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Brighton McConnell

The 5:00 News: Vaccine Deadlines, Stormwater and Homelessness

97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell returns to bring you several local news stories to start your week on Monday, September 20. UNC Health and Duke Health are nearly at the self-imposed deadline for employees to get COVID-19 vaccines. Chapel Hill residents and town officials discuss stormwater management. Orange County looks to address rising homelessness numbers. Plus: UNC men’s golf and volleyball continue strong starts while football moves to 2-1!

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Speaking of Schools: Jillian La Serna of Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools

This week on Speaking of Schools, Chair of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education Jillian La Serna joins 97.9 The Hill’s Brighton McConnell. She discusses the ongoing public health points the district is monitoring in the new school year, as well as future vaccine approval for younger populations and leadership changes at CHCCS.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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Join in the Fun at the Annual Open House!