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Trending today: a big spike in global saxophone sales, thanks largely – and very specifically – to retirees in China. Victor shares fun saxophone facts (including the fact that the instrument was once banned by the Vatican), while Aaron disses the trombone. Want to know what folks are talking about on social media? Every weekday on 97.9 The Hill’s “This Morning with Aaron Keck,” Victor Lewis scours the Internet for the day’s top trending stories, from weird news to wacky crimes to odd business ventures and everything in between. Click here to listen back to all our past What’s Trending segments – and tune in to “This Morning” on 97.9 The Hill every weekday at 7:45 to hear What’s Trending live on the air. You can also listen to “This Morning with Aaron Keck” on Spotify. Click here to follow Aaron and listen to all his segments, from local news to fun features to hard-hitting interviews. What’s Trending is made possible by Dynamic Electric. Listen now: The post What’s Trending: Surging Saxophone Sales appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Carrburritos is moving to Carr Mill Mall this summer, after 29 years in their current space on Rosemary Street! Aaron welcomes store owner Rae Mosher to officially make the announcement: they’re projecting early August for their opening date, in the spot formerly occupied by Grata Cafe and Elmo’s Diner. 97.9 The Hill WCHL and Chapelboro.com are your headquarters for local news and local voices in Chapel Hill-Carrboro. Every weekday morning, 97.9 The Hill’s Aaron Keck chats with government officials, UNC scholars, business and nonprofit leaders, area musicians, and others in our community as they share their thoughts, their experience, and their expertise on the central issues of today. Click here to listen back to all of Aaron’s conversations – and tune in to “This Morning with Aaron Keck” at 7:30 a.m. on 97.9 The Hill to hear those conversations live. You can also listen to “This Morning with Aaron Keck” on Spotify. Click here to follow Aaron and listen to all his segments, from local news to fun features to hard-hitting interviews. Listen: The post On Air Today: Carrburritos, Moving to Carr Mill Mall This Summer appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

In today’s news: local officials break ground on Homestead Gardens, a new affordable housing development in Chapel Hill. Also: a mental-health crisis ends sadly in Pittsboro; U.S. House Rep. Valerie Foushee says dysfunction in Congress leaves her “furious” every day; and in sports, UNC women’s basketball star Lanie Grant announces she’s hitting the transfer portal after a successful sophomore season. 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. You can also listen to “This Morning with Aaron Keck” on Spotify. Click here to follow Aaron and listen to all his segments, from local news to fun features to hard-hitting interviews. Listen: The post The Morning News: Homestead Gardens, DC Dysfunction, and Lanie Grant appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Rep. Robert Reives chats with 97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell on Wednesday, Apr. 1. Ahead of the short session beginning later in the month, Reives shares his thoughts on several stories around the legislature — including one that affects Orange County. The House Minority Leader gives a public send-off of Sen. Graig Meyer, who is stepping down from elected office, and shares why he empathizes with Meyer’s desire to make a material difference in North Carolinians lives. Reives then details the believed roadblocks to making that difference through legislation in Raleigh, including Republicans’ indications to cut Medicaid funding and ongoing lack of a state budget. Finally: the District 54 representative details what’s he’s hearing from his constituents about the rising cost of living and associated challenges. Robert’s Rules is our regular check in with Representative Robert Reives, representing Chatham County in North Carolina’s 54th district, and leading the Democratic caucus in the state house. Every two weeks Rep. Reives shares the latest news from the General Assembly in Raleigh, and his unique perspective on state and national political news. On Air Today features conversations with the latest newsmakers in our community, including local elected leaders, educators, business owners, and anyone else with their finger on the pulse of the greater Chapel Hill community. The post Replacing Sen. Meyer, Preparing for Healthcare Fight and Returning to Short Session — Robert’s Rules (Apr. 1, 2026) appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell guest hosts on Wednesday, Apr. 1 and shares the latest local news headlines — with NO April Fools! Chatham County law enforcement respond to a mental health crisis and issue their sympathies after a tragic ending. Local Democratic Party committee members prepare to pick their appointment to the Senate seat left vacant by Graig Meyer. A UNC student-run group helps equip TABLE in Carrboro with solar panels that should result in major energy savings. Stormwater construction in Carrboro could cause some delays. And in sports: the No. 6 Diamond Heels win a 14-inning rock fight with Campbell, while the search for the next UNC men’s basketball coach continues. 97.9 The Hill WCHL and Chapelboro.com are your headquarters for local news in Chapel Hill-Carrboro. Every weekday afternoon, 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey recaps the day’s news, from local government to business developments to UNC sports, and everything in-between. Hear compelling stories, breaking news, and more. Find all of Andrew’s Evening News Reports by clicking here. The post TABLE Puts Up Solar Panels and UNC Baseball Wins Marathon Game — The Evening News (Apr. 1, 2026) appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Jonathon Smith — the executive director and food security agent for Orange County’s Cooperative Extension — speaks with 97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell on Wednesday, Apr. 1 about the new Baseline Community Food Assessment. Food system studies examine how communities grow, distribute and access food and food waste. Smith details why that data is important not only for the cooperative extension to know, but also local partners and farmers. He also shares what’s different from the 2016 assessment, the relationships between farmers and food pantries, and several case studies shared within the new report. Read the full Orange County Baseline Community Food Assessment here. On Air Today features interviews and conversations with the latest newsmakers in our community — including local elected leaders, educators, business owners, and anyone else with their finger on the pulse of the greater Chapel Hill community. The post Jonathon Smith on Orange County’s 2026 Food System Assessment — On Air Today (Apr. 1, 2026) appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Trending today: matcha tea, which is increasingly popular – and increasingly grown outside of Japan, despite its close association with Japanese culture. Self-confessed cultural appropriator Victor offers one possible solution: like champagne, should we only call it ‘matcha’ if it’s explicitly grown in Japan? Want to know what folks are talking about on social media? Every weekday on 97.9 The Hill’s “This Morning with Aaron Keck,” Victor Lewis scours the Internet for the day’s top trending stories, from weird news to wacky crimes to odd business ventures and everything in between. Click here to listen back to all our past What’s Trending segments – and tune in to “This Morning” on 97.9 The Hill every weekday at 7:45 to hear What’s Trending live on the air. You can also listen to “This Morning with Aaron Keck” on Spotify. Click here to follow Aaron and listen to all his segments, from local news to fun features to hard-hitting interviews. What’s Trending is made possible by Dynamic Electric. Listen now: The post What’s Trending: Matcha, Matcha Man appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Aaron welcomes U.S. House Rep. Valerie Foushee for an extended conversation, a few weeks out from her narrow victory in the midterm primary. Rep. Foushee reflects on that experience and what she learned from the campaign – and she also discusses (and expresses frustration about) major national issues ranging from the war in Iran to the partial government shutdown and efforts to rein in ICE. (And near the end, Aaron raises a more general pressing question: preserving democracy requires an active effort from all of us, but we won’t be willing to put in that effort if we don’t have hope for the future – so how do we ignite that hope, in people who currently don’t have it?) 97.9 The Hill WCHL and Chapelboro.com are your headquarters for local news and local voices in Chapel Hill-Carrboro. Every weekday morning, 97.9 The Hill’s Aaron Keck chats with government officials, UNC scholars, business and nonprofit leaders, area musicians, and others in our community as they share their thoughts, their experience, and their expertise on the central issues of today. Click here to listen back to all of Aaron’s conversations – and tune in to “This Morning with Aaron Keck” at 7:30 a.m. on 97.9 The Hill to hear those conversations live. You can also listen to “This Morning with Aaron Keck” on Spotify. Click here to follow Aaron and listen to all his segments, from local news to fun features to hard-hitting interviews. Listen: The post On Air Today: U.S. Rep. Valerie Foushee on Iran, TSA, ICE, the 2026 Primary, and Inspiring Hope in Americans appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

In today’s news: a UNC student-led group helps install cost-saving solar panels at the local hunger-relief nonprofit TABLE. Also: Graig Meyer officially leaves the State Senate, with a party vote on his replacement coming Saturday; and local communities face big decisions over whether to welcome – or try to block – massive AI data centers. And in sports: UNC baseball comes away with an epic 14-inning win over Campbell; Carolina softball gets an easier win at Liberty; women’s lacrosse star Chloe Humphrey wins another big individual honor; two Tar Heel soccer stars get called onto Team USA; and Deborah Stroman weighs in on the ongoing search for UNC’s next men’s basketball coach. 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. You can also listen to “This Morning with Aaron Keck” on Spotify. Click here to follow Aaron and listen to all his segments, from local news to fun features to hard-hitting interviews. Listen: The post The Morning News: Solar Panels at TABLE, Graig Meyer Steps Down, Data Centers Come to Counties appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Trending today: marine scientists are using drones to study whales – which is teaching us a lot more about whale behavior. Specifically, Victor shines the spotlight on one exciting new drone-based program – whose actual name is SnotBot. (Also, Victor wishes we could go back to the days when drones were just cool and not ominous, and Aaron shouts out Sigourney Weaver.) Want to know what folks are talking about on social media? Every weekday on 97.9 The Hill’s “This Morning with Aaron Keck,” Victor Lewis scours the Internet for the day’s top trending stories, from weird news to wacky crimes to odd business ventures and everything in between. Click here to listen back to all our past What’s Trending segments – and tune in to “This Morning” on 97.9 The Hill every weekday at 7:45 to hear What’s Trending live on the air. You can also listen to “This Morning with Aaron Keck” on Spotify. Click here to follow Aaron and listen to all his segments, from local news to fun features to hard-hitting interviews. What’s Trending is made possible by Dynamic Electric. Listen now: The post What’s Trending: SnotBot! appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

In today’s news: local musician Joseph Terrell goes viral with an anti-ICE protest song that took off on social media. Also: an anonymous threat briefly evacuates a terminal at RDU; a federal judge upholds North Carolina’s voter-ID law; Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools faces a lawsuit over a reported incident at FPG Elementary School; Orange County Schools seek input on a future new elementary school; and Chapel Hill allocates $3 million in leftover funds. And in sports: UNC baseball jumps seven spots in the national rankings as they prepare to host Campbell at 8 p.m. in Boshamer Stadium. 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. You can also listen to “This Morning with Aaron Keck” on Spotify. Click here to follow Aaron and listen to all his segments, from local news to fun features to hard-hitting interviews. Listen: The post The Morning News: ‘Genuine American Hero’ appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey presents the afternoon news. Included in this edition of the news, Henry Taylor reports from this past weekend’s No Kings Protests. We hear from a joint meeting between Orange County and Mebane, and more. In sports, UNC Women’s Basketball concludes their season, Caleb Wilson declares for the NBA draft, and more. 97.9 The Hill WCHL and Chapelboro.com are your headquarters for local news in Chapel Hill-Carrboro. Every weekday afternoon, 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey recaps the day’s news, from local government to business developments to UNC sports, and everything in-between. Hear compelling stories, breaking news, and more. Find all of Andrew’s Evening News Reports by clicking here. The post The Evening News – No Kings Protest, Mebane Growing, Caleb Wilson to NBA appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

97.9 The Hill and Chapelboro.com sports reporter Michael Koh joined 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey. He discussed the recent weekend in sports, with a focus on UNC athletics. He reviewed the UNC Women’s Basketball team’s season, discussed Caleb Wilson to the NBA Draft, talked Diamond Heels baseball, and more. He also recapped the weekend in UNC Lacrosse, talked opening day baseball, and more. On Air Today features interviews and conversations with the latest newsmakers in our community — including local elected leaders, educators, business owners, and anyone else with their finger on the pulse of the greater Chapel Hill community. The post On Air Today: 97.9 The Hill and Chapelboro.com Sports Reporter Michael Koh appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Trending today: Utah Valley University and the WAC conference fight over a couple million dollars as the school tries to leave the conference – which doesn’t impress Aaron at all. (Also: Aaron and Michael Koh do not understand basic economics.) Want to know what folks are talking about on social media? Every weekday on 97.9 The Hill’s “This Morning with Aaron Keck,” Victor Lewis scours the Internet for the day’s top trending stories, from weird news to wacky crimes to odd business ventures and everything in between. Click here to listen back to all our past What’s Trending segments – and tune in to “This Morning” on 97.9 The Hill every weekday at 7:45 to hear What’s Trending live on the air. You can also listen to “This Morning with Aaron Keck” on Spotify. Click here to follow Aaron and listen to all his segments, from local news to fun features to hard-hitting interviews. What’s Trending is made possible by Dynamic Electric. Listen now: The post What’s Trending: A Truly WAC-y story appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

In today’s news: thousands of local residents gather for a massive “No Kings” march and rally in Chapel Hill and Carrboro. Also: North Carolina officials issue a statewide ban on outdoor burning, with the risk of wildfires on the rise; Chapel Hill pulls out of X/Twitter and gets high marks on a national ranking; and Orange County officials talk affordable housing. And in sports: Courtney Banghart says she’s optimistic for the future after another Sweet Sixteen run for UNC women’s basketball; Caleb Wilson declares for the NBA Draft; Marcus Paige leaves Chapel Hill for Charlotte; a legendary Tar Heel coach passes away; and the search for a new UNC basketball coach puts a hold on discussions around a new UNC basketball arena. 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. You can also listen to “This Morning with Aaron Keck” on Spotify. Click here to follow Aaron and listen to all his segments, from local news to fun features to hard-hitting interviews. Listen: The post The Morning News: No Kings, No Outdoor Burning, No Twitter, and No More UNC Basketball appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

  Dr. James Crawford and Michael Roberto This Week: Born into a blue collar and agricultural clan in rural Pennsylvania, Dr. Jim Crawford was the first in his family to graduate from college. Earning his PhD from the University of North Carolina, he taught US and World History at several universities in the piedmont North Carolina for several decades. He served as chairman of the Chatham County board of commissioners. He is a firm believer in American democracy and trusts that the constitution will hold firm now as it has in past crises despite the broken, distempered electorate. Michael Joseph Roberto is a musician, historian, writer and retired NCA&T associate professor in contemporary world history. His first book, “The Coming of The American Behemoth: The Origins of Fascism in the United States, 1920-1940” was published in 2018. He is at work on a sequel about the increasing peril of American fascism since Donald Trump won the White House in 2016. Randy Voller Come on up to the porch to have a chat with Randy Voller — former mayor, real estate developer, musician, man-about-town and more — in a recurring conversation and slice-of-life program presented by VRC Limited. If you love great conversations and amazing anecdotes, then come on up and join us…On the Porch! The post On the Porch: Dr. Jim Crawford and Michael Roberto – American Fascism appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

This week, Dr. Deborah Stroman discusses UNC Men’s basketball in the NCAA Tournament and the five ACC Women’s Basketball teams who made the Sweet Sixteen. The post March 28, 2026 appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

97.9 The Hill’s Deborah Stroman and Brighton McConnell chat on Friday, Mar. 27 about both UNC basketball programs, as the women’s team prepares for its Sweet 16 matchup vs. No. 1 UConn and the men’s team’s ongoing head coaching search. Following the dismissal of Hubert Davis earlier in the week, it’s been an emotional week for Carolina fans. Stroman shares her perspective on why she wishes the next coach will still have some Carolina Family ties and shares a name not currently being broadly discussed as an option. Plus: Debby details what constitutes as a win for UNC women’s basketball, considering they are such underdogs to the Huskies, and what the coaches’ message ought to be to the young players. Dr. Deborah Stroman — who is a consulting professor for UNC and Virginia, sports businesswoman, former basketball player, and columnist — chats with 97.9 The Hill’s Brighton McConnell each week about headlines from the world of sports. Covering both local and national stories, Stroman specializes in connecting the on-field product to the impact of sports on business, culture and society. Listen to their past conversations on Chapelboro, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts. The post Previewing UNC Women’s Basketball vs. UConn and Discussing Men’s Basketball’s Coaching Vacancy – Stroman on Sports (Mar. 27, 2026) appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell guest-hosts for Andrew Stuckey on Friday, Mar. 27. The Chapel Hill community celebrates a groundbreaking for an affordable housing neighborhood that’s been long in the making. The UNC Board of Trustees holds its final meeting of the academic year and recognizing both outgoing and incoming university leaders. The community feedback on the redevelopment of several downtown Pittsboro properties gets shared with elected officials. Plus: UNC women’s basketball is set to face its toughest opponent yet in the NCAA Tournament and Diamond Heels baseball sees its Friday opener vs. Notre Dame postponed — which means it may ultimately be carried on 97.9 The Hill! 97.9 The Hill WCHL and Chapelboro.com are your headquarters for local news in Chapel Hill-Carrboro. Every weekday afternoon, 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey recaps the day’s news, from local government to business developments to UNC sports, and everything in-between. Hear compelling stories, breaking news, and more. Find all of Andrew’s Evening News Reports by clicking here. The post Homestead Gardens Groundbreaking, Trustee Meetings, and UNC vs. UConn — The Evening News (Mar. 27, 2026) appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Carrboro Mayor Barbara Foushee speaks with 97.9 The Hill’s Brighton McConnell on Friday, Mar. 27. Foushee discusses a pair of recent proclamations passed to highlight national and global issues: transgender rights and environmental sustainability. The mayor shares reflections on what Trans Day of Visibility means to her in 2026 and some of Carrboro’s climate action efforts that stand out to her most recently in honor of Earth Hour. Plus, Foushee shares details on a pair of other events coming up this weekend: local egg hunts and a Creek Week cleanup! Conversations With the Mayors is an ongoing series on “News on the Hill” where host Andrew Stuckey visits with the local government leaders who help shape our communities in Chapel Hill and the surrounding area. Each Tuesday he visits with Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell; Wednesdays feature a conversation with Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Jean Hamilton; Thursdays feature Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson, and Fridays include a conversation with Carrboro Mayor Barbara Foushee. You can listen to previous “Conversations With the Mayors” here. The post Carrboro: Trans Visibility Day, Small Ways to Recognize Climate Action and A Bikeway Cleanup (Mar. 27, 2026) appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Andrew Stuckey fills in for Aaron Keck reporting today’s news, including a recap of this week’s Board of Trustees meetings at UNC. Pittsboro gathers information from residents about how to further develop downtown; we learn of an arrest from a gunfire incident earlier this month in Chapel Hill, and more. In sports, the UNC Women’s Basketball team prepares to face top ranked UCONN in the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA tournament, and more. 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. You can also listen to “This Morning with Aaron Keck” on Spotify. Click here to follow Aaron and listen to all his segments, from local news to fun features to hard-hitting interviews. The post The Morning News: Sweet 16 Basketball, Board of Trustees Meeting, Downtown Pittsboro appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey presents the afternoon news. Included in this edition of the news, we hear the latest on the UNC Men’s Basketball coaching search, hearing from Athletic Director Bubba Cunningham on the process. We also hear from Inside Carolina’s Tommy Ashley on what many fans are looking for in a new coach. We also hear a story on the state Office of Violence Prevention, which recently had its five year anniversary. The UNC Board of Trustees have their final meeting of the academic year, and more. 97.9 The Hill WCHL and Chapelboro.com are your headquarters for local news in Chapel Hill-Carrboro. Every weekday afternoon, 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey recaps the day’s news, from local government to business developments to UNC sports, and everything in-between. Hear compelling stories, breaking news, and more. Find all of Andrew’s Evening News Reports by clicking here. The post The Evening News: Coaching Search, Office of Violence Prevention, Spring Football appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Comedian, actor, and Kids in the Hall member Kevin McDonald spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, March 26. He discussed upcoming shows and workshops this weekend with Black Sheep Comedy. He told stories of his time on Kids in The Hall, and previewed his Rock Opera, Kevin McDonald: Superstar, which will be performed on Saturday night, and more. On Air Today features interviews and conversations with the latest newsmakers in our community — including local elected leaders, educators, business owners, and anyone else with their finger on the pulse of the greater Chapel Hill community. The post On Air Today: Comedian and Kids in the Hall Member Kevin McDonald appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Inside Climate News reporter covering North Carolina Lisa Sorg spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, March 26, discussing some of her recent reporting. She discussed a recent rezoning approval in Stokes County that would allow a large data center to be constructed. The story includes details of multiple missteps, and a lawsuit filed against the county. She also discussed recent reporting on pollution in Third Fork Creek in Durham, and more. Each Thursday “News on the Hill” centers conversations around climate and sustainability for our Climate Thursday segment. We visit with community leaders, policy makers, and experts in the fields of climate science and sustainability in order to put all of the latest climate news into local context. Find past Climate Thursday conversations here. The post Climate Thursday: Inside Climate News Reporter Lisa Sorg appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, March 26, discussing town news and events. She recapped the most recent meeting of the town council, which included an update on the town’s leaf collection and the acquisition of a new leaf vacuum truck. Jess was joined by Mayor’s Office Intern Camilla Maldanado, who shared some of her experiences interning with the town, and more. Conversations With the Mayors is an ongoing series on “News on the Hill” where host Andrew Stuckey visits with the local government leaders who help shape our communities in Chapel Hill and the surrounding area. Each Tuesday he visits with Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell; Wednesdays feature a conversation with Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Jean Hamilton; Thursdays feature Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson, and Fridays include a conversation with Carrboro Mayor Barbara Foushee. You can listen to previous “Conversations With the Mayors” here. The post Chapel Hill: Council Meeting Recap, Leaf Collection Update, Mayor’s Office Intern appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Inside Carolina’s Tommy Ashley spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, March 25, discussing the latest on the UNC Basketball coaching search. He talked about what the last week has been like, how the result against VCU made the decision seam inevitable, and what comes next. He discussed the candidate names that are coming up most frequently. He even highlighted some of the qualities he would want in an ideal candidate, and more. On Air Today features interviews and conversations with the latest newsmakers in our community — including local elected leaders, educators, business owners, and anyone else with their finger on the pulse of the greater Chapel Hill community The post On Air Today: Inside Carolina’s Tommy Ashley on the UNC Basketball Coaching Search appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

This week on Live & Local, Aaron welcomed not one but four celebrated jazz vocalists to the studio, to discuss a new project that brings their individual voices together as one. It’s called “The Sistering” – featuring Lois Deloatch, Nnenna Freelon, Lenora Zenzalai Helm, and Kate McGarry. All four have built acclaimed careers stretching over multiple decades – they have nearly a dozen Grammy nominations between them, among many other things – and they’ve become close friends along the way. And now, with all four living in the Triangle, they’ve joined forces for a new endeavor. “Our lives have been so intertwined, we were circling in the same worlds for decades, really,” McGarry says. “So (now) that we all share a zip code, (we said) ‘why don’t we do something with this?’ We’re all from these similar worlds, but each one having our own life experiences as composers and performers and educators.” Visit SisteringProject.com. The word “sistering” refers in part to the sisterly bond the four women share, but the meaning goes even deeper: “sistering” is also a term in construction, referring to the joining of one structural piece to another to provide support. Among humans, then, a “sistering” is also an act of solidarity, of two people lifting and holding each other up. For these four women, “sister” is a verb as well as a noun – not just a relationship, but an act. “We’re family,” says Deloatch. “We are family in the sense that we have a deep and abiding friendship – (and) we all come out of very close knit families. So I think that has in many ways taught us to navigate (our) differences as well.” “It’s still an experiment,” Freelon adds. “A happy experiment. We didn’t know at the beginning that this would work. And we’re not a group: we are a collective. Four individual voices, four very different voices. To collaborate is to co-labor. It’s not one leader. So there’s a little creative friction there, as you can imagine, each of us being leaders, But we work it out because we love each other.” And “The Sistering” is not only a showcase for their powerful vocal abilities: it’s also a showcase for their voices as writers. With only one exception (a cover of the standard “It Had To Be You”), the songs on “The Sistering” are all originals, with Deloatch, Freelon, Helm and McGarry each contributing two songs individually and collaborating on the tracks “River Song” and “Origins.” “That’s what I love at this time in my career: having traversed education, performance, recording and mentoring the next generation of artists, (now) being able to find a home base with these amazing women and finding a new direction to go,” Helm says. “(Even) at this point in my career, I (can) go, ‘Wow, there are new places to go and create.’ And I found them with Kate and Nnenna and Lois.” Lois Deloatch, Nnenna Freelon, Lenora Zenzalai Helm and Kate McGarry stopped by Live & Local to discuss “The Sistering” and play three tracks: “River Song,” “It Had To Be You,” and “Combat Boots and Glass Slippers.” Listen: The post ‘A Happy Experiment’: Live and Local with The Sistering! appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Inside Carolina show host Joey Powell joins 97.9 The Hill’s Aaron Johnson on Wednesday, Mar. 25, to discuss the news of UNC dismissing men’s basketball head coach Hubert Davis after five seasons in charge. Powell shares the local reporting on what led Carolina Athletics to make the move and his perspective on why this move was not entirely reactionary to the Tar Heels’ first round exit in the NCAA Tournament. Then, the pair discuss what comes next and Powell shares why Carolina fans should not expect a quick announcement to be made about Davis’ successor. 97.9 The Hill WCHL and Chapelboro.com are your headquarters for local news and local voices in Chapel Hill-Carrboro. Every weekday morning, 97.9 The Hill’s Aaron Keck chats with government officials, UNC scholars, business and nonprofit leaders, area musicians, and others in our community as they share their thoughts, their experience, and their expertise on the central issues of today. Click here to listen back to all of Aaron’s conversations – and tune in to “This Morning with Aaron Keck” at 7:30 a.m. on 97.9 The Hill to hear those conversations live. You can also listen to “This Morning with Aaron Keck” on Spotify. Click here to follow Aaron and listen to all his segments, from local news to fun features to hard-hitting interviews. The post Hubert Davis’ Time Leading UNC Men’s Basketball is Over. Why, And What Now? — On Air Today (Mar. 25, 2026) appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

(featured image via Town of Chapel Hill) This month on “Wonderful Water,” join 97.9 The Hill’s Brighton McConnell for a conversation with Amanda Hill, operations supervisor at OWASA’s Mason Farm Road wastewater treatment plant, as they discuss how OWASA continues to serve the community and what the data gathered for and displayed in the 2025 OWASA Wastewater Report Card shows about our infrastructure, habits, and paths toward a sustainable and effective future. According to OWASA, roughly 7.5 million gallons of wastewater are treated per day — and three billion gallons of that is at the Mason Farm wastewater treatment plant. OWASA’s use and maintenance of hundreds of miles of wastewater pipes under and across the community. Some water is diverted to UNC to be used as reclaimed water for irrigation, toilet flushing, and running large chillers that air condition buildings. Treated wastewater is discharged into Morgan Creek, which eventually makes its way to Jordan Lake, and all these pipes and pathways keep our community growing and water flowing. In calendar year 2025, OWASA met or surpassed all state and federal regulations regarding wastewater treatment. Click here to see the annual Wastewater Report Card for 2025, and details on the past year’s worth of water treatment. You can listen to the full conversation below, and visit the Wonderful Water page here for more interviews and stories about the work OWASA does in our community. Chapel Hill and Carrboro residents use roughly 7 million gallons of water a day, and “Wonderful Water” is a monthly conversation sponsored by the Orange Water and Sewer Authority highlighting its work to keep our community growing and water flowing. Presented by the Orange Water and Sewer Authority The post Wonderful Water: Annual Wastewater Report Card Check-In appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Brendan Macie stopped by Live and Local this week, following the release of his new EP “Still Walkin.” Follow Brendan Macie on Instagram. Brendan Macie has been a staple of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro music scene for over a decade – largely in the field of folk and bluegrass, most recently with his partner Jodi Jones in the Sugaree String Society. But with “Still Walkin,” he expands into new territory. “Folks know me as a banjo player, but I was raised on alt-rock,” he says. “That’s also part of the voice that I’ve always been trying to find an outlet for. And having found Jodi, and being able to find that earnest voice that I enjoyed in the banjo so much, it gives me the space to move around the cabin more.” The result: a collection of six stellar (and banjo-free) tracks, with a sound that hearkens back to the post-grunge 90s, and sometimes even further back to alternative legends like the dB’s. Backing Macie is a powerhouse band that features guitarist Chris Bullock, bassist Ruffin McCoy, keyboardist Gabe Reynolds, and drummer Rob DiMauro – all four themselves major figures in the area’s music scene. “I was writing these songs around (the time) when the Station was doing (open mics), and they were the cats that I was hanging out with,” Macie says. “It really only felt appropriate to bring that old crew back to assemble it and let it live in its biggest glory.” Listen to “Still Walkin” and purchase it on Bandcamp. And while “Still Walkin” pursues a different sound, Macie’s not leaving bluegrass anytime soon: the Sugaree String Society is about to head on tour next month, and they’re putting the finishing touches on their own album – with an assist from Watchhouse’s Andrew Marlin. Brendan Macie stopped by Live & Local to discuss “Still Walkin” and play two songs: “Where Can I Go” and “For The Fool.” Listen: The post ‘Still Walkin’: Live and Local with Brendan Macie appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

  As the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools communities prepare for spring break, local high schoolers are planning for a special annual event: Project Graduation! The night-long party returns on June 13 for its 34th year with a candy-land theme to celebrate the graduating seniors and allow people to safely have fun. East Chapel Hill High’s Ellie Zerden, Carrboro High’s Aylin McGowan, and Chapel Hill High’s Natalie Fitzhugh are Project Graduation’s student co-chairs. The trio join 97.9 The Hill’s Brighton McConnell to share details about this year’s event, the history of Project Graduation, how they got involved and how community members can help support the planning board. Visit the Project Graduation website to learn about donations, volunteer options, ticketing and more! From left to right: Ellie Zerden, Aylin McGowan and Natalie Fitzhugh of Project Graduation join 97.9 The Hill’s Brighton McConnell in studio. (Photo by the Chapel Hill Media Group.) Presented by Project Graduation. On Air Today features interviews and conversations with the latest newsmakers in our community — including local elected leaders, educators, business owners, and anyone else with their finger on the pulse of the greater Chapel Hill community Listen: The post Preparation for Project Graduation 2026 is Underway! — On Air Today (Mar. 24, 2026) appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell substitutes for Andrew Stuckey and shares local news stories on Tuesday, Mar. 24. UNC announces its vice provost for artificial intelligence is departing campus after just two years, leaving the university looking for someone to fill an increasingly-important role to the administration. Chatham County and Orange County Schools’ elected officials hold specially called meetings postponed by last week’s storm. CHCCS is continuing to hear from stakeholders on the potential closure of elementary schools, and the district warns how any decision will not impact the upcoming fiscal year. Plus: a pair of Orange County community members earn a special statewide honor, UNC women’s basketball plans a send-off party for the Sweet 16, and Carolina gymnastics learn their opponents for NCAA Regionals next week. 97.9 The Hill WCHL and Chapelboro.com are your headquarters for local news in Chapel Hill-Carrboro. Every weekday afternoon, 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey recaps the day’s news, from local government to business developments to UNC sports, and everything in-between. Hear compelling stories, breaking news, and more. Find all of Andrew’s Evening News Reports by clicking here. The post UNC’s AI Leader Leaves; Uncertain Budget Season Approaches for CHCCS — The Evening News (Mar. 24, 2026) appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Town of Pittsboro Communications Director Caitlin Murphy chats with 97.9 The Hill’s Brighton McConnell on Tuesday, Mar. 24. Murphy brings exciting news about a recent award given to Pittsboro during the recent Main Street Conference held in New Bern, N.C., as well as general updates on the Pittsboro Downtown Properties redevelopment project that is on the agenda for Chatham County Commissioners’ Tuesday meeting. She also details how Pittsboro residents can weigh in on the town board’s upcoming budget discussions and planning efforts while recapping recent tree-plantings around town for Arbor Day. 97.9 The Hill’s broadcast of the Chatham County Roundup is sponsored by Chatham County’s own Rocky River Hemp, your local source for regeneratively grown hemp CBD and THC products like oils, salves, gummies, seltzers, facial serums and dog treats. Each week, News on The Hill engages in conversation with Chatham County leaders for the Chatham County Roundup. You can find previous conversations with Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp, Chatham County Commissioner Karen Howard, and other county leaders by clicking here. The post Pocket Park Award Recognition, Downtown Redevelopment and Arbor Day — Chatham County Roundup (Mar. 24, 2026) appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell speaks with 97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell on Tuesday, Mar 24. He shares highlights from Monday’s work session of the town Board of Commissioners — including a celebration of the town’s two decades of dedicated stormwater work and preparation for a local business’ participation in a global beer party. Plus, Bell details a settlement that could close the blook on an unusual development project and lawsuit between a builder and the town government. Finally, the mayor previews upcoming events, like Creek Week and Hillsborough’s annual dog Easter egg hunt! Conversations With the Mayors is an ongoing series on “News on the Hill” where host Andrew Stuckey visits with the local government leaders who help shape our communities in Chapel Hill and the surrounding area. Each Tuesday he visits with Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell; Wednesdays feature a conversation with Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Jean Hamilton; Thursdays feature Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson, and Fridays include a conversation with Carrboro Mayor Barbara Foushee. You can listen to previous “Conversations With the Mayors” here. The post Hillsborough: Stormwater Success, An Unusual Legal Settlement and Zwanze Day (Mar. 24, 2026) appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

President and Principal of Beechwood Homes Steven Dubb spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Monday, March 23. He discussed Beechwood Homes South Creek development off 15-501 South across from Southern Village. He discussed the process of coming to an agreement with the town on the development, the inclusion of an 80-acre public nature preserve on the site, timelines for when more of the development will be ready, and more. Presented by Beechwood Homes. On Air Today features interviews and conversations with the latest newsmakers in our community — including local elected leaders, educators, business owners, and anyone else with their finger on the pulse of the greater Chapel Hill community Listen: The post On Air Today: A South Creek Update from Beechwood Homes President and Principal Steven Dubb appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Demonstrations against the Trump administration have been ongoing and building for over a year, and there’s a very big one scheduled for Saturday, March 28: it’s the third round of the nationwide protest called “No Kings.” There are many protests scheduled around the Triangle, including one in Chapel Hill-Carrboro that’s being organized by Indivisible Orange County: attendees will gather at the 140 West Plaza at 3:45 p.m. and march to Carrboro Town Commons for a rally beginning at 5:00. Organizers say they’re expecting at least 5,000 at the rally. Click here to get more information about Saturday’s rally and sign up in advance. Aaron chats with Trisha Lester, the founder of Indivisible Orange County. 97.9 The Hill WCHL and Chapelboro.com are your headquarters for local news and local voices in Chapel Hill-Carrboro. Every weekday morning, 97.9 The Hill’s Aaron Keck chats with government officials, UNC scholars, business and nonprofit leaders, area musicians, and others in our community as they share their thoughts, their experience, and their expertise on the central issues of today. Click here to listen back to all of Aaron’s conversations – and tune in to “This Morning with Aaron Keck” at 7:30 a.m. on 97.9 The Hill to hear those conversations live. You can also listen to “This Morning with Aaron Keck” on Spotify. Click here to follow Aaron and listen to all his segments, from local news to fun features to hard-hitting interviews. Listen: The post On Air Today: ‘No Kings’ March 28 in Chapel Hill-Carrboro appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Local musician Joseph Terrell stopped by Live & Local this week, following the release – and the viral popularity – of his latest single, “Genuine American Hero (Talking Blowback Blues).” Follow Joseph Terrell on Instagram. “Genuine American Hero” is a classic folk protest song, in the vein of Woody Guthrie or Phil Ochs or Country Joe McDonald – using a jaunty melody and ironic, darkly humorous lyrics (“what’s good for the goose is good for the propagander”) to shine a spotlight on a great injustice and a disturbing moment in our history. In this case, Terrell found himself compelled to write after watching footage of the killing of Renee Good by a federal immigration agent, earlier this year in Minneapolis. Infamously, the officer casually referred to Good as a “f—ing bitch” immediately after shooting her through the window of her vehicle – a moment that Terrell calls out verbatim in his first verse. “Hearing the words that the officer said…the way that he described her, with a vulgar epithet – which I do sing, because it’s what I heard and it shocked me – it made me think right there in that moment, (that) that attitude is at the core of a lot of the things that our administration is doing,” he says. “There’s a real hatred against women that’s seething underneath a lot of these decisions.” Joseph Terrell sings “Genuine American Hero.” With its harsh denunciation of not only that one officer but also the rise of the surveillance state, the silencing of dissenting voices, and the far right’s willingness to cheer it all on, “Genuine American Hero” struck a chord (and a nerve) almost immediately after Terrell released it, with hundreds of thousands of plays – and quite a few strong reactions. “I got some real nasty (comments),” he laughs. “(But) there was a lot of genuine appreciation, and folks who said, ‘I lived through the civil rights movement, and I’ve been waiting for a chance to feel like music is here with us again.’” “Genuine American Hero” is the third explicitly political song Terrell has recorded since the start of the Trump administration. Last year, he also released “Deny Depose Defend,” a song about Luigi Mangione written in the style of an Appalachian murder ballad, and the anti-capitalist folk song “Every Dollar,” which was inspired by his auto mechanic Chris. “I like to imagine a more perfect world where I wouldn’t be writing songs about the news of the day,” Terrell says. “But the truth is, I write songs about whatever I’m thinking about…(so) on an average day, I might write a song about my dog, or Antarctica, or whatever story I happen to come up with, and on other days, when I’m really kind of distressed about the state of the world, that’s what comes out… “(And) you ask, who do I write these for? (Every Dollar) was a great example for me: like, Chris liked this tune, and I felt like that was all I needed. He just loves it. I mean, he’s a great fan of country music, which is part of how we got to be buddies. And he just was like, ‘man, I’ve been playing this while I work on stuff. I’ve been playing this at home.’” Listen to Joseph Terrell’s music and purchase it on Bandcamp. Terrell’s also been busy with life beyond writing new music: he’s getting married later this year, and in the spring he’s heading out on a nine-show West Coast tour, opening for I’m With Her along with his friend Jordan Tice. And he’s also still enjoying the success of his latest tour with his band Mipso, which recently went on hiatus after a wildly successful run that lasted well over a decade. “It was really fun and meaningful, exactly what we had hoped it would be,” he says of that tour. “We called it our ‘Farewell For Now’ tour, and that was the spirit of it: we’d been doing this full-time for 13 years, and it’s an all-consuming type of activity, traveling more or less full-time with four people in a van and making big creative projects together. And we all felt like it would be healthy for us to take some time away from it. And being able to announce that, and let folks come and celebrate with us – it just felt as good as I could have hoped for.” Joseph Terrell stopped by Live & Local this week and played three songs: “Genuine American Hero (Talking Blowback Blues),” “Every Dollar,” and a new, still-unreleased song, “The Apple Song.” Listen: The post ‘Genuine American Hero’: Live and Local with Joseph Terrell! appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell substitutes on the show and shares the latest local news on Monday, Mar. 23. Tar Heel fans across the country are awaiting to see what will happen around the UNC men’s basketball program, as the team’s collapse in the NCAA Tournament leaves Hubert Davis’ position shakier than ever before. Sports reporter Michael Koh reflects on how the loss to VCU is indicative of not just Carolina’s season, but on-court results under Davis’ tenure. Meanwhile, UNC women’s basketball reels off two tournament wins to reach the Sweet 16 and a likely date with No. 1 seed UConn. Also: a project to bring recreational athletic fields to Orange County advances, a Chapel Hill resident wins a $1 million lottery prize, and a UNC fencer makes history by winning the national title. 97.9 The Hill WCHL and Chapelboro.com are your headquarters for local news in Chapel Hill-Carrboro. Every weekday afternoon, 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey recaps the day’s news, from local government to business developments to UNC sports, and everything in-between. Hear compelling stories, breaking news, and more. Find all of Andrew’s Evening News Reports by clicking here. The post UNC Basketball Highs + Lows, Millhouse Road Rec Fields and A Fencing Title — The Evening News (Mar. 23, 2026) appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Chief Communications Officer Andy Jenks joins 97.9 The Hill’s Brighton McConnell on Monday, Mar. 23. Despite no new updates since establishing the district’s scope of study on a trio of elementary schools that could be closed soon, the topic continues to drum up passion among the CHCCS community. Jenks shares his perspective on that, how the district is hearing from stakeholders, and how the study on the schools — Ephesus Elementary, Glenwood Elementary and Seawell Elementary — aim to keep the process objective. He also shares how any potential closure will impact future budget seasons, but not the upcoming one…which will instead by complicated by the lack of a state budget. Plus: spring break awaits CHCCS students and staff! Speaking of Schools is our regular check-in with the public K-12 school districts in our community. You can find conversations with leaders from Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, Orange County Schools, and Chatham County Schools by clicking here. The post CHCCS’ Ongoing Review of Elementary Schools Ahead of Closure Discussions — Speaking of Schools (Mar. 23, 2026) appeared first on Chapelboro.com.