Federal immigration authorities are urging victims of human trafficking, domestic violence and other crimes to call 1-888-373-7888 for help.
The 24-hour toll free hotline provides assistance in more than 170 languages. Victims may be eligible for visas allowing them to stay in the United States and help law enforcement officers investigate these crimes.
“Our message is simple: Don’t be afraid to ask for help,” Denise Frazier, district director for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, said in a news conference Thursday. “We are here. There is protection available to you.”
Human trafficking can include forced labor and prostitution. And it can happen when men, women and children are lured to the United States from other countries with false promises of well-paying jobs. JEREMY REDMON
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The Atlanta Regional Commission hosts its 2011 State of the Region breakfast on Friday at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta, 265 Peachtree. Featured speakers are Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and ARC Chair Tad Leithead. Register by today, if possible. Coffee is at 7 a.m., and the breakfast and program at 7:30 a.m.Tickets are $60 per person. Tables of 10 are $600. NANCY BADERTSCHER
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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has given approval to Emory University researchers to advance to the next phase of a landmark trial to treat patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The Phase I trial, using human neural stem cells, is currently under way only at Emory. The research, which began in January of 2010, is testing the safety of implanting neural stem cells into the spinal cord in up to 18 people with ALS. The first 12 patients received neural stem cell transplants in the lower region of the spinal cord. The FDA reviewed safety data and granted approval for the trial to advance to the final two groups of patients, all of whom will be transplanted in the upper region of the spinal cord. CARRIE TEEGARDIN
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