With the latest court observations report now released, Kimberly Brewer of the Orange County Bail/Bond Justice Project joins 97.9 The Hill’s Brighton McConnell to discuss its findings and recommendations for reform.
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Report: Early Signs of Reform Seen in Orange County Bail System
Reform within Orange County and its criminal justice system has led to a decrease in pre-trial detainees who can't pay their bail, according to reports.

Nieman Sworn In as Orange, Chatham County's District Attorney
The 2022 election cycle brought about many changes among our community’s representation in the state and federal governments. But there was also a big change for Orange and Chatham County at district attorney.

OC Sheriff's Office Creates Mental Health Response Unit, Spearheads Reform
The Orange County Sherriff’s Office is in the process of creating a new Mental Health Response Unit, taking a significant step towards law enforcement reform in the county.

Orange County Bail/Bond Justice Fights to Change Unjust Bail Practices
A new non-profit is helping to change unjust bail practices in Orange County through providing assistance to those who may have difficulty paying their bail. Orange County Bail/Bond Justice has a goal to help stop defendants from being held in jail before being convicted, which Chair of the organization Kimberly Brewer points out happens disproportionally […]
Orange County: Welcoming Rani Dasi and Honoring Jamezetta Bedford (Aug. 26, 2026)
Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Jean Hamilton speaks with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, August 26.

Rani Dasi Sworn in as New District 1 Orange County Commissioner
Dasi was one of six people who threw her hat in the ring for the District 1 position, and was ultimately selected by the board to serve out the rest of Bedford’s term.

Orange County Sheriff: Student Assaults Staff Members at Partnership Academy
A School Resource Officer from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office detained a student at Hillsborough’s Partnership Academy Tuesday after the student allegedly assaulted two staff members, per a release. The sheriff’s office says the SRO will now coordinate with the North Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention regarding legal consequences. After the assault, […]

Orange County Sheriff's Office Locates Missing 19-Year-Old in Rougemont
The Orange County Sheriff's Office sent out a missing persons alert Monday for Bryce Howerton of Rougemont, a high-functioning autistic man.
Dale Edwards on The News of Orange County's Top Summer Stories – On Air Today (August 19, 2026)
Dale Edwards, the managing editor for the News of Orange County, speaks with 97.9 The Hill's Brighton McConnell on Wednesday, August 19.

NCDOT Installing All-Way Stop at Rural Orange County Intersection
Crews from the North Carolina Department of Transportation will install an all-way stop at the intersection of North Carolina Highway 157 and New Sharon Church Road in northern Orange County. The installation is expected to take place Wednesday, Aug. 26 at the rural intersection, located northeast of Hillsborough. In a release, the NCDOT says it […]
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