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Virginia

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politics1 hour ago

Virginia House Sets Four Constitutional Amendments in Play Ahead of 2026 Session

The Virginia House Privileges and Elections Committee approved four proposed constitutional amendments—on abortion rights, voting rights restoration, marriage equality, and mid-decade redistricting—initiating the two-chamber, two-votes-required process that could lead to voter referenda. Democrats, who hold a strong House majority but a narrower Senate majority, face funding constraints and political risks as they pursue affordability goals. The controversial redistricting amendment has drawn GOP concerns about gerrymandering; leaders indicated maps and further steps, including dates for potential referenda and related budget adjustments, will unfold in coming weeks (with maps anticipated by Jan. 30 and candidate filing deadlines looming for June primaries).

via VPM|
#abortion#constitutional-amendments#politics
crime12 hours ago

Virginia husband accused of plotting murder with au pair to remove wife amid affair

Prosecutors say Brendan Banfield, a Virginia husband having an affair with his Brazilian au pair, hatched an elaborate murder-for-hire plot to kill his wife Christine Banfield and a man named Joseph Ryan to remove Christine and gain custody and money. He allegedly used a fake Christine profile, arranged alibis, and orchestrated Ryan’s arrival and assault; Christine died during the killings, and Magalhães assisted and later fired a gun Ryan had. Magalhães pleaded guilty to manslaughter in 2024 and will be sentenced after Banfield’s trial, which could carry life in prison if he is convicted.

via CBS News|
#affair#brendan-banfield#crime
politics1 day ago

Virginia court lets redistricting plan proceed as GOP challenge fails

A Virginia judge rejected Republicans’ emergency bid to block a proposed constitutional amendment that would let lawmakers redraw the state’s congressional map ahead of the 2026 elections, ruling courts can’t interfere with an unfinished legislative process. The decision keeps the Democratic redistricting plan on track, which could yield a 10–1 delegation and still requires voter ratification. Republicans had sought to halt the process or sidestep legislative immunity by targeting clerks, but that approach was rejected. The ruling underscores separation of powers as the General Assembly prepares to act on the amendment, a move that holds significance in the national fight over fair representation.

via Democracy Docket|
#constitutional-amendment#gerrymandering#politics
crime1 day ago

Au Pair Testimony Swings Banfield Murder Trial

In Virginia, Brendan Banfield's double-murder trial features the au pair Juliana Peres Magalhães testifying that Banfield plotted to kill his wife Christine and to have a man framed for the crime, after months of planning that included luring Joseph Ryan to the home and teaching her to use a gun. The plan involved fake emails, staged evidence, and a catfish-style setup; Christine was stabbed by Banfield while Ryan was shot by Peres Magalhães, who has pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in exchange for time served. The defense argues Peres Magalhães was coerced and that digital-forensics undermine the catfishing theory, while Banfield faces life if convicted on aggravated-murder charges; his daughter was present, and the trial continues.

via CNN|
#au-pair#banfield#crime
crime3 days ago

Virginia Au Pair Affair Leads to Double Murder Trial

Brendan Banfield, accused of conspiring with his au pair to murder his wife and another man, is set for a trial after allegations of a complex plot involving extramarital affairs, staged killings, and false calls. The case, which includes charges of double murder and child abuse, stems from the February 2023 killings at their Virginia home, with the au pair having pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and agreeing to testify.

via CNN|
#au-pair#brendan-banfield#crime
politics18 days ago

Fairfax Democrats to Hold Sunday Primary for House District 17 Nominee

Four candidates—Russell Brooks, Garrett McGuire, Carla Bustillos, and Joy McManus—are competing in a firehouse primary to fill the vacant House District 17 seat in Fairfax County, Virginia, with voting scheduled for Sunday at three locations and online registration available until Saturday; the winner will face the Republican nominee in a January special election.

via WTOP|
#candidates#fairfax-county#house-district-17