Virginia

Giuffre’s family, Epstein survivors back ‘Virginia’s Law’: ‘Justice should not expire’

Published

3 months ago

February 10, 2026

Giuffre’s family, Epstein survivors back ‘Virginia’s Law’: ‘Justice should not expire’

Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein came to Capitol Hill on Tuesday to support lawmakers as they introduced ‘Virginia’s Law’ — a measure to help victims sue alleged sex abusers by making it more difficult for them to evade lawsuits.

The bill, named after Virginia Giuffre, Jeffrey Epstein’s most high-profile accuser, would remove the statute of limitations – the time in which a lawsuit can be filed — in sexual abuse civil cases nationwide while also creating new legal options for survivors.

“People refuse to accept silence at the end of the story. It’s that simple,” Senate Minority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer, a co-sponsor, said.

“It cannot be, when something this dastardly and this terrible and this heart wrenching happens for years,” he said.

The bill also includes language stripping what supporters called legal loopholes for alleged abusers operating in different jurisdictions, citing Epstein’s use of his private Caribbean island as a case in point.

“Survivors of Epstein’s abuse were ignored. They were doubted, they were silenced, they were dismissed,” Schumer said. “And even when the truth finally came out, even when the world finally listened, too many survivors were still told by the law, it’s too late.”

Representative Teresa Leger Fernandez, Democrat of New Mexico embraces Sky Roberts, brother of Virginia Giuffre, an accuser of Jeffrey Epstein, during a news conference to introduce “Virginia’s Law” at the US Capitol in Washington, Feb. 10, 2026.

Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images

States have varying rules that disallow abuse survivors from bringing civil cases if too much time passes. For example, Alabama has a two-year civil statute of limitations, which can be extended if the victim is a minor, while Texas has no limit on when a case can be brought.

Schumer argues Virginia’s Law gives survivors of abuse across the nation the time to process traumatic events before bringing civil cases and removes automatic protections for abusers who wait out legal deadlines to file suit.

“That’s a system that protects abusers by waiting survivors out. Our law, Virginia’s Law changes that,” Schumer said. “It allows survivors to seek accountability when they’re ready, when they’re strong, supportive, able to face the weight of civilizations, of civil litigation, sometimes it takes years to recuperate from the horror that occurred.”

Sigrid McCawley, a lawyer representing several Epstein survivors, agreed with Schumer that the current limitations are too strict for victims and should be much more flexible.

“Many survivors don’t come to terms with their abuse until many, many years later, and they deserve the right to be able to bring an action when they’re ready. That’s what this law does,” McCawley said.

“It is heartbreaking to be here announcing this without [Virginia], but I will tell you that her voice is being heard loud and clear,” she said.

“She is saying all Americans, Democrats, Republicans, independents, all Americans need to come together and pass this law. It’s the right thing to do. It’s the thing we need to do now,” she said.

Family and supporters hold a photo of Virginia Giuffre, an accuser of Jeffrey Epstein, during a news conference to introduce “Virginia’s Law” at the US Capitol in Washington, February 10, 2026.
Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images

Holding a photograph of Virginia Giuffre, her family members stood with survivors.

Giuffre’s brother, Sky Roberts, and his wife both got emotional as they honored her.

Roberts spoke through tears.

“I want to begin with a single word, a word that meant everything to my sister, a word we will not stop fighting for until real justice is served and that word is ‘change,’” he said.

“We are holding an overwhelming mix of grief, loss and pride, and if our voices shake and our tears fall, it is only because of the depth of our love for our sister,” he said. “Grief without action is another kind of silence, and Virginia did not survive what she survived just to be silenced again.”

Lawmakers and survivors said they hope Virginia Giuffre’s legacy can live on in future investigations into Epstein.

“What Virginia did was build the bridge, and now we are crossing that bridge because of the bravery and the words and the wisdom, and I’m sorry for the loss of Virginia, where she has left something so powerful for all victims,” Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández, another co-sponsor, said.

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Virginia

Three Takeaways From Virginia Tech Baseball’s Series Win Vs Cal

Published

4 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Press Room

Three Takeaways From Virginia Tech Baseball’s Series Win Vs Cal

Berkley, CA — Virginia Tech won their third consecutive ACC series and have won 9 of their last 12 matchups on the diamond. Despite dropping game three in 9-4 fashion, the Hokies needed this series win and got it, putting themselves firmly on the bubble this week.

There’s plenty of takeaways from the series, so here’s my top three.

No. 1: The Hokies are peaking at the right time

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a column on what the Hokies would need to do to put themselves in position on the bubble, and they have followed that blueprint to a tee.

I stated that the Hokies would need a 15-4 run going down the stretch, and they’re within striking distance, needing to go 6-1 from here on out with four games against non-conference opponents.

They couldn’t afford another series loss in conference, and they haven’t taken one.

With that run, the Hokies — who sat outside of the top 45 — have moved themselves up to 36th in RPI — a firm bubble position — with a three big ACC games remaining and four must-win non-conference games.

No. 2: Brett Renfrow has found it

What is ‘it’ exactly? Well, he’s the only one that knows.

Over Brett Renfrow’s first two starts in the month of April against Miami and Boston College, he surrendered 12 runs in 11 innings, striking out 10 batters and hurling over 200 pitches in the short time span.

Since then, he’s arguably been the best pitcher in the conference. In his recent three starts, Renfrow has allowed the following statline:

21.0 IP
3 ER
10 H
6 BB
27 K

Those numbers bring an ERA of 1.29 and a K/9 of 11.57.

For those of you who are familiar with the K%-BB% stat, Renfrow’s is sitting at 25.9%. For context, Tarik Skubal — who won the AL Cy Young last year — had a rate of 27.8%.

Brett Renfrow getting back to those strong, consistent starts that we’ve seen in the past is something that Virginia Tech desperately needed from it’s ace, and it will be crucial for the Hokies down the stretch.

No. 3: The Bullpen has been much more consistent

Earlier this season, the Virginia Tech bullpen had a huge issue with blowing leads and losing games.

Against Cal, the Virginia Tech bullpen surrendered just a pair of runs in 10 innings of work.

The highlight of the bullpen as of late has been Chase Swift, who hasn’t given up a run since March 3rd against Marshall. He’s made nine appearances in that time and has posted the following stat-line:

13.1 IP
0 ER
4 H
6 BB
18 K

Much like with Renfrow, consistency from the Virginia Tech bullpen is going to be key down the stretch, and the Hokies are headed in the right direction.

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Virginia

West Virginia Lottery results: See winning numbers for Powerball, Lotto America on May 4, 2026

Published

16 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Press Room

The results are in for the West Virginia Lottery’s draw games on Monday, May 4, 2026.

Here’s a look at winning numbers for each game on May 4.

Winning Powerball numbers from May 4 drawing

30-36-42-60-63, Powerball: 13, Power Play: 2

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lotto America numbers from May 4 drawing

09-10-12-50-52, Star Ball: 03, ASB: 03

Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Daily 3 numbers from May 4 drawing

3-7-6

Check Daily 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Daily 4 numbers from May 4 drawing

4-6-8-6

Check Daily 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash 25 numbers from May 4 drawing

02-03-09-10-20-21

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.

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Virginia

Celebrate bike month with a wild ride at the Virginia Zoo

Published

1 day ago

May 4, 2026

Press Room

Celebrate bike month with a wild ride at the Virginia Zoo

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) – The Virginia Zoo will host its annual Bike Night on Friday, May 8, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in celebration of National Bike Month. This all-ages event offers guests the opportunity to explore 53 acres of the Virginia Zoo’s beautifully landscaped grounds on designated paths.

This is just one of many events planned throughout the City of Norfolk for National Bike Month.

Animal exhibit trails and the Goat Yard will remain open after-hours, until 7:30 p.m. This unique experience allows visitors to observe animal behaviors after regular operating hours.

Local vendors will also be on hand to assist with bike repairs or accessories.

Guests can meet Animal Ambassadors for a Zoo Tales story reading at the ZooLive! Stage at 6 p.m. The evening also features an energizing DJ dance party. The Zoo’s young professionals group, GenZoo, will help attendees craft decorations for their helmets. Local businesses like Slow & Steady Bikes and Goods and East Coast Bicycles will offer bike accessories. Community organizations such as Elizabeth River Trail, Visit Norfolk, Spinclusion and Bike Norfolk are also scheduled to attend.

Member tickets for Bike Night cost $8. Non-member adult tickets are $18, and non-member child tickets are $13. Children under two receive free entry, but a reserved “under two” ticket is still required.

The event is likely to sell out, so if you are interested in attending, it’s best to act fast. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at virginiazoo.org/event/bike-night/.

Bike Night will take place rain or shine.