In today’s news: we take a deep dive into PlayMakers Repertory Company’s Summer Youth Conservatory, celebrating its 20th year with the musical “Hello, Dolly!” Also: Carolina Performing Arts unveils its 2026-27 schedule; Chatham County officials search for a Siler City woman on dozens of counts of animal cruelty and elder exploitation; NC attorney general Jeff Jackson continues pushing back on Duke Energy’s proposed rate increase; and pollsters weigh in on how North Carolina has managed to remain so consistently 50-50 across multiple election cycles.
And in sports: UNC football gears up for the 2026 season, and Tar Heel athletes earn honors for their work off the field – both in the classroom and in the community.

97.9 The Hill WCHL and Chapelboro.com are your headquarters for local news in Chapel Hill-Carrboro. Every weekday morning, 97.9 The Hill’s Aaron Keck recaps the day’s news, from local government to business developments to UNC sports. Click here to listen back to all of Aaron’s daily news reports, which you can hear live during “This Morning with Aaron Keck” every weekday from 6:00 to 9:00 a.m.
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More Than 20 Animals Up For Adoption Following Chatham County Animal Cruelty InvestigationTwenty-two chickens, two turkeys, a rabbit and a dog are available for adoption after they were seized during an animal cruelty investigation.
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On Air Today: 'Hello, Dolly!' at PlayMakers Repertory Company's Summer Youth ConservatoryAaron welcomes the director of PlayMakers Repertory Company's Summer Youth Conservatory's musical, "Hello Dolly!", which opens July 16.

After Group Rescue of 214 Dogs in Chatham County, Some Are Ready for AdoptionAfter Chatham County authorities seized more than 200 dogs as part of an animal cruelty investigation, some will soon be up for adoption.

Sheriff: More Dogs Seized in Chatham County Animal Cruelty CaseChatham County investigators seized more than 150 dogs with the help of the BISSELL Pet Foundation and Animal Rescue Corps.

Chatham County Sheriff's Office Seizes 44 Dogs in Animal Cruelty CaseThe Chatham County Sheriff's Office seized dozens of dogs from a Bear Creek resident on Thursday as part of animal cruelty charges.
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PlayMakers Summer Youth Conservatory Goes "Violet"PlayMakers' annual summer youth show was originally based on a short story by local author Doris Betts.
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"Hairspray" Arrives At PlayMakersPlayMakers' Summer Youth Conservatory stages "Hairspray" this weekend.

PlayMaker's Summer Youth Conservatory Celebrates 20 Years with Run of 'Hello, Dolly!'This year marks 20 years of Chapel Hill’s Summer Youth Conservatory, offered through PlayMakers Repertory Company.
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The Morning News: Moving CHCCS Students, Previewing UNC Football, and Saving Mr. PicklesIn today's news: six-year-old cocker spaniel Mr. Pickles is reunited with some of the officers and vets who saved his life earlier this year.

Cocker Spaniel 'Mr. Pickles' Reunites With Vets, Officers Who Saved Him From NeglectMr. Pickles reunited with the people responsible for saving him from a severe case of neglect which led to dangerous matting.
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