U.S. State Department releases 2012 human trafficking report
NPR reports that the U.S. State Department released a report Tuesday that estimates 27 million people are trafficked each year.
The report ranks countries and looks at how victims can be protected. it also provides insight into the United States’ problem with human trafficking.
Even though the report noted that the U.S. ranked as one of the most active countries in combating human trafficking, officials still need to improve techniques to monitor trafficking trends, according to U.S. News.
Read the full report here.
Watch the announcement of the report on the U.S. State Department’s website.
Photo by Cliff Owen: Secretary of State Hilary Rodham Clinton presents Vannak Anan Prum, of Cambodia, a plaque for his work to end human trafficking, during the release of the 2012 Trafficking in Persons Report at the State Department in Washington, Tuesday, June 19, 2012.
U.S. Rep. James Lankford criticized for comments on sexual orientation
Rep. James Lankford, R-Oklahoma City, has come under scrutiny recently due to a video interview about his thoughts on sexual orientation and passing legislation to protect discrimination in the workplace. (more…)
Mitt Romney responds to Obama’s support of gay marriage
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President Barack Obama voiced his support for same-sex marriage Wednesday during an interview with Robin Roberts of ABC News.
Obama says he has concluded that it is important for him to affirm that he thinks same-sex couples should be able to get married. He says he came to the conclusion over the course of several years of talking to family and friends.
Gov. Mitt Romney stopped in Oklahoma City Wednesday for a press conference with Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin. When asked about his thoughts on Obama’s statements, Romney said, “My view is that marriage itself is a relationship between a man and a woman, and that’s my own preference.
“I have the same view I’ve had since running for office.”
Social media users weigh in on President Obama’s visit to Oklahoma
This week media outlets have been buzzing about President Barack Obama’s visit to Oklahoma and his stop in Cushing to talk about domestic energy and the Keystone XL pipeline.
Obama landed at Tinker Air Force Base Wednesday night and spent the night in Oklahoma City.
The president did not make a speech after he stepped off Air Force One, but he did walk over to an area where about 180 military members and civilians from Tinker were gathered. “Thank you for your service,” the president said, as he shook outstretched hands.
Mayor Cornett said he did speak briefly with the president. “I welcomed him to Oklahoma City. I had not seen him in a little while.”
Oklahomans comment on New Hampshire primary results
The political sphere was all abuzz after former Massachusetts governor, Mitt Romney, closed out another victory Tuesday night in the New Hampshire primary. He also became the first Republican–who was not already president–to win both Iowa and New Hampshire.
Romney picked up nearly 46,000 votes, according to the New York Times. He recently defeated former Sen. Rick Santorum in the Iowa caucuses by eight votes a week ago. The margin was much bigger Tuesday night with Santorum receiving less than half that amount. (more…)
