News On The Hill with Andrew Stuckey (97.9 The Hill)

Chatham County Commissioner and Former Sheriff Mike Roberson spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, July 29. He discussed his decades long service in law enforcement prior to his retirement earlier this month. He also discussed his new role on the Chatham County Board of Commissioners, including what motivated him to pursue the role of commissioner, and more.

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 Chatham County Roundup: New County Commissioner Mike Roberson appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Jean Hamilton spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, July 29, discussing county news and events. She talked about the appointment of Rani Dasi to the board of commissioners, the strengths Dasi brings to the role, and her take on the process of naming a replacement. She also went through a few items from the consent agenda at Tuesday’s board meeting, discussed the reopening of the Eno Art Mill, and more.

Board Chair Jean Hamilton (Photo via Hamilton for Orange County.)

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 Orange County: Welcoming Rani Dasi, Consent Agenda Items, Eno Arts Mill appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Rocky River Hemp owner Sam Brownfield spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, July 28. He discussed in detail NC House Bill 328, titled the “Regulate Hemp-Derived Consumables” bill, and what that would mean to local hemp businesses in the state.

Sam Brownfield and Andrew Stuckey

Presented by Rocky River Hemp.

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.

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The post On Air Today: Sam Brownfield of Rocky River Hemp on NC House Bill 328 appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, July 28, discussing town news and events. He talked about the town’s hiring of a new planning director, and the responsibilities and expectations of that role. He also discussed some recent developments at town parks, the latest on the new Town Hall, the upcoming round of PBO 101, and more.

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 Chatham County Roundup: Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp on New Planning Director, Parks Update, More appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, July 28, discussing town news and events. He discussed the recently adopted state budget and some of the implications for Hillsborough that town staff have found in the budget. He also discussed raises for some community members contained in the budget, and more. He also previewed this weekend’s Last Fridays Art Walk, and other upcoming events the town is planning through the end of the year.

Mayor Mark Bell of Hillsborough

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: State Budget, Last Fridays Art Walk, Upcoming Events appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Inside Carolina podcast host Tommy Ashley joins 97.9 The Hill’s news director Brighton McConnell on Monday, July 27. With the news of UNC football general manager Michael Lombardi being put on paid administrative leave, the national attention missing from the program returns with negativity. Ashley shares his thoughts on what it spells for Carolina’s offseason, whether the on-field product could be impacted, how Lombardi’s leave could affect transparency around the program, and more. He also shares insight into Inside Carolina’s reporting in the run-up to the college football season, including which position group he believes could define the Tar Heels’ season.

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. Here past interviews on-demand on Chapelboro, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts.

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The post Inside Carolina’s Tommy Ashley on Michael Lombardi and 2026 UNC Football – On Air Today (July 27, 2026) appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell fills in for Andrew Stuckey and shares the latest local news on Monday, July 27. UNC Football’s general manager Michael Lombardi is on administrative leave as the university examines a complaint filed by a former staff member, according to reports. Mike Roberson takes part in his first meetings as a Chatham County commissioner, following his swearing-in ceremony last week. The president of the North Carolina Association of Educators says despite increased pay for teachers just starting their careers, the state budget falls short of increasing pay for the groups where attrition is highest. Plus: Orange County’s Arts’ Eno Arts Mill prepares to reopen and thank the community for its support, and UNC field hockey shares its schedule for the 2026 season.

97.9 The Hill WCHL and Chapelboro.com are your headquarters for local news in the greater Chapel Hill and Carrboro community. 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.

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The post Lombardi on Administrative Leave; NC Teacher Raises Don’t Reflect ‘Their Worth’ – The Evening News (July 27, 2026) appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Glenwood Elementary School parents Yehua Wei, Kayan Cheung-Miaw and Alex Jackson speak with 97.9 The Hill’s Brighton McConnell on Monday, July 27. As the school prepares for closure in the fall of 2027, the decision of where Glenwood students will go is still undetermined. The CHCCS district is weighing two options: keep Glenwood’s Mandarin program together at one campus or split the program’s two learning pathways across two schools. Wei, Cheung-Miaw and Jackson share their concerns and frustrations with the process of deciding so far, how redistricting plays a factor, and why the STEAM² program and Glenwood Elementary is so special to their families.

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. Here past interviews on-demand on Chapelboro, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts.

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The post Glenwood Elementary School Parents on Their Concerns, the District’s Presentation and Local Reaction to Closure – On Air Today (July 27, 2026) appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chapel Hill Police Lt. Jason Belcher and the department’s public information officer Kanen Lawson join 97.9 The Hill’s Brighton McConnell on Monday, July 27. The annual National Night Out is coming up on Tuesday, August 4, with Chapel Hill Police hosting their celebration at the Hargraves Community Center from 6 to 8 p.m. The free event is an opportunity for community members to connect more with police officers in a fun environment, with food, games and entertainment available. Belcher shares his experience with National Night Out, sustained community outreach with the department and more, while Lawson shares what folks ought to know before the August 4 celebration.

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. Here past interviews on-demand on Chapelboro, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts.

Listen:

The post Chapel Hill Police Prepare for National Night Out – On Air Today (July 27, 2026) appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

97.9 The Hill’s Deborah Stroman and Brighton McConnell react to the giant NBA news from Friday, July 24: LeBron James is signing with the Philadelphia 76ers. As a native Philadelphian, Stroman shares her thoughts on what James’ choice means for the city, its economy and the team’s roster itself. And with the WNBA reaching its All-Star break, Stroman and McConnell discuss how the 30th season of the league has been co-opted by negative off-court issues, ranging from harassment of players, congressional Republicans’ defense of Caitlin Clark, and reported issues continuing between players and Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.

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.

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The post Reactions to LeBron Joining the Sixers and the First Half of the WNBA Season – Stroman On Sports (July 24, 2026) appeared first on Chapelboro.com.