Select Page

Brighton McConnell

On Air Today: Bill Smith

Former Crook’s Corner chef Bill Smith joins 97.9 The Hill’s Brighton McConnell to reflect on the news of the award-winning restaurant closing its doors. Smith shares stories of how he ended up cooking for the Chapel Hill staple and thoughts on what its closing means to the local restaurant community amid a challenging year.

Read More

The 5:00 News: A Power Outage, A Rescue Squad and A New Lottery

97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell shares the latest news headlines from across the community and state on Thursday, June 10. North Carolina launches a cash lottery for those who have gotten their COVID-19 vaccine. Hundreds of Carrboro residents experience a power outage due to a fallen tree. The Orange County Commissioners decide against funding an expansion of Durham Technical Community College. The South Orange Rescue Squad prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

Read More

Chapel Hill: Passing the Budget and Preparing for Summer

Chapel Hill Mayor Pam Hemminger joins 97.9 The Hill’s Brighton McConnell after a busy town council meeting the previous night. She brings details on the approved budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which sees a slight uptick in town property tax rate. Plus: with as much agenda items left for the town council, elected officials may need additional meetings before a summer break.

Read More

The 5:00 News: Budget Discussions, the Carolina Blood Drive and Crook’s Corner

97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell has the latest from around the Orange and Chatham County community on Wednesday, June 9. Budget discussions continue on the local and state level, with North Carolina leaders finding an agreement on a spending amount. An award-winning restaurant in Chapel Hill permanently closes its doors. Plus: the Town of Chapel Hill is looking to add bike lanes during the repaving of a popular road and UNC holds the 33rd annual Carolina Blood Drive.

Read More

Orange County: Deciding the Budget, Durham Tech and Dorosin’s Departure

Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Renee Price joins 97.9 The Hill’s Brighton McConnell to bring highlights from the board’s budget work session Tuesday night. Price describes a big decision by the commissioners on a Durham Tech expansion, as well as other needs around the county that will be funded next fiscal year. Plus: she shares thoughts on Commissioner Mark Dorosin’s upcoming departure from the board.

Read More

The 5:00 News: Road Rage, Carrboro Connects and Diverse Books

97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell shares the latest local and state news with you on Tuesday, June 8. A road rage incident in Chapel Hill leaves one victim with leg injuries and police seeking suspects. The North Carolina budget could once again be at an impasse, but not due to partisan disputes. Plus: a look at how the Chapel Hill Public Library may refresh its book collection and UNC basketball players are faring in the NBA Playoffs.

Read More

Chatham County Roundup: Hannah McClellan of the Chatham News+ Record

As the school year finishes for most of our local school districts, education reporter Hannah McClellan with the Chatham News + Record joins 97.9 The Hill’s Brighton McConnell for this week’s Chatham County Roundup. McClellan shares details on how the Chatham County Public Schools district is reflecting on the academic year and looking ahead to the next. Plus: how is CCS providing services to its Hispanic students and parents?

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!