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January jobs report: Unemployment rate falls to 4%, wages rise more than forecast; Trump signs order imposing sanctions on International Criminal Court over investigations of Israel; Ten Commandments in public schools debate reaches South Dakota; Virginia ranks among worst states for wage theft; Mexican long-nosed bat makes appearance in Arizona.

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Attorney General Pam Bondi strikes a Trump tone at the Justice Department, federal workers get more time to consider buyouts, and an unclassified email request from the White House worries CIA vets.

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During Black History Month, a new book shares how a unique partnership built 5,000 schools for Black students, anti-hunger advocates say ag communities would benefit from an expanded SNAP program, and Americans have $90 billion in unpaid medical bills.

Ohio takes action against human trafficking

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Thursday, January 16, 2025   

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, spotlighting efforts to combat the crime.

Human trafficking, the world's second-largest illicit trade, exploits people for sex or labor through force, fraud or coercion. In 2024, Ohio advanced its fight against trafficking by launching its first statewide hotline, 844-END-OHHT for reporting cases. The state also conducted 45 training sessions, created resources for individuals with disabilities and supported legislation to help survivors.

Lindsey Mattson, director of industry engagement for the group TAT, formerly known as Truckers Against Trafficking, emphasized the importance of training transportation and energy workers, who are often in positions to identify and disrupt trafficking activities.

"We can mobilize millions of people to move from passive bystanders to active disrupters," Mattson pointed out. "That is really our goal is to train as many people as possible throughout all transportation industries to truly have an impact on fighting this crime."

Ohio's efforts also include the passage of Senate Bill 214, which enhances opportunities for survivors to rebuild their lives, and collaborating with law enforcement, advocacy organizations and communities to tackle the issue effectively.

Mattson emphasized energy workers are crucial eyes and ears on the ground, as they frequent the same gas stations and hotels as traffickers, and workers themselves are often targeted because they're stationed in one place.

"They look for concentrations of men housed away from home with purchasing power," Mattson observed. "For the energy industry, something like a work camp or project location. "

TAT has trained nearly 2 million professionals nationwide, including 50,000 energy workers in 43 companies. In Ohio, ongoing efforts focus on training and collaboration to identify and report trafficking while supporting survivors.


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