The 5:00 News

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97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell shares some of the top news after a long weekend on Tuesday, January 18. The snow and ice from the winter storm begins to clear across the region. COVID-19’s surge hits local K-12 schools and UNC campus, with the university’s student government stepping in to help protect public health. UNC men’s basketball prepares for a big match-up against Miami after a blowout win. Plus: Orange County’s courthouse and its staffing shortages are leading to a tedious backlog of important cases.

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97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell finishes out a busy week by looking ahead to the weekend on Friday, January 14. Sunday threatens inclement winter weather for the region, including the possibility of freezing rain. Town and county services prepare to close for the storm and for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The Chapel Hill Town Council reviews early concept plans for a new development near Southern Village. UNC’s David Routh shares the next goals of the Campaign for Carolina. Plus: winter sports kick into high gear, with UNC men’s basketball looking to keep consistency against Georgia Tech.

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97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell takes you around the local news headlines on Thursday, January 13. COVID cases continue to skyrocket in North Carolina and healthcare leaders pen an open letter detailing their struggles. CHCCS experiences a shortage of bus drivers, leading to a few routes being underserved. The Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership pushes for the town government to gain control of Franklin Street from the state. UNC’s Campaign for Carolina reaches its lofty fundraising goals. Plus: Gene Chizik is reintroduced as part of Carolina football’s staff and the community prepares for several MLK Day events.

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97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell brings you recent news stories from around Orange County and the region on Wednesday, January 12. COVID-19 hospitalizations set a new record in North Carolina, with health officials continuing the call for people to get vaccinated. A mistake at an Orange County vaccination site leads to teenagers receiving weaker doses of the shot. A person experiencing homelessness dies outside of an IFC building, as the nonprofit shares its current struggles with capacity, staffing and winter weather. Plus: what are some of the silver linings of the pandemic for the local hotel industry?

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97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell details several local and state stories on Tuesday, January 11. North Carolina’s voting maps are declared as not unconstitutional, but may be headed to the state Supreme Court. Estes Drive is the site of another pedestrian collision. Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools offers support to those processing a tragedy while also returning to classes amid omicron variant surges. A fugitive from a murder case in Chatham County is caught. Plus: Chapel Hill reports two separate gas leaks and Roy Williams returns to Kansas.

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97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell fills you in on a busy weekend in local news on Monday, January 10. UNC starts its spring semester with more than 1,000 initial positive COVID-19 cases. Acme staff on strike hold a rally and march to share their stories about the alleged toxic work environment. Demonstrations are held in Chapel Hill to advocate for voting rights and pedestrian safety. Plus: a UNC men’s basketball player wins Player of the Week, the gymnastics program posts a high-score and football hires back a familiar face.

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97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell helps finish the week with local news stories on Friday, January 7. COVID-19 cases set records in North Carolina for a third consecutive day, while local leaders urge familiar public health guidance. Chapel Hill Police respond to a bank robbery. Estes Drive residents hold a protest to demand better pedestrian safety measures. Plus: UNC football parts ways with its defensive coordinator and the university helps students capitalize on the popularity of streaming esports.

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97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell updates listeners on the latest local and state news on Thursday, January 6. Local lawmakers promote protecting democracy on the anniversary of the insurrection rally in Washington D.C. North Carolina’s redistricting trial holds its closing arguments. Orange County reports its first rabies case of 2022. Plus: UNC women’s basketball prepares for its ranked matchup against NC State while the men’s team drops its first conference game.

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97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell brings you the latest local news on Wedesnday, January 5, including local COVID-19 updates. Statewide trends, including hospitalizations, continue to worsen. Meanwhile, UNC is preparing for its spring semester and in-person learning. Chapel Hill faces some challenges building housing for the “missing middle” communities. Chapel Hill Police share the charge a driver faces for hitting two teenagers on New Year’s Eve. Plus: UNC men’s basketball prepares for Notre Dame.

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