West Virginia
When delegates return, passage vote on human trafficking bill could heat up – WV MetroNews
West Virginia lawmakers are scheduled for a late start on Monday because of the severe weather that hit the state over the weekend. When delegates do return, they’re set for a passage vote on a bill that proposes significant expansions to state laws on human trafficking and smuggling.
A significant point of contention is over whether the bill would criminalize charitable or religious activities to help immigrants.
HB 4433, which aims to strengthen the judicial framework for prosecuting exploitative labor and migration practices, was advanced by the House Judiciary Committee on Jan. 20 and then was the subject of debate over amendments on Friday.
The House is set to return for a 1:30 p.m. Monday floor session after snow, ice and freezing temperatures hit the state over the weekend. In the interim, the fatal shooting of an ICU nurse by federal immigration enforcement officers during protests in Minneapolis inflamed national debate over immigration enforcement policy.
The West Virginia bill establishes specific criminal penalties for the illegal transport of adults and minors.
The legislation includes legal exemptions aimed at ensuring that providing medical care, mental health counseling or authorized legal representation to undocumented individuals does not constitute a crime, but critics of the bill have said its language needs to go farther to prevent well-intended citizens from being swept up.
Delegate Evan Hansen, D-Monongalia, said during committee discussion that his concerns start with the possibility that the legislation could subject people of faith to criminal penalties for providing basic services, such as transportation to grocery stores or medical appointments, to immigrants
“The first concern is about people who, as part of their religious practice, are providing service to the poor, to immigrants, to people who need help,” he said. “My concern is that these types of actions will subject people of faith to criminal penalties and time in jail.”
He continued, “One common type of action is to take care of the poor and take care of the needy and take care of immigrants. And I want to make sure that we allow that to occur, we don’t subject people to criminal penalties and we don’t chill that type of activity for fear of going to jail, even if it would be unlikely that they would be prosecuted.”
Hansen said he also has concerns that the bill would encourage greater activity in West Virginia by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.
Delegate Joe Funkh0user, R-Jefferson, countered during the meeting that he believes the bill is needed.
“Our compassion has been exploited for too long, and the perpetual amnesty cries and the facilitating of the invasion of this country by the previous presidential administration in exploiting every loophole, and it has gone on for far too long,” Funkhouser said.
“I feel comfortable with the current administration, but we do need better protections for all West Virginians.”
During debate over amendments on the House floor on Friday, Delegate Kayla Young proposed making a change to the bill to add an aspect of intent to the definition of human smuggling.
The main part of the definition in the bill says: “Human Smuggling”, “smuggling”, or “smuggles” means knowingly transporting, transferring, receiving, isolating, enticing, or harboring an illegal alien to avoid enforcement of the
laws of this state, another state, or the United States.
Young’s proposal was to add “for financial or material benefit.” The amendment was rejected on a voice vote.
“I think we all want to go after people that are breaking the law,” Young said. “I want to make sure we’re targeting people that are profiting off of exploiting other people. And so this amendment clarifies that there would be a financial motive for people who are doing this for a capital gain.”
House Judiciary Chairman J.B. Akers, R-Kanawha, countered that the bill already has definitions meant to safeguard against overly broad application.
“You do not have criminal liability under this bill if your purpose is simply to provide transportation services to someone, do a favor for somebody,” Akers said.
“You only have liability for the smuggling provisions of this bill if the transportation you’re providing is to avoid enforcement of the laws, which is consistent with federal law.”
An amendment proposal led by Delegate Laura Kimball, R-Harrison, removed a line of the bill that said “Except as otherwise provided in this article, any individual or entity that transports illegal aliens is engaged in human smuggling.” Delegates voted to adopt the amendment.
Kimball told delegates that phrasing “is unnecessary and causes confusion about the original definition already in the previous parts of the bill.”
West Virginia
West Virginia Lottery results: See winning numbers for Daily 3, Daily 4 on Feb. 26, 2026
The results are in for the West Virginia Lottery’s draw games on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026.
Here’s a look at winning numbers for each game on Feb. 26.
Winning Daily 3 numbers from Feb. 26 drawing
1-1-7
Check Daily 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Daily 4 numbers from Feb. 26 drawing
3-8-8-2
Check Daily 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash 25 numbers from Feb. 26 drawing
02-03-09-11-13-19
Check Cash 25 payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
When are the West Virginia Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 11 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 10:59 p.m. ET Tuesday and Friday.
- Lotto America: 10:15 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Daily 3, 4: 6:59 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday.
- Cash 25: 6:59 p.m. ET Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a USA Today editor. You can send feedback using this form.
West Virginia
WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s gala raises $2 million for West Virginia’s kids and families
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s raised more than $2 million at its annual gala, an event dedicated to expanding care for children and expectant mothers in West Virginia and the surrounding region.
Approximately 1,300 guests enjoyed the “Celestial” themed event on Saturday (Feb. 21) as they helped little stars shine bright at the Morgantown Marriott at Waterfront Place.
Donations from the community will go toward the greatest needs of WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s, helping to ensure all families in need receive world-class care in a compassionate environment when they need it.
“Our community continues to show up in extraordinary ways for our patients and families,” Amy L. Bush, B.S.N., M.B.A., R.N., C.N.O.R., chief administrative officer for WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s, said. “The generosity we witnessed at this year’s gala ensures we can continue growing our programs and enhancing the care we provide. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who believes in our mission.”
Engineer, TV host, and 100th woman to fly to space, Emily Calandrelli, served as emcee for the evening. The West Virginia University alumna is passionate about space exploration and inspiring children to pursue STEM careers.
Calandrelli spent time visiting patients at WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s before the gala.
“As a Morgantown native who is passionate about science and children, I’m thrilled to play a small part in this beautiful evening that raises crucial funds for the lifesaving work WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s Hospital is doing right here in my hometown,” she said.
“The amazing doctors, nurses, and staff aren’t just healing sick kids, they are inspiring the next generation of curious explorers and adventurers who are one day going to change the world.”
Entertainment was provided by Party on the Moon, whose high-energy performance capped off the night’s festivities.
A highlight of the celebration was the recognition of inspiring patients and dedicated teams who care for kids across the state.
Carter Casey from Sod in Lincoln County was introduced as the 2026 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® Champion Child for West Virginia. He received care at WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals in Charleston and WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s for life-threatening injuries after a go-kart accident.
Pavithra Ellison, M.D., M.M.M., F.A.S.A., associate chief quality officer and vice chair of anesthesiology, was presented with the WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s Hospital Award for her leadership, service, and lasting impact on pediatric healthcare.
The Community Service Award was presented to Little General, Inc. The company’s generosity has provided vital support to the children and families who turn to WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s for care. The Little General team across the state is committed to creating a better future for West Virginia’s families.
More than 80 sponsors contributed to the gala’s success. Leading sponsors included Iron Senergy, Dr. Christopher and Beth Mascio, Hope Gas, Infinity Electric & Service Co., CJL Engineering, HED Design, Morgantown Marriott at Waterfront Place, Trilogy Innovations, Mark Carter and Amy Wildasin, PJ Dick, Triple H Enterprises, Panhandle Cleaning & Restoration, Prolacta Bioscience, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Daniel’s Men’s Store, and StudioKat Photography.
David A. Rosen, M.D., Michelle Rosen, and the Rosen Family Foundation served as presenting sponsors and helped spearhead fundraising efforts. Dr. Rosen, a pediatric anesthesiologist at WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s and professor and vice chair of research in the WVU School of Medicine Department of Anesthesiology, emphasized the importance of continued investment in pediatric care.
“I am proud to continue my support of the WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s gala. This commitment is deeply personal — not only as a pediatric cardiac anesthesiologist who has had the privilege of serving WVU Medicine for more than 30 years, but also as someone who was personally affected by polio as a child,” Dr. Rosen said.
“That early experience shaped my lifelong appreciation for the critical role compassionate, specialized pediatric care plays in changing lives. Supporting WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s Hospital reflects both my professional dedication and my personal mission to advancing exceptional care for children with complex medical needs and supporting the families who rely on it.”
All gala contributions were made through the WVU Foundation, the nonprofit organization that receives and administers private donations on behalf of the University and its affiliated entities. Visit Childrens.WVUMedicine.org/Giving to make a gift to WVU Medicine Children’s.
For more information on WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s, visit WVUKids.com.
The Mountaineers earned their second win over the UFF Knights by a score of 74-62 on Wednesday night in Orlando at Addition Financial Arena. The Mountaineers went into the half trailing, but battled back for a comfortable win.
Here are some instant takeaways from West Virginia women’s hoops’ 23rd win of the season.
West Virginia Proves They Can Overcome Slow Starts
It was a very slow first half for the Mountaineers. West Virginia trailed 27-25 at halftime, but came out in the third quarter firing on all cylinders. Within the first minute of the third quarter, the Mountaineers had regained the lead off of a Gia Cooke layup and a tough finish inside by Carter McCray.
West Virginia went on to have a 31-9 run in the third quarter, leading by as many as 21 to propel them to victory. The way that the Mountaineers were able to regroup and go on a run in the second half shows that this team is built to win in many ways. They have depth at guard in particular that can keep them in the game against almost any team in the nation.
The Mountaineers Have Depth Everywhere
When the Mountaineers came out of the second half, it ended up being guards Gia Cooke and Jordan Harrison who led the way, scoring the ball. Harrison, who scored 16 points against UCF, in particular, has displayed through her three seasons at West Virginia that she fits perfectly into head coach Mark Kellogg’s defensive style of basketball. Harrison has also been molded into a solid offensive player. Cooke leads the team in points per game and leads the team with 19 points tonight. When the Mountaineers need a bucket, they can count on the experience of Cooke and Harrison down the stretch.
Meme Wheeler and Carter McCray had nearly identical stat lines that included 12 points and 7 rebounds each. Having Wheeler and McCray capable of rebounding with just about anybody in the Big 12 is part of what West Virginia has been missing during Kellogg’s tenure. This truly does feel like the most complete team of the Kellogg era thus far.
The win moves West Virginia to 14-4 in Big 12 play and 24-6 overall. The Mountaineers sit behind only TCU in the Big 12, with Baylor a game back and WVU owning the head-to-head victory over the Bears. Kellogg and his crew will finish their 2025-26 regular season campaign on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Hope Coliseum. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ with tipoff scheduled for 1 p.m.
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