Louisiana
Campaign to prevent child abuse online launches as Louisiana agents see increase in cases
BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) – There’s a new push to help protect your child while they are online. The Department of Homeland Security launched its Know2Protect campaign on Wednesday. It’s shining a light on the crime of online child sexual exploitation and abuse so that families understand the risks.
“We have more cases than are humanly possible to work,” said Supervisory Special Agent David Ferris.
Ferris works in the cyber crime unit in the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office.
“We’re seeing a lot more children online. You’re seeing a lot more individuals who have access to the internet 24 hours a day,” explained Ferris.
Ferris said they are seeing multi-fold increases in the number of cases with the increases starting back in 2020. He said in 2021, there were about 4,000 cases. In 2022, the number increased to 6,100. In 2023, it almost doubled to more than 11,000 cases. Agents attribute the increase to social media companies reporting suspected bad behavior as technology constantly changes.
Ferris said don’t cut off the internet completely because that’s not realistic. He explained that you should do research to know about the apps your child is using. He also added that parents should keep phones and the internet out of a child’s room and keep it in an open space where you can control the environment.
“It’s a window to the outside world and so just like your child can see everything that’s going on through that social media app, the world gets to see everything that’s going on with your child,” said Ferris.
Ferris said they are starting to see sextortion cases involving the use of AI (artificial intelligence).
If you believe a child has been the victim of online exploitation or abuse, call the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office Cyber Crime Unit at 225-326-6100.
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Louisiana
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When it comes to retiring, the best places to do so often are affordable, have a high quality of life and access to quality healthcare.
If you’re looking for a place to retire, Niche has identified the best places for retirees in Louisiana.
In its list, Niche has taken into account factors like weather, crime rates, housing costs and access to amenities.
The 5 best places to retire in Louisiana according to Niche
These are the top five best places to retire in Louisiana, according to Niche.
1. Oak Hills Place
Oak Hills Place is a suburb of Baton Rouge and is the overall best place to retire in Louisiana. This suburb, located in East Baton Rouge Parish, has a population of 9,038 and offers residents an urban suburban mix feel. The area is highly rated for families, diversity, as well as health and fitness. Here, the median home value is $437,900 and the median rent is $1,422, according to Niche.
2. Westminster
Westminster is another suburb of Baton Rouge and is the second-best place to retire in Louisiana. Located in East Baton Rouge Parish, this suburb has a population of 2,559 and offers residents an urban suburban mix feel. This area is highly rated for nightlife, diversity, families, health and fitness, as well as commute. The median home value here is $266,100 and the median rent is $1,482, says Niche.
3. River Ridge
River Ridge is a suburb of New Orleans, located in Jefferson Parish, and is the third-best place to retire in Louisiana. This suburb has a population of 13,312 and offers residents a dense suburban feel. The area is highly rated for public schools, family, nightlife and diversity. The median home value is $357,400 and the median rent is $1,127, according to Niche.
4. Westlake
Westlake is a town in Calcasieu Parish that is among the best places to retire in Louisiana. With a population of 4,743, this town offers residents a rural feel. The town is highly rated for public schools, housing, families, jobs, cost of living, nightlife and weather. Here, the median home value is $166,100 and the median rent is $1,049, says Niche.
5. Prien
Prien is another town in Calcasieu Parish that is among the best places to retire in Louisiana. This town has a population of 7,119 and offers residents a suburban rural mix feel. The town is highly rated for public schools, housing, families, nightlife and weather. The median home value here is $278,000 and the median rent is $1,292, according to Niche.
Presley Bo Tyler is the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team reporter for USA Today Network. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com
A motorcyclist is recovering after a West Monroe crash involving an 18-wheeler, while Chevron won a Louisiana Supreme Court ruling shifting a major coastal lawsuit back to lower courts. Ouachita deputies arrested a suspect and recovered more than a dozen guns, Mississippi passed a new school social-media safety requirement, and Louisiana’s House advanced a unanimous state budget. A new recovery center opened, and multiple weekend events are underway across northeast Louisiana, plus national updates include stock-market stress guidance, a Ford F-150 recall, Spirit Airlines uncertainty, and tax-refund tips.
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