North Carolina lawmakers and law enforcement agencies are focusing increased attention on the problem of human trafficking. The latest Carolina Journal cover package details those efforts. Editor-in-Chief Rick Henderson explains how state legislation approved this year targets trafficking in new ways. Travis also shares personal stories from trafficking victims. A controversial proposal from Washington, D.C., could force North Carolina families to pay hundreds of dollars more each year in taxes on everyday household items. It’s called the border-adjustment tax. Andy Ellen, president and general counsel of the N.C. Retail Merchants Association, explains why his group has been highlighting the BAT’s potential impact on merchants and their customers. The 2015 death of a Moore County toddler has prompted North Carolina lawmakers to approve Rylan’s Law. It requires a county social services department to observe a parent or guardian at least twice before returning a child after allegations of child abuse or neglect. You’ll hear highlights from legislative debate on the issue. While President Trump’s foreign policy is still a work in progress, a noted expert from the Reagan administration sees the outlines of a credible grand strategy. Henry Nau, professor of political science and international affairs at George Washington University, analyzed key elements of Trump’s policy during a recent conference in Raleigh. Nau explains why Trump’s policy might fit well with an approach called “conservative internationalism.” The General Assembly’s budget staff estimates that North Carolina could face a $1 billion gap between revenue and expenses in future years. Democrats and their ideological allies have pointed to the estimate to support their complaints about recent state tax cuts. Republicans have responded that the estimates are based on faulty projections of future state government spending. Joseph Coletti, John Locke Foundation senior fellow, places the numbers in context.