie R. Williams Sr. Federal and state investigators are probing the Star Scientific executive’s ties to the McDonnells, who promoted his firm’s nutritional supplement, Anatabloc. Last week the governor apologized for embarrassing the commonwealth and repaid the loans.
'via Blog this'

Gas Well Blowout Raises Concerns About Drilling Safety | Here & Now

Gas Well Blowout Raises Concerns About Drilling Safety | Here & Now: "A natural gas well explosion in the Gulf of Mexico is reviving concerns about drilling safety, three years after the Deepwater Horizon explosion led to the biggest offshore oil spill in U.S. history.

Forty-four crew members were evacuated Tuesday morning after the well blew out in shallow water, some 55 miles off the coast of Louisiana.

While the cause of the blowout is still under investigation, a key safety measure failed on the rig."

'via Blog this'

Behind the Curtain: Immigration reform heads for slow death - POLITICO.com

Behind the Curtain: Immigration reform heads for slow death - POLITICO.com: "Republicans walked away from their 2012 debacle hell-bent on fixing their problems with Hispanics. Now, they appear hell-bent on making them worse. In private conversations, top Republicans on Capitol Hill now predict comprehensive immigration reform will die a slow, months-long death in the House. Like with background checks for gun buyers, the conventional wisdom that the party would never kill immigration reform, and risk further alienating Hispanic voters, was always wrong — and ignored the reality that most House Republicans are white conservatives representing mostly white districts." 'via Blog this'

Scandal alters first lady Maureen McDonnell's image

In hundreds of photos on the governor’s state website, Maureen McDonnell appears a smiling hostess to business leaders, politicians, teachers and others at events in Virginia’s 200-year-old Executive Mansion.

http://www.timesdispatch.com/news/state-regional/scandal-alters-first-lady-maureen-mcdonnell-s-image/article_0610df4a-5910-51c1-ae51-97dfbf48d90f.html

John McCain: Arizona's Stand Your Ground Law Should Be Reviewed

John McCain: Arizona's Stand Your Ground Law Should Be Reviewed: "Around 30 states have some form of a "stand your ground" law, which state that a person has a right to use lethal force to defend himself if he feels that his life is in danger. The fairness of the law was called into question after George Zimmerman, who in 2012 shot and killed 17-year-old Trayvon Martin then said it was self defense, was acquitted of second-degree murder earlier this month.

McCain said he "trust[s] the judgment" of the jury that acquitted Zimmerman, but the "stand your ground" law may have to be reconsidered."

'via Blog this'

Antonin Scalia: Holocaust Was Partially Brought About By Judicial Activism (REPORT)

Antonin Scalia: Holocaust Was Partially Brought About By Judicial Activism (REPORT): "Antonin Scalia: Holocaust Was Partially Brought About By Judicial Activism"

'via Blog this'

Witness: Six Flags coaster victim concerned about seat

Way to go Texas! Can you imagine that woman flying in the air??  HOLY COW! 

Witness: Six Flags coaster victim concerned about seat:

'via Blog this'

US Relaxes Health Law Income, Insurance Status Rule for Exchanges

US Relaxes Health Law Income, Insurance Status Rule for Exchanges: "Days after delaying health insurance requirements for employers, the Obama administration has decided to roll back requirements for new state online insurance marketplaces to verify the income and health coverage status of people who apply for subsidized coverage.

President Barack Obama's healthcare reform law is slated to begin offering health coverage through state marketplaces, or exchanges, beginning October 1. But to receive tax subsidies to help buy insurance, enrollees must have incomes ranging from 100 percent to 400 percent of the federal poverty line and not have access to affordable insurance through an employer."

'via Blog this'

Rand Paul to Mike Enzi: ‘I’ll do anything I can’ - Hadas Gold - POLITICO.com

Rand Paul to Mike Enzi: ‘I’ll do anything I can’ - Hadas Gold - POLITICO.com: "Rand Paul is formally endorsing Sen. Mike Enzi as he faces Liz Cheney in a Wyoming GOP primary next year, Paul told POLITICO in an interview Wednesday.

“I’ve told him I’ll do anything I can to help him,” the Kentucky GOP senator said. “In fact, somebody asked me today if they could use my name, and I said I’d be happy to sign on and do a fundraiser for him.”"

'via Blog this'

A Pill Available in Mexico Is a Texas Option for Abortion - NYTimes.com

Of course this is going to be the standard.  It's a throwback to the past.

A Pill Available in Mexico Is a Texas Option for Abortion - NYTimes.com: " At the Whole Woman’s Health center here, a young woman predicted what others would do if the state’s stringent new abortion bill approved late Friday forces clinics like this one to close: cross the border to Mexico to seek an “abortion pill.”

“This law will lead a lot more women to try self-abortion,” said Jackie F., a 24-year-old food server and student who was in the health center last week for a follow-up medical examination after getting a legal abortion.

The woman, who requested that her last name not be used to avoid stigma, was referring to a drug that can induce miscarriages and is openly available in Mexico and covertly at some flea markets in Texas.

In Nuevo Progreso, only yards past the Mexican border, pharmacists respond to requests for a pill to “bring back a woman’s period” by offering the drug, misoprostol, at discount prices: generic at $35 for a box of 28 pills, or the branded Cytotec for $175."

'via Blog this'

NAHB Homebuilder Sentiment - Business Insider

Bam!

NAHB Homebuilder Sentiment - Business Insider: "The NAHB Housing market index (HMI) crushed expectations rising to 57.
Economists were looking for the HMI, a read of homebuilder confidence, to fall to 51.

This is the highest level since January 2006, and was the third straight monthly rise."

'via Blog this'

Va. first lady plays central role in gift scandal - The Washington Post

She should go to jail!

Va. first lady plays central role in gift scandal - The Washington Post: "Maureen McDonnell was a whirlwind, zipping from book-signings and ribbon-cuttings to baby showers for military moms. She averaged nearly three speeches a month last year.

But the first lady of Virginia has scarcely had a public event in the past three months."

'via Blog this'

Mark O'Mara: George Zimmerman 'Never Charged' If Black - Business Insider

I AGREE!
Mark O'Mara: George Zimmerman 'Never Charged' If Black - Business Insider: "DEFENSE ATTORNEY: 'If George Zimmerman Were Black, He Never Would Have Been Charged With A Crime'"

'via Blog this'

These Republicans Who Want To Limit Food Stamps Represent A Lot Of Food Stamp Recipients

These are some of the members of Congress who have been the most vocal in support of limiting SNAP and the number of households receiving SNAP benefits in their districts.

Louie Gohmert - Texas’ 1st Congressional District

Image by http://www.fns.usda.gov/ora/SNAPCharacteristics/

Mick Mulvaney - South Carolina’s 5th Congressional District

Via: fns.usda.gov

Tim Huelskamp - Kansas’ 1st Congressional District

Via: fns.usda.gov

Michele Bachmann - Minnesota’s 6th Congressional District

Via: fns.usda.gov

Ann Wagner - Missouri’s 2nd Congressional District

Via: fns.usda.gov

Steve King - Iowa’s 4th Congressional District

Via: fns.usda.gov

Austin Scott - Georgia’s 8th Congressional District

Via: fns.usda.gov

David McKinley - West Virginia’s 1st Congressional District

Maureen McDonnell in harsh spotlight | roanoke.com

Maureen McDonnell in harsh spotlight | roanoke.com: "Now, instead of a bicentennial celebration, the mansion is under siege, with Maureen McDonnell in the middle of a furor that has engulfed Virginia’s first family.
...
The mansion itself has provided the backdrop for an ever-growing saga over gifts to the first family from a businessman whose company is under federal investigation for possible securities violations.

The catering for a June 2011 wedding reception at the mansion for one of the governor’s daughters was paid for by Jonnie Williams, chief executive officer of Henrico County-based Star Scientific Inc. Williams’ known gifts and loans to the family now exceed $145,000, much of it previously unreported by Gov. Bob McDonnell.

Less than three months after the reception, the mansion was the setting for a luncheon to launch the marketing of a dietary supplement produced by Star and publicly promoted by Maureen McDonnell."

'via Blog this'

President Obama pays emotional visit to slavery museum in Senegal - NY Daily News

History!

President Obama pays emotional visit to slavery museum in Senegal - NY Daily News: "The backdrop of a slavery museum ... dramatically underscored President Obama’s comments Thursday that African nations have made significant gains that should be recognized as they seek more investment and trade.

“I see this as a moment of great progress and great promise for the continent,” Obama said in a news conference with Senegalese President Macky Sall in Dakar. It was his first stop on a three-country trip that’s also scheduled to include South Africa and Tanzania. "

'via Blog this'

Ireland Abortion Vote: Lawmakers Support Legalization For Certain Cases

Wow, I didn't know Ireland didn't have Abortions!

Ireland Abortion Vote: Lawmakers Support Legalization For Certain Cases: "Lawmakers have overwhelmingly voted to back Ireland's first bill on abortion, legalizing the practice in exceptional cases where doctors deem the woman's life at risk from her pregnancy.

Exhausted legislators applauded Friday's 127-31 vote. It capped a marathon debate that locked lawmakers in argument until 5 a.m. Thursday and, after a pause for sleep, through midnight Friday."

'via Blog this'

US Government Records $116.5 Billion Surplus In June

Wow!

US Government Records $116.5 Billion Surplus In June: "The federal government reported a rare surplus of $116.5 billion in June, the largest in five years. The gain kept the nation on track for its lowest annual deficit in five years.

The surplus was due in part to $66.3 billion in dividend payments from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The mortgage giants were taken over by the government at the height of the financial crisis in 2008 and are now repaying taxpayers for the support they received."

'via Blog this'

Race Issues Reverberate In Zimmerman Trial | Here & Now

Great interview!

Race Issues Reverberate In Zimmerman Trial | Here & Now: "The defense is preparing to rest its case in the second-degree murder trial of George Zimmerman. At issue is whether Zimmerman shot Trayvon Martin, an unarmed black teenager, in self defense.

Initially, many commentators thought the shooting was racially motivated, and the trial has had racial overtones, as in the witness questioning of Martin’s friend, Rachel Jeantel.

Author Rich Benjamin says the case is being watched closely by both whites and African Americans, and will have a big impact on our racial future."

'via Blog this'

McDonnell’s corporation, wife benefited from $120,000 more from donor, sources say - The Washington Post

This gets worst and worst!

McDonnell’s corporation, wife benefited from $120,000 more from donor, sources say - The Washington Post: "A prominent political donor gave $70,000 to a corporation owned by Virginia Gov. Robert F. McDonnell and his sister last year, and the governor did not disclose the money as a gift or loan, according to people with knowledge of the payments.

The donor, wealthy businessman Jonnie R. Williams Sr., also gave a previously unknown $50,000 check to the governor’s wife, Maureen, in 2011, the people said.

The money to the corporation and Maureen McDonnell brings to $145,000 the amount Williams gave to assist the McDonnell family in 2011 and 2012 — funds that are now at the center of federal and state investigations.

Williams, the chief executive of dietary supplement manufacturer Star Scientific Inc., also provided a $10,000 check in December as a present to McDonnell’s eldest daughter, Jeanine, intended to help defray costs at her May 2013 wedding, the people said."

'via Blog this'

Koch Brothers To Pour Millions Into Obamacare Misinformation Campaign | ThinkProgress

Of Course!

The Koch's are evil!

Koch Brothers To Pour Millions Into Obamacare Misinformation Campaign | ThinkProgress: "The goal is to “start softening the ground” ahead of implementation, Tim Phillips, the group’s president told the New York Times. “Too often we fell into a broad-based ideological argument, and I think we failed to get at ‘Look at what they’re doing and how it impacts you,’ ” he said. “I think where we win is on the impact of a specific policy.”
But if the group’s first TV ad, titled “Questions,” is any indication the new spots are no more honest than the partisan advertisements from 2012. The commercial opens with “Julie,” a mother of two, who tells the camera that she “has some questions about Obamacare,” but is then quick to offer false answers about the effects of reform:
JULIE: If we can’t pick our own doctor, how do I know our family is going to get the care they need? And what am I getting in exchange for higher premiums and a smaller paycheck? Can I really try the folks in Washington with my family’s health care? I think we all deserve some answers."

'via Blog this'

Florida Accidentally Banned All Computers, Smart Phones In The State Through Internet Cafe Ban: Lawsuit

Way to go Florida Republicans!

Florida Accidentally Banned All Computers, Smart Phones In The State Through Internet Cafe Ban: Lawsuit: "When Florida lawmakers recently voted to ban all Internet cafes, they worded the bill so poorly that they effectively outlawed every computer in the state, according to a recent lawsuit.

In April Florida Governor Rick Scott approved a ban on slot machines and Internet cafes after a charity tied to Lt. Governor Jennifer Carroll was shut down on suspicion of being an Internet gambling front -- forcing Carroll, who had consulted with the charity, to resign.

Florida's 1,000 Internet cafes were shut down immediately, including Miami-Dade's Incredible Investments, LLC, a café that provides online services to migrant workers, according to the Tampa Bay Times."

'via Blog this'

Marco Rubio in tough spot on abortion - Burgess Everett - POLITICO.com

Marco Rubio in tough spot on abortion - Burgess Everett - POLITICO.com: "But there’s one major difference between the star Republican’s lead role on immigration and his potential abortion action. The abortion bill is most likely going nowhere in the Senate.

If a 20-week abortion ban is introduced in the Senate, Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) has no intention of scheduling the bill for floor action, a leadership aide said Monday. The bill might not even get its day in committee. But anti-abortion rights backers think sponsorship by Rubio, a possible 2016 GOP presidential nominee, would be enough to bring the issue into a national media focus — whether or not there is a floor fight."

'via Blog this'

Wisconsin governor signs bill restricting abortion - latimes.com

AGAIN!!

Wisconsin governor signs bill restricting abortion - latimes.com: "Wisconsin this week became the latest state to pass legislation restricting abortions, though opponents of the measure quickly filed suit.

The bill, signed Friday by Gov. Scott Walker, would require women to view an ultrasound of the fetus before an abortion. Providers would be required to point out the fetus’ features on the ultrasound."

'via Blog this'

Meredith Whitney Advisory Group Struggling - Business Insider

Meredith Whitney Advisory Group Struggling - Business Insider: "These are tough times over at the Meredith Whitney Advisory Group.
According to the Wall Street Journal's Greg Zuckerman, the firm founded by the veteran bank analyst has been watching business shrink."

'via Blog this'

June Non-Farm Payrolls Report - Business Insider

June Non-Farm Payrolls Report - Business Insider: "It's a beat!

195K new private sector jobs was well ahead of the 165K new jobs that was expected.

Yet the unemployment rate stayed at 7.6% vs. expectations that it would fall to 7.5%.

Private payrolls added 202K new jobs.

Last month saw a big upward revisions, to 207K jobs, from 178K.

Meanwhile stocks are up (Dow up 188), the dollar is up, and gold is getting crushed."

'via Blog this'

U.S. Adds 195,000 Jobs - Unemployment Remains 7.6% - NYTimes.com

It continues!!

U.S. Adds 195,000 Jobs - Unemployment Remains 7.6% - NYTimes.com: "The economy added 195,000 jobs in June, the Labor Department reported Friday morning, slightly more than analysts had been expecting and suggesting steady growth.

Wall Street has been feverishly awaiting the June employment report. Not only does it provide another indicator of overall economic strength, it also affects the timing of the Federal Reserve’s decision to start tapering a major part of its stimulus efforts.

Along with job creation, the Fed is closely watching unemployment levels. The unemployment rate, which is based on a separate survey from the one that tracks jobs, remained at 7.6 percent, unchanged from May."

'via Blog this'