The 5:00 News

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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97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell details several local news stories on Tuesday, December 14. Governor Roy Cooper urges more North Carolinians to get their booster shots on the one-year anniversary of COVID-19 vaccines arriving in the state. The UNC Board of Trustees approves its provost hire again, this time in a more transparent manner. The Carrboro Town Council is examining options to fill its vacant seat following the state Supreme Court’s delay of primary elections. Plus: Erin Matson is an All-American once again and the lone Orange County Sheriff’s deputy who’s died in the line of service is honored in a special way.

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97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell helps start the week with local news stories on Monday, December 13. COVID-19 trends in North Carolina continue to slide the wrong direction. Some at UNC are sharing concerns about potential political influence in the university’s decision-making. An Orange County native earns a big honor from TIME magazine. Plus: Chapel Hill is offering more free parking than usual this holiday season and UNC’s basketball programs get decisive wins over the weekend.

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97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell finishes out the week with a look at several news stories from Friday, December 10. UNC has chosen its next provost: astrophysicist Chris Clemens. A new water assistance program is launched in North Carolina, with OWASA trying to help those struggling with bills to apply. The Town of Chapel Hill is moving an entire house from one downtown street to another. Plus: a record-setting team from Hillside High School aims to be enshrined in the state’s Sports Hall of Fame, while an 83-year-old marathon runner finishes his final race.

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97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell takes you around the latest local and state news headlines on Thursday, December 9. The UNC Board of Trustees votes on personnel measures that go unexplained to the public. The state Supreme Court’s order to push back all primary elections means local ones are affected too. Chapel Hill and Carrboro welcome new elected officials. A group of parents express concern about the option for UNC employee’s childcare center making a change in leadership. Plus: UNC Football’s Mack Brown praises quarterback Sam Howell for his willingness to play in the upcoming bowl game.

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97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell shares stories from around Orange and Chatham counties on Wednesday, December 8. Local governments are seeing new members, including a new mayor in Carrboro, sworn in. Chatham County’s Board of Commissioners is set to see some changes during the 2022 elections. Local school leaders discuss safety measures already in place and that being explored in the wake of another school shooting that’s rocked the country. Plus: Orange County reports a rabies case and two Carolina Basketball legends are going to be honored by the Department of Transportation.

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97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell takes listeners around the top local news stories of the day on Tuesday, December 7. Election filings continue in Raleigh, including for races that were halted on the opening day of the filing period. Carrboro prepares for its new mayor while saying goodbye to its current one. North Carolina experiences a bump in COVID-19 cases following the Thanksgiving holiday. A major component of redevelopment in downtown Chapel Hill advances. Plus: UNC Health has expanded programs to offer care to patients at home…even those with serious illnesses.

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97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell details the latest news stories on Monday, December 6, including some updates on the state’s election filings for 2022 races. Locally, Carrboro police are searching for information about two separate shootings from the weekend. East Chapel Hill High School continues to have conversations around racial equity and representation after the accusation of racial discrimination in the special education property. Plus: CHCCS swears in new school board members, UNC’s basketball programs earn victories and Carolina football is playing a familiar foe in their bowl game.

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97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell finishes out the week with many local news stories on Friday, December 3. East Chapel Hill High School sees demonstrations around a 97.9 The Hill report about alleged racial discrimination. UNC announces two new namesakes for buildings on campus, each of which honor a university trailblazer. PORCH earns a major financial award for its work toward community health. The CHCCS school board sees some changes as new members are sworn in. Plus: UNC volleyball plays in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2016 and Chatham County prepares for several holiday events.

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