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Former Virginia governor Bob McDonnell navigates a group of cameras as he leaves the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit in Richmond last year.(Photo: AP)
The Supreme Court hears its final case of the<span style="color: Red;">*</span>term Wednesday, and it’s a big one. The eight remaining justices, who face<span style="color: Red;">*</span>a growing perception they’ve become a third political branch, must try to define political corruption. Former Virginia governor Robert McDonnell, already spared by the<span style="color: Red;">*</span>court from beginning his two-year prison term, claims he did nothing special to help a businessman in exchange for nearly $200,000 in gifts. The Justice Department wants the court to uphold the conviction. Waiting in the wings – in many cases, prison wings – are other<span style="color: Red;">*</span>former elected officials<span style="color: Red;">*</span>convicted under the same federal laws.
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Former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell returned to court to appeal his corruption conviction after a jury found him guilty of taking gifts and loans from a wealthy businessman in exchange for promoting the company's dietary supplements. VPC
Former House speaker Dennis Hastert is scheduled to be sentenced Wednesday on federal charges stemming from his payments of hush money to a former student who accused him of sexual misconduct while Hastert was his wrestling coach in the 1970s. Hastert is accused of illegally trying to shield bank withdrawals, which totaled about $1.7 million, from federal reporting requirements. Prosecutors have asked a judge to sentence Hastert to up to six months in jail; his lawyers are seeking probation.
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When he steps before a judge Wednesday, Dennis Hastert will learn whether he goes to prison for breaking federal banking rules in a scheme to cover up sexual abuse. (April 26) AP
The Federal Reserve will almost certainly hold its fire again<span style="color: Red;">*</span>and announce Wednesday it is keeping interest rates unchanged for a third straight meeting. Economists, however, will be scouring the Fed’s post-meeting statement for clues on a possible hike in June. The Fed raised its benchmark rate in December for the first time in nearly a decade, but since March has sent cautious signals, noting that global troubles continue to pose risks to financial markets and the economy.
The Federal Reserve's beige book provides a snapshot of economic activity in all 12 of the Fed's regional bank districts.<span style="color: Red;">*</span>(Photo: J. Scott Applewhite, AP)
The countdown is on: Wednesday marks 100 days until the start of the Summer Olympics in Brazil, where the opening ceremony will kick off the Summer Games on Aug. 5. As part of the celebration, the USOC will have 50 Olympic and Paralympic athletes attending a ceremony in New York City. USA TODAY Sports will have coverage of the event —<span style="color: Red;">*</span>and the latest updates on the state of the Games in Brazil and on the athletes throughout the summer.
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Thousands of junior doctors are hitting the picket line outside hospitals Wednesday, the second day of the first all-out strike in the history of Britain’s taxpayer-funded<span style="color: Red;">*</span>National Health Service.<span style="color: Red;">*</span>The two-day<span style="color: Red;">*</span>strike reflects the impasse between the government and the junior doctors — physicians with up to 10 years' experience — over the government’s pledge to greatly expand National Health Service care on weekends. At issue? Compensation rates for working Saturdays.<span style="color: Red;">*</span>Senior doctors and other medics are providing cover during the strike.
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Junior doctors in England started their first ever all-out strike Tuesday in a bitter, deadlocked row with Prime Minister David Cameron's government over pay and conditions.Video provided by AFP Newslook
And<span style="color: Red;">*</span>the essentials:
Weather:<span style="color: Red;">*</span>The severe storms that blasted the Plains on Tuesday will roar<span style="color: Red;">*</span>into the South and Midwest on Wednesday.
Stocks:<span style="color: Red;">*</span>U.S. stock futures were lower Wednesday, as investors awaited the Federal Reserve’s decision on interest rates.
TV Tonight:<span style="color: Red;">*</span>Wondering<span style="color: Red;">*</span>what to watch tonight?<span style="color: Red;">*</span>TV critic Robert Bianco looks at
Be inspired: Librarian is creating a place of hope and love for those who need it most.
Need a break? Try<span style="color: Red;">*</span>playing some of our games.
You can<span style="color: Red;">*</span>subscribe<span style="color: Red;">*</span>to get the day's top news each weekday in your inbox.
Contributing: Associated Press
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