The 5:00 News

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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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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