National Shorts


National Shorts - NewsBriefsHuman trafficking victims call national hotline in record numbers

 

(WNS)–Human trafficking victims are reaching out for help in record numbers, according to an advocacy group that operates a national 911 text and phone call center. In 2015, the National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) received 21,947 calls, 1,535 online requests, 1,275 emails, and 1,472 SMS messages on its BeFree Textline, operated by Polaris. More than 1,600 survivors of human trafficking reached out for help in 2015—a 24 percent increase over 2014, according to the annual report released by Polaris. The organization’s hotline also takes calls from concerned friends, family, and bystanders who witness a suspected human trafficking event. “From the domestic servant forced to work for little pay who required emergency shelter to the young girl made to sell sex online against her will who texted us for crisis support, survivors of human trafficking are reaching out to the national hotline more than ever,” said Polaris CEO Bradley Myles. Get Help. Report a Tip. Request Services. 1-888-373-7888

 

CMP releases new video despite lawsuits

 

(WNS)–The National Abortion Federation (NAF) encourages and supports the illegal practice of fetal tissue sales, according to the latest video released by the Center for Medical Progress (CMP). CMP published the video as it does battle in court over footage taken at annual NAF meetings in 2014 and 2015. NAF is trying to permanently enjoin the pro-life organization from releasing the footage. CMP’s latest undercover video, which includes previously unreleased footage, shows an actor posing as a representative from a fetal tissue purchasing company. When the actor explains to NAF training and education representatives that her company splits fees from researchers with abortion facilities, the NAF representatives approve the idea.

 

Gospel for Asia sued for fraud

 

(WNS)–A Dallas-based law firm filed a class-action lawsuit on Feb. 8 against Gospel for Asia Inc. (GFA), alleging the Texas-based international ministry has engaged in fraud and racketeering. GFA has claimed that hundreds of millions it has received in donations have gone to help the poor and preach the gospel. The lawsuit, though, alleges that ministry leaders were “covertly diverting the money to a multi-million dollar personal empire.” Gospel for Asia officials did not immediately return phone calls and emails requesting comment. The lawsuit, filed by the Stanley Law Group on behalf of Matthew and Jennifer Dickson of Rogers, Ark., asks a U.S. District Court to order money returned to unwitting donors whose well-intentioned contributions were, according to the lawsuit, misappropriated.

 

CMP’s Daleiden unabashed by legal challenges

(WNS)–Although he faces legal challenges in two states over his undercover investigation into Planned Parenthood, Center for Medical Progress (CMP) director David Daleiden told supporters he remains confident in his eventual exoneration. After releasing a new undercover video on Feb. 2, Daleiden held a webcast with three of his attorneys to update the cases against him in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Houston. “Planned Parenthood is lashing out because the baby parts issue could take them down,” Daleiden said. He and other CMP investigators face jail time and stiff fines stemming from criminal charges and civil lawsuits.

 

Top generals: Women should register for the draft

(WNS)–The top generals of both the Army and the Marine Corps testified on Feb. 2 that women should be required to register with Selective Service now that the Pentagon has lifted all exemptions for women from direct ground combat positions. In response to a question from Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., Marine Corps commandant Gen. Robert Neller and Army chief of staff Gen. Mark Milley both agreed that any eligible and qualified American should register for the draft, according to The Washington Post.

 

Wheaton, Hawkins profess no hard feelings

 

(WNS)–As part of reconciliation efforts with one of its former professors, Wheaton College will create an endowed scholarship for summer interns working on peace and conflict projects. Leaders at the evangelical Christian college in Wheaton, Ill., announced the scholarship during a news conference on Feb. 10 held jointly with former political science professor Larycia Hawkins, for whom the grant will be named. During her time at the school, Hawkins had developed a certificate program in peace and conflict studies. Today’s public event followed the announcement on Feb. 6 that the college and Hawkins had reached a confidential settlement to end efforts to revoke her tenure and remove her from the faculty. Hawkins has not said what she plans to do next or whether she will continue her academic career at another university.




Leave a Reply