Special Report

North Carolina is one of only three states that treats 16-year-olds as adults in the criminal justice system, but child advocates argue the age should be 18. Full story...

Child predators no longer lurk outside playgrounds, trying to get your child alone. Now, they come into your home. Full story...

Communication is key -- that's what experts say about protecting your kids from strangers and predators. But who do you really need to look out for? Full story...

As a parent you want to protect your child from danger. But no matter how hard you try you can't guard your child 24/7 from predators. But how young is too young to teach children about stranger danger? Full story...

A group of local leaders is working to fight human trafficking here and abroad. Modern-day slavery doesn't often make local headlines, but there are more slaves in the world today than at any point in history. And there are ways you can help prevent it. Sudan is a country ravaged by civil war, poverty and disease -- and experts believe it may be the worst country on earth for human trafficking. An estimated two million people are enslaved within Sudan today. The victims are often children. Full story...

In Brunswick County 131 sex offenders are registered. Deputies know where they work and live. This proactive approach is called project SafeHome. Every deputy is assigned a number of sex offenders to check on weekly. Full story...

Do you really know who your next door neighbor is? And who is watching over your child? New sex offender laws are helping deputies catch sex predators. But some of the offenders are slipping through the cracks. Full story...

If you find yourself without a valentine today we have a story that will make even the most jaded heart melt. It's a story about love, but one where two people found a special connection on a place that's pretty common today. But 12 years ago love on the internet was an uncharted highway. Full story...

It's one of North Carolina's oldest industries, involving big money and big politics. We're talking about the tobacco industry and just how much influence it has in this state. Full story...