Select Page

Brighton McConnell

Stroman on Sports: Younger and Older

Dr. Deborah Stroman joins 97.9 The Hill’s Brighton McConnell to finish out the week and discuss the historic U.S. Open tennis final this weekend. Plus: what are some concerns about UNC football after the program’s opening loss?

Read More

The 5:00 News: 9/11 Remembrance, Alcohol Culture and Football’s Home-Opener

97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell helps wrap up the week with local news stories from Friday, September 10. Orange County first responders share their memories of the 9/11 attacks as the 20th anniversary nears. Local hospital systems are sharing their data to highlight the amount of unvaccinated COVID-19 patients. A new UNC study shows how the pandemic affected the campus’ alcohol culture. Plus: UNC football prepares to bounce back, while UNC field hockey falls once again.

Read More

Carrboro: Town Council, Vaccination Rates and Carrboro Connects

Carrboro Mayor Lydia Lavelle joins 97.9 The Hill’s Brighton McConnell on the air on Friday, September 10. She discusses the first town council meeting of the fall set for next week. Plus: reactions to President Joe Biden’s executive order on COVID-19 vaccines and preparation for the next step of the town’s comprehensive plan.

Read More

On Air Today: Kirby Saunders on 9/11 Remembrance

Director of Orange County Emergency Services Kirby Saunders joins 97.9 The Hill’s Brighton McConnell to discuss the upcoming 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. He shares his personal experience responding to the aftermath, as well as the lasting impact it’s had on his life and emergency responders everywhere.

Read More

The 5:00 News: Abortion Rights, COVID-19 Data and Free UNC Football Tickets

97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell shares top stories in local news on Thursday, September 9. Governor Roy Cooper shares the latest COVID-19 data from North Carolina, as does UNC with its campus community. Local elected officials speak out against Texas’ new abortion law. Chapel Hill Transit announces temporary changes to service. Plus: UNC offers an incentive for those who get vaccinated at Kenan Stadium and Michael Jordan’s brand donates to help a key initiative.

Read More

On Air Today: Scott Myers on UNC Dining Options

Scott Myers, the director of auxiliary services at UNC, joins 97.9 The Hill’s Brighton McConnell to discuss changes to dining options on campus. He shares new, outdoor spaces students can safely eat with public health measures in place, as well as some expanded options that go beyond the dining halls.

Read More

Chapel Hill: Home Football Games, 9/11 Events and Bus Drivers

Chapel Hill Mayor Pam Hemminger joins 97.9 The Hill’s Brighton McConnell on the air Thursday, September 9. She details several upcoming events around town, including 9/11 remembrance events, UNC football’s home opener, meetings about stormwater management and more!

Read More

Speaking of Schools: Hillary MacKenzie of Orange County Schools

With the first few weeks of school now underway, Hillary MacKenzie of the Orange County Schools Board joins 97.9 The Hill’s Brighton McConnell. She discusses seeing the return of students to classrooms, the launch of the district’s Virtual Academy, issues with car-rider line traffic and more.

Read More

The 5:00 News: Campus Safety, COVID-19 Treatments and New Arts Festivals

97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell has the latest local news stories around the Orange County region on Wednesday, September 8. A campus safety group at UNC officially dissolves after two years. A new county commissioner is sworn in. UNC and Duke are conducting clinical trials on new, easier treatments for COVID-19. Plus: a new music series is set to launch on Thursday, while Orange County discusses plan for a visual arts festival starting in 2022.

Read More

On Air Now: 97.9 FM

  • WCHL Broadcast Calendar
Center of Excellence Annual Open House
Center of Excellence Annual Open House
Center of Excellence Annual Open House
500 Millstone Dr, Hillsborough
500 Millstone Dr, Ste 104, Hillsborough
Join in the Fun at the Annual Open House!
Join in the Fun at the Annual Open House!