Select Page

The 5:00 News

The 5:00 News: A Shed Thief, The Debt Ceiling and UNC Housekeepers

97.9 The Hill’s Brighton McConnell details local, state and national news stories on Thursday, September 30. Carrboro Police arrest one man following a string of reported break-ins and power tool thefts. Chatham County chooses to not redistrict ahead of 2022 primaries. A local congressman shares his thoughts on negotiations around the U.S. debt ceiling. Plus: Carolina men’s soccer continues to skid and UNC housekeepers continue to ask for more help.

Read More

The 5:00 News: A Blood Shortage and New Alzheimer’s Research

97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell shares some local reporting from Wednesday, September 29. A downed power line is causing traffic issues and outages in a Chapel Hill neighborhood. The American Red Cross is seeing its lowest totals of blood supplies since 2015 and are seeking new donations. UNC and Duke enter in a new effort to explore early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Plus: UNC football aims to shore up its defense and the men’s golf coach signs an extension.

Read More

The 5:00 News: ‘No-Capital,’ Coalition for Carolina and Diaper Needs

97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell brings you the latest in local and state news on Tuesday, September 28. An update in the murder case of Faith Hedgepeth, as well as an update on the death toll of COVID-19 in North Carolina. Some in the UNC community are looking to address political interference in campus operations and leadership. Plus: towns recognize Diaper Need Awareness Week, UNC men’s golf rises in the rankings and student-athletes take NIL deals big and small.

Read More

The 5:00 News: District 56, Climate Change Protests and A Loss at GT

97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell recaps a busy weekend and Monday, September 27, of local news stories. A new candidate has emerged in an effort to replace local state Rep. Verla Insko. UNC students advocate for more local action to be taken combating climate change. Researchers announce a study on a COVID-19 vaccine patch. Plus: a proposed industrial park won’t face county commissioner review and UNC Football disappoints on the road in Atlanta.

Read More

The 5:00 News: Education Funding, UNC Construction and A Trip to Atlanta

97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell finishes off the week with a batch of local news stories on Friday, September 24. UNC’s Board of Trustees discuss the delegation of power on campus. North Carolina’s government may face legal action if it doesn’t improve education spending soon. Plus: a look into ongoing construction projects at UNC and how Carolina Football has struggled lately against Georgia Tech.

Read More

The 5:00 News: Endorsements, HVAC Thefts and Brooklyn Harker

97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell details the latest local news stories on Thursday, September 23. Chapel Hill and Carrboro’s state representative Verla Insko shares why she’s not running for re-election. Some of the first endorsements of candidates in town government elections this fall are released. Plus: UNC women’s soccer welcomes back a legend and Chapel Hill High School’s first female football  player is standing out on the field as well as off it.

Read More

The 5:00 News: New UNC Book, Vaccine Incentives and Open Basketball Tryouts

97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell discusses news from UNC campus on Wednesday, September 22, including news of a federal settlement of fraudulent funding claims. A new book on UNC’s history gets launched and university leadership announces further incentives for its campus community vaccinated against COVID-19. Plus: Chapel Hill announces the first business to claim space in the East Rosemary Street redevelopment and Carolina men’s basketball is set to hold open tryouts.

Read More

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!

Read More

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.

Read More

On Air Now: 97.9 FM

  • WCHL Broadcast Calendar