Okay, I need your help. I’ll keep this short.

There’s a lot that goes on in Orange County that gets reported in the news. We’re lucky to have multiple news outlets around the area, so our aggregate coverage is fairly comprehensive. Beyond that, we’ve got several good outlets for discussion and debate, where people can raise the bigger-picture issues that don’t necessarily fit into the daily news. Between all of those, we collectively do a good job covering most of what’s important in Chapel Hill-Carrboro.

But that “most” is the operative word. So here’s my question:

What is the biggest issue in Orange County that ISN’T being talked about, in any way, in any news outlet?

Any answer is acceptable here. I’m talking about issues that affect people’s lives here in Orange County in a real and direct way, but that aren’t getting any discussion on WCHL or the Chapel Hill News or the Daily Tar Heel or the Chapel Hill Weekly or the News of Orange County or Orange Politics or Chapel Hill Watch or any other major news outlet that covers our community.

(To give an example of what I’m thinking about: domestic violence. There are several advocacy groups in the Chapel Hill area who work directly with this issue, but it’s not a problem you see much discussed in our local media. There were articles written last year, after Chahnaz Kebaier’s murder, but this year there’s been very little; DC Swinton tried to raise the issue of a domestic violence shelter during the Town Council race, but his campaign never really took off and no other candidate picked up the issue.)

I don’t mean this to be an indictment of the local media, by the way. With so many issues worth discussing, there’s always going to be something that gets left out. That’s how it is.

But let’s do what we can to bring those issues back in. I’ve got this space here on Chapelboro; let’s put it to good use.

What is the biggest issue or hidden problem in Orange County that isn’t being talked about?

Reply in the comment section below, or email me at akeck@wchl.com, or send me a tweet @AaronKeck, and tell me what you think and why. I’ll talk about the responses I get* in a later column—and I’ll take at least one of those issues and delve into it further down the road.

* If I get no responses at all, I’ll write a column about how everything in Chapel Hill is A-OK and everyone in town is perfectly happy, and it’ll be your own fault.

Related Stories
‹
Gov. Stein Surveys Flooding Damage in Chapel Hill, Pledges to 'Do Everything We Can' for Relief
Gov. Josh Stein toured some of the Chapel Hill residences and businesses damaged by Chantal's flooding nearly two weeks prior.
Gov. Stein Declares Emergency for Orange County to Help Chantal Flood Relief Efforts
Gov. Josh Stein issued a state of emergency declaration for Orange County after severe flooding, which could help spark disaster assistance.
Orange County: Damage Assessment, Community Giving Fund, Criminal Justice Resource Director
Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Jamezetta Bedford spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, July 16, discussing county news and events. She talked about on going damage assessments ahead of possible disaster declarations from the state and federal government. She talked about the Community Giving Fund, a centralized place for donations to those affected by the storm. She also discussed the promotion of a new Criminal Justice Resource Director, and more.
Orange County Sheriff's Office: Sex Offender Arrested, Charged Over Child Porn
An Orange County resident and sex offender faces several counts of sexual exploitation of a minor following an investigation by North Carolina law enforcement and Orange County Sheriff's Office.
As White Cross Firefighter Rescued Others from Chantal's Flooding, Water Damaged Her Own Home
Claudia Lima of the White Cross Fire Department lost her home in Chantal's flooding. But the first responder community stepped up to help.
Chapel Hill Approves Rezoning for Greene Tract Site, Hears Next Steps for Development
The Chapel Hill Town Council is making progress on developing the Greene Tract, meeting in June to rezone part of the site. 
Here's How You Can Help Orange, Chatham Locals Affected by Tropical Depression Chantal
In the wake of historic rains and floods brought on by Tropical Depression Chantal, many in the Orange County community are in need of help — and many of their peers are looking for ways to help. Some residents and small businesses launched their own fundraisers in the aftermath, which people can seek out. Chapelboro […]
City of Mebane Loosens Water Usage Restrictions, Still Encourages Conservation
As the City of Mebane continues repairs on a water treatment plant, the local government issued an urgent message to residents on Wednesday morning to stop using water amid a drastic shortage.
Orange County Opening Recovery Assistance Center for Storm Victims
Orange County will open a Recovery Assistance Center (RAC) to provide essential services and support for residents affected by Tropical Depression Chantal this week. The center, located at the Drakeford Library Complex at 203 South Greensboro Street in downtown Carrboro, will operate from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. from July 10 through July 12. “The […]
Days After Historic Rain, Chapel Hill and Durham Under Another Flash Flood Warning
Many areas of Orange County, Chatham County and the rest of central North Carolina are again under a flash flood warning on Wednesday.
›