NRG Stadium — best known for football games and concerts — on Wednesday became the first sports and entertainment venue designated a “No Trafficking Zone”
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Courtney Litvak, now a survivor advocate with the nonprofit No Trafficking Zone, told attendees that sex trafficking does not always look like a violent abduction. She described being groomed in high school and later being moved among trafficking networks that brought her to cities across the country, including Houston. “More common than not, it’s not a physical kidnapping… it’s a kidnapping of your mind,” Litvak said, adding that traffickers often present themselves as protectors before building control around a victim’s vulnerabilities. Officials said the stadium will display signage, offer resources for people who need help and encourage staff and patrons to report suspicious activity. Jacquelyn Alutto, chief executive officer of No Trafficking Zone, said the organization works with law enforcement through an undercover human trafficking response team that pairs detectives with survivors. “We have a human trafficking response team with the Sheriff’s Office where we work undercover with detectives and survivors,” Alutto said. Litvak acknowledged that returning to NRG Stadium was difficult but said speaking there is important to show what trafficking can look like and to educate the public. Stadium and nonprofit leaders urged Houston residents and visitors to be alert to signs of exploitation and to use available resources. State law now makes child sex trafficking a felony punishable by 25 to 99 years in prison, officials noted, and organizers said the new designation sends a clear message: no trafficking here — or anywhere.Katy homeowners stopped a battery project, now the developer wants the state to overrule themFlu cases in Houston are ‘doubling’ every week as cases rise across TexasFederal court blocks Texas from using new congressional gerrymander in 2026 midtermsLoved ones seek answers after hit-and-run kills 77-year-old Galveston manHere's why we don't heat as efficiently when it's this humid outManvel raises $20K to help neighbors in need with groceriesFrom heat to storms: What's ahead for Houston this weekHumble ISD school marshal pilot program will allow some employees to carry guns on campusTariffs driving up prices on Christmas trees, decor, lights. Here’s how to saveDrought Worsens Across SE Texas — Rain on the HorizonLong Line Forms at Houston Food Pantry as Families Wait for AssistanceEpstein email says Trump ‘knew about the girls,’ but White House says release is a Democratic smear
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