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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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.

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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.

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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 […]

Buc-ee's Breaks Ground on New Mebane Travel Center, First in North Carolina
Brisket, beef jerky, fudge and a whole lot of gasoline. Buc-ee’s, a Texas-based gas station chain famous for its ginormous travel centers, is bringing its first North Carolina location to 1425 Trollingwood-Hawfields Road in Mebane. The 74,000 square foot facility is expected to be completed by November of 2027. Situated at the meeting point […]

Orange County Juneteenth Celebrations to Take Place Across Two Weekends. Here's What to Know
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The Morning News: Glenwood Elementary Closing, Orange County Finalizes Budget, UNC Baseball Hosts Super Regional
In today's news: the CHCCS school board votes to shut down Glenwood Elementary after the upcoming school year.

Carrboro Man Arrested, Charged With Sexual Exploitation of a Minor
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Carrboro man Monday and has charged him with multiple counts of sexual exploitation. 42-year-old Michael Robert Westendorf faces six felony warrants for second-degree and four counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. Second-degree exploitation includes duplicating material containing a visual representation of a minor engaged in sexual […]
Conversations We Need to Have: Paul Slack on Juneteenth in Orange County
Orange County Chief Civil Rights Officer Paul Slack spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Monday, June 1st. They spoke about the national recognition of Juneteenth as a federal holiday and an opportunity to celebrate progress. Additionally, they discussed the upcoming Orange County Juneteenth celebrations happening in Hillsborough on June 12th.

Local Government Meetings: June 1-5, 2026
This week in local government: budget decisions for Orange County, Carrboro, and Durham, and the final vote on a CHCCS school closure.
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