Latest news with #BritainyBeshear
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Yahoo
Officials stress visitors remain vigilant, know the signs of human trafficking at Kentucky Derby
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56) — As thousands of visitors flock to the Twin Spires, Kentucky officials warn attendees to remain vigilant and aware of the signs of human trafficking. Human trafficking involves the exploitation of individuals through force, fraud, or coercion, and Kentucky State Police states that human trafficking becomes a higher concern surrounding large events due to the increase in both foot and vehicular traffic. Read more of the latest Kentucky news According to the 2024 Kentucky Statewide Human Trafficking Data Report, Derby Day is often cited as being associated with human trafficking. Arrest data from 2010 through 2022 shows a total of 27 human trafficking arrests within the Louisville metro and Jefferson County. Although the dates for all arrests made are unknown, at least one was made during derby week. The governor's office noted that as many as 24.9 million men, women, and children are sold into 'prostitution, domestic servitude, or other forced labor around the globe.' 'Every single person deserves to be safe—and to be free,' First Lady Britainy Beshear said. 'This weekend, as we celebrate one of our most special traditions, we also have the chance to change lives and save lives by staying alert for signs that someone is being held against their will or without full control of their choices. Remember, if you see something, say something because together, we can stop this horrific crime and look out for those who are most vulnerable. According to the governor's office, there are three main forms of trafficking prevalent in Kentucky: Labor Trafficking: Victims who are coerced into work to meet basic needs or to fund drug habits. Sex Trafficking: Victims who are forced into commercial sexual acts through threats, pressure, or manipulation, often by someone they know, including romantic partners or family members. Familial Trafficking: Based on reports made to the Department for Community-Based Services in Kentucky, it involves a trusted family member exploiting a victim for profit, often in exchange for drugs, money, or other benefits. 'Human trafficking is not just a crime; it is an attack on human dignity,' said KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. 'Traffickers prey on the vulnerable using manipulation, violence, or deception, and we will target these individuals using law enforcement collaboration, intelligence, and resources.' Officials stress visitors remain vigilant, know the signs of human trafficking at Kentucky Derby Woman killed after Clinton County crash; 4 injured What horses are running in the Kentucky Oaks? Here's the latest on post positions, odds Since taking office in 2019, the Beshear-Coleman administration has awarded more than $149 million in grant funding to victim service agencies and provided these services to approximately 323,000 Kentuckians who are victims of crimes such as human trafficking. 'Kentuckians have a legal duty to report suspicions of children involved in the commercial sex trade to Kentucky Department for Community Based Services and to local law enforcement,' the governor's office wrote. 'Other concerns about possible trafficking activities should be reported to the National Human Trafficking Hotline.' To reach the National Human Trafficking Hotline, call 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733. If there is an emergency, call 911. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Kentucky first lady helps serve meals to emphasize importance of senior nutrition programs
FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) — Kentucky first lady Britainy Beshear joined Frankfort police to serve meals to members at the Capital City Activity Center, part of an event called March for Meals. It can be easy to bond over food, and while she has a lot on her plate, first lady Britainy Beshear spent some time serving lunch to these senior citizens. Read more of the latest Kentucky news 'Making sure our seniors have nutritious meals and that they can come to centers if they're able, being around one another and spending time with one another. It's critically important that the funding remains in place so that these programs are sustainable,' Beshear said. The goal is to keep programs like March for Meals and Meals on Wheels going strong. Marchele Jenkins is the executive director of the Capital City Activity Center. 'We're proud to say we don't have a waitlist here. That's not the case throughout the United States, or even in Kentucky. There are many seniors still on a waitlist needing to receive meals. We do this to bring awareness to senior nutrition,' Jenkins said. These meals and this service mean a lot to members like Vaughn Garvin, who would have a hard time otherwise. Flemingsburg man accused of trafficking an underage relative California governor's podcasts with Trump loyalists take stance on Beshear Kentucky first lady helps serve meals to emphasize importance of senior nutrition programs 'I especially love the meals. At my age, it's a little harder for me to cook because I'm in rehab from a stroke,' Garvin said. Between the first lady and the police helping to serve the meals, everyone says it's crucial to have everyone at the table. Frankfort Police Department Assistant Chief Scott Tracy said he loves serving his community, and this is another way to do that. 'They've given so much already to our community. They've kind of put their time in, and now it's our turn to serve them. It means a lot to us,' Tracy said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
