The 5:00 News

97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell shares local and state news stories on Tuesday, January 4. The region continues to recover from Monday’s storm, with power being restored in most areas. State officials share COVID-19 updates and encourage those seeking virus tests to look for private options. The Town of Hillsborough tweaks an ordinance to try and encourage more density and affordable housing. Plus: more UNC football players go pro or transfer and UNC Children’s Hospital releases its latest music video to start off 2022.

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97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell details the latest local news on Wednesday, December 29. North Carolina sees a single-day record of new COVID-19 cases for this winter. Local health experts provide insight into the burnout and burden the intensive response to the pandemic is causing on healthcare workers. Chatham County Schools reports enrollment numbers are still down compared to the last pre-pandemic year. Plus: UNC football is ready to go for the Duke’s Mayo Bowl game and a former Diamond Heel retires from the MLB.

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97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell returns with a bevy of local news stories to share on Tuesday, December 28. The positive rate of COVID-19 tests in North Carolina skyrockets on Monday. Developers are aiming to bring “missing middle” housing to Chapel Hill land that’s failed to work for projects in the past. Orange County Commissioner Renee Price reflects on 2021 achievements for the county. Plus: some COVID uncertainty around college sports and a UNC researcher is named Tar Heel of the Year by the News & Observer.

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97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell shares updates from around the community on Wednesday, December 22. COVID-19 testing is on many people’s minds as the holidays approach, while UNC is already looking ahead to testing measures in January. Hillsborough hosts its annual Solstice Lantern Walk after a year off. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office says it plans to use a recent survey to better inform policy and training decisions. Plus: an update on the Acme Carrboro workers strike and UNC lacrosse earns a bunch of preseason recognition.

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97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell shares state and local news stories on Tuesday, December 21. COVID-19 testing is at a premium as people look to get checked for the virus ahead of holidays. North Carolina health officials are preparing for surges caused by the omicron variant in several ways. Chapel Hill is removing some of its extended sidewalk on East Franklin Street. Plus: UNC basketball updates and a UNC student helps adjust to his OCD by writing a musical.

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97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell shares some of the top local stories on Monday, December 20, including COVID-19 updates. North Carolina health officials say the latest increases are from the virus’ delta variant, but the omicron variant presents potentially record-breaking challenges later this winter. Meanwhile, Duke University says it will require COVID-19 boosters for the new semester, while UNC Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz reflects on his school’s success in the fall. Plus: Acme Carrboro workers on strike share a timeline of their efforts and UNC basketball experiences a weekend on two sides of the winning spectrum.

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97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell finishes out the week with your top local news stories of the afternoon on Friday, December 17. Orange County Health Department reports the county’s first positive COVID-19 case that is the newer omicron variant. The country is experiencing a blood shortage, leaving local American Red Cross officials asking for major help ahead of the holidays. A popular Carrboro restaurant is closed to dine-in customers due to a workers strike. Plus: UNC men’s basketball finds an opponent, UNC football lands a new center and a Chapel Hill man helps spread local love through quilting.

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97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell brings you a variety of news stories on Thursday, December 16. North Carolina health officials are urging people to get their COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots as trends increase from stable levels. A North Carolina, Democratic candidate in the U.S. Senate race drops out, citing the need for party unity. A new edition of our ‘Addressing Taboo Topics’ series tackles stigmas around infertility. Plus: UNC men’s basketball faces some uncertainty around their opponents in the CBS Sports Classic and the women’s basketball program sees a promising freshman have to redshirt.

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97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell shares some of the top news stories from Wednesday, December 15. In local government, Carrboro plans to wait to fill its vacant town council seat and begins some intensive sidewalk repairs. In state government, the health department alerts people of North Carolina’s first flu death of the season. Orange County reports its fourth rabies case of the year and warns about a rise in high-risk drinking. Plus: UNC football signs its recruiting class and UNC men’s basketball rolls past Furman.

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