This Morning with Aaron Keck (97.9 The Hill)

This week, Scott and Aaron remember Carrboro music legend Elizabeth “Libba” Cotten – who might have lived and died in obscurity, were it not for one chance meeting with a famous family. Also: Fannie Farmer revolutionizes cooking by publishing a cookbook with standardized measurements; FDR delivers his famed “Four Freedoms” speech; and Teddy Roosevelt preserves the Grand Canyon for posterity.

97.9 The Hill WCHL and Chapelboro.com are your headquarters for local news and local voices in Chapel Hill-Carrboro. Every Thursday morning, local historian Scott Washington joins 97.9 The Hill’s Aaron Keck for “History Matters,” a look back at notable events a...

Trending today: a survey finding that fewer than half of Americans have read a single book in the last 12 months. (It’s even more dire for teenagers: just 14 percent read for pleasure last year, down from 27 percent two decades ago.) Avid reader Michael Koh fills in for Victor, while Aaron describes his two-year project of walking through the Davis Library stacks on campus – and describes the nerdiest book he’s read all year. (There’s a lot of competition.)

Want to know what folks are talking about on social media? Every weekday on 97.9 The Hill’s “This Mo...

The Mebane City Council recently approved a new 20-year comprehensive plan, “Mebane 2045,” to govern development for the next two decades. Mebane development director Ashley Ownbey joins Aaron and Kelly to discuss some of the details – including a focus on density to promote growth without sprawl, plus a higher concern for walkability and expanded green space. Kelly also shares details about upcoming events in town, including the Downtown Mebane Eggstravaganza, which takes place March 28.

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...

In today’s news: members of the UNC community rally to protest the planned closure of six global area studies centers. Also: a Durham man faces 29 charges in connection with a string of Hillsborough break-ins from November; Chatham and Durham elected officials convene to discuss budget plans and development rules; Carrboro gets a national honor for its budget document; a federal court blocks Trump-administration plans to rescind medical research grants (including $1.2 billion just in the Triangle); and UNC professors react to big shifts in federal policy. And in sports: big individual honors for multiple Tar Heels, including basketball star Ca...

Trending today: a man manages to board a flight at London’s Heathrow Airport without a ticket or a passport. Victor and Michael are incredulous as to how that could possibly happen, but Aaron kinda gets it. (Also, we learn why the TSA security rules seem to be slightly different every single time, and Victor’s impressions all turn into Jimmy Stewart.)

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, fro...

In today’s news: it’s FDOC at UNC, and students, professors, and administrators are struggling to navigate the new world of AI. Also: Carrboro’s Grata Diner closes its doors after four years; State Supreme Court justice Anita Earls reveals a recent breast cancer diagnosis; Chatham County Commissioners continue a three-day budget retreat; the Chapel Hill Town Council considers amendments to its Land Use Management Ordinance (LUMO); and Orange County Schools celebrate positive data about student growth in the 2024-25 academic year. And in sports: we have the latest on the transfer portal for UNC football, plus comments from C...

Trending today: Victor, Aaron, and Michael discuss the Xbox Bowl, featuring an appearance by Master Chief (but not much else). Also, Victor geeks out over Boeing planes, and Aaron becomes the auditory crossing guard.

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...

In today’s news: the nonprofit Extraordinary Ventures announces it’s taking over the CommunityWorx thrift shop in Carrboro. Also: the Carrboro Town Council meets to discuss climate change mitigation, with the town falling short of a major goal; Chatham County Commissioners begin a three-day budget retreat; and local leaders discuss the widespread (negative) impact of federal immigration enforcement actions in the Triangle. And in sports: UNC quarterback Gio Lopez reportedly plans to transfer; Carolina basketball drops in the rankings after upset losses over the weekend; UNC men’s and women’s lacrosse get high preseason rankings; and Tar Heel leg...

Trending today: Michael Koh joins Victor and Aaron to discuss a survey finding 17 percent of parents think their kids might be professional or Olympic athletes someday. (Victor scoffs, but Aaron gets it.) Also, Aaron is afraid of pole vaulting.

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...

In today’s news: UNC and Duke Hospitals impose seasonal visitor restrictions, and a Florida man is arrested for a Christmas Eve burglary in Briar Chapel. Also: local government boards begin returning to session after winter break; local poets discuss the importance of the arts; and state attorney general Jeff Jackson sues the Trump administration over canceled education funds. In sports, UNC men’s and women’s basketball suffer upset losses over the weekend; and the transfer portal opens in college football, with a former Wisconsin QB heading to Chapel Hill. Finally, we recap all the big business news in our...

Trending today: an unnatural battle between wolves, deer, sea otters, and polluting humans on the ironically-named Pleasant Island in Alaska. (Also, Aaron is impressed by sea otters for the first time ever, and Victor tries to ruin your day.)

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...

In today’s news: Orange County reports a positive rabies test in Hurdle Mills, and UNC women’s basketball gets a big win at Boston College. Also: U.S. House Rep. Valerie Foushee weighs in on the impact of federal research funding cuts; Planet Fitness moves out of University Place mall; a state auditor’s report dings the North Carolina Education Lottery for being too much lottery and not enough education; and the Tar Heel men’s basketball team gears up for their ACC opener against Florida State. Also: a UNC Media Hub report on how chronic burnout is affectin...

Trending today: a survey finding that almost half of American adults use their smartphones in bed, even though we all know that’s not great for sleep. (Also, Victor doles out advice to all the women he’s ever met – plus one guy.)

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...

Aaron welcomes Dr. Ryan Schulteis of Carolina Longevity, a new clinic on Governors Drive with an innovative approach to long-term health and wellness.

Conversation presented by Carolina Longevity. Visit CarolinaLongevity.com to learn more.

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. Cli...

In today’s news: a Chapel Hill home catches fire twice over Christmas weekend, and CommunityWorx is ending operations at its decades-old thrift shop. (The store itself will stay open, though, run by a different nonprofit.) Also: Carrboro chooses a new poet laureate; UNC women’s basketball preps for Boston College; and we look back at some of the top local stories of 2025, including an eventful year in UNC sports and a major national honor for the town of Carrboro.

Finally, a sad note: famed folk artist Clyde Jones of Bynum passed away last week at the age...

2025 was a tumultuous year to say the least, and a lot of that tumult came from Washington – and 2026 is likely to be no different, with a midterm election in November. Coming off a challenging  year, U.S. House Rep. Valerie Foushee (D-Chapel Hill) is running for reelection; she’ll face Durham County Commissioner Nida Allam in the March 3 Democratic primary.

Rep. Foushee joined Aaron Keck in 97.9 The Hill studios to share her thoughts about the past year in national government – and to look ahead to 2026, including not only that election campaign but also what’s likely to transpire...

Trending today: a study of movies finds a recent drop in lighting contrast, particularly in science fiction – primarily because lower-contrast shots are easier to touch up with CGI in post-production. (Also, Victor champions one of his favorite cultural investigative journalists.)

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 Wh...

In today’s news: Chapel Hill police search for a missing teen, and UNC football is (reportedly) set to hire Bobby Petrino as offensive coordinator. Also: Orange County Transit goes fare-free for a year, and we continue looking back at some of the top local stories of 2025 – including the ongoing impacts of federal funding cuts. And in sports, UNC men’s basketball wraps up its non-conference slate with a big win over ECU – including a late three-pointer from Elijah Davis, coach Hubert Davis’ son, for his first points as a Tar Heel.

97.9 The Hill WCHL and Chapelboro.com are yo...

Trending today is a massive tax break that Meta just got from the state of Louisiana to build a giant data center – but while Victor is upset about that, he and Aaron also take the time to discuss the increasingly dystopian names that tech companies are creating for themselves. (“Palantir,” seriously? Like, you all know what a palantir is, right?) Also, Aaron yet again calls for a revolution.

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’...

In today’s news: our “Top Stories of 2025” series begins with a look back at the damage caused by Tropical Depression Chantal. Also: the filing period ends for candidates running for office in 2026, with some high-profile Democratic primary races in store for Orange County; and Chapel Hill reopens the Homestead Skate Park after months of renovations. And in sports: Seth Trimble returns to the court to help UNC men’s basketball beat Ohio State; Tar Heel women’s basketball wraps up its non-conference slate with an easy win; Carolina wrestling suffers its first loss but also gets a road win over a...

David Grier “D.G.” Martin, Jr. held many titles across his 85 years on Earth: author, lawyer, university administrator, veteran, book reviewer, show host, political candidate, lifelong learner, father and husband. No matter his role, his gregarious personality, kindness and passion for North Carolina impacted thousands of people he met across his life.

Martin died on Dec. 9, 2025 in his Chapel Hill home. The news sprung an outpouring of support and memories about him — including here at the Chapel Hill Media Group. As the longtime host of “Who’s Talking with D.G. Martin,” Martin hosted dozens of guests at the radio...

Ultra-processed foods are becoming more and more prevalent, in our grocery stores and around the world – and as we learn more about their long-term health effects, experts are growing increasingly concerned. (What are “ultra-processed foods”? In a nutshell: anything that contains an ingredient you’re not going to find at any grocery store.) The medical journal The Lancet recently published a series of three papers about the health impacts of ultra-processed foods – and what ought to be done about it from a policy angle.

Click here to read summaries of all three papers.

One of those pape...

This week, Scott and Aaron remember the 234th anniversary of the 1791 ratification of the Bill of Rights – which Scott celebrates each year with a bell-ringing ceremony in Hillsborough. Also: the Constitution is amended to ban slavery; the Boston Tea Party helps launch the American Revolution; the Wright brothers take flight; “Gone With The Wind” and “It’s A Wonderful Life” arrive in theaters; “The Simpsons” makes its TV debut; George Washington camps with his troops at Valley Forge – and a notable boat carrying migrant refugees arrives on American soil.

97.9 The Hill WCHL and Chapelboro.com are your headquarters for l...

Trending today: an investigative report that finds it’s incredibly easy and cheap to secure a real phone number for scamming purposes. (It costs about 5 bucks in Japan, and that’s way, way more than most other countries.) Also: Victor wonders why the best journalism always seems to hit at the end of the year, and Aaron gets his first-ever scam call.

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, fro...

Aaron welcomes local musician Tre. Charles, who’s organizing a new music/poetry series at Epilogue Books in downtown Chapel Hill. It’s called “The People Gallery,” and the next installment is Thursday, December 18, at 6:30 p.m.

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. Cli...

In today’s news: health experts urge residents to take precautions at the start of flu season, and UNC women’s basketball gets a big win. Also: a confirmed measles exposure at RDU airport; a bevy of newly filed candidates for next year’s election; six area studies centers slated for elimination at UNC; federal recognition (at long last) for North Carolina’s Lumbee tribe; a local bar’s charity-focused response to a Charlotte brewery’s scandal; and a big honor for a local hero. And in sports: Tar Heel basketball fans respond to the shifting landscape of college sports, and...

Trending today: filling in for Victor, Henry Taylor discusses the new multiplayer video game ARC Raiders – which features AI-driven bosses who are teaching themselves to fight in real time, plus the fun of interacting with real people who are sometimes helpful colleagues, sometimes murderous backstabbers, and sometimes just kinda weird.

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 today’s news: a hostage situation in Goldsboro ends with a suspect dead and a Chatham sheriff’s deputy wounded. Also: Orange County authorities arrest two Durham teens for a string of recent vehicle break-ins; political experts say Nida Allam could have an edge in her primary challenge against incumbent U.S. House Rep. Valerie Foushee; and Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools hosts a competition for budding student chefs. And in sports: Henri Veesaar has a milestone game as UNC men’s basketball beats East Tennessee State; Tar Heel football gets its slate of ACC opponents for 2026; six Carolina athlet...

Trending today: filling in for Victor, Michael Koh breaks down the wackiest bowl game names of the year. (How about the Bush’s Boca Raton Bowl of Beans? The Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl? The StaffDNA Cure Bowl? Everybody’s got their favorites.)

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 pa...

Aaron welcomes Delesha Carpenter of the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy to discuss a new initiative that could save many lives. “Naloxone Near Me” is an online dashboard that scores each of North Carolina’s 100 counties based on the availability of naloxone to help combat opioid overdoses; it also provides information about where you can find naloxone in your community.

Visit NaloxoneNearMe.org to view the dashboard and learn more.

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...

In today’s news: the Carrboro Cardboard War takes over Town Commons, and UNC men’s basketball returns to the Smith Center. Also: a drop in Durham’s crime rate; a new candidate for Orange County School Board; a struggle for local hunger-relief organizations over recent SNAP cuts; a drop in the rankings for Tar Heel women’s basketball; and another Carolina football player in the transfer portal.

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 govern...

Durham County Commissioner Nida Allam is challenging incumbent U.S. House Rep. Valerie Foushee in the 2026 Democratic primary. That’s a rematch of a primary in 2022, which Foushee won by nine points – but Tom says Allam may have the edge this time around, because Democratic voters are now more likely to want an outspoken progressive. (Specifically it’s younger Democratic voters who are leaning that way: so Tom says Allam will likely win the youth vote while Foushee wins the senior vote, and it may all come down to who turns out on primary day. Will UNC voters make the fi...

Trending today: Victor and Aaron discuss Q104.3’s annual ranking of the top 1043 classic rock songs of all time. Specifically, the songs from the 2000s that made the list – and the ones that didn’t. (No Seven Nation Army? Come on, guys, you’re slipping here.)

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 ba...

Welcome to “Paying it Forward,” a monthly interview series made possible by Piedmont Health. In this series, we hear from the folks at Piedmont about the importance of community health centers – and why they chose a career in community health.

This month, Aaron welcomes pediatrician Lauren Krenek. Originally from Houston, she arrived in North Carolina just six months ago – but she has a long background in health care.

“Both my mom and stepdad are family medicine physicians,” she says. “Growing up, I really loved hearing their stories of having long-term relationships with their patients, and t...

In today’s news: recaps of Tar Heel basketball, and a UNC professor’s inventive way to get students excited about poetry. Also: construction and road closures on campus; a UNC law professor’s comments on immigration enforcement; a search for a suspect in a string of August vehicle thefts; an agreement between UNC Health and Cigna; an upset win for Tar Heel wrestling; and roster moves for UNC football, both on the field and on the sidelines.

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...

This holiday season, what is your Christmas wish – and how can that inspire you for a romantic date night? Aaron’s wishing for peace on earth and good will toward men, while Brad just wants the Hurricanes to win a Stanley Cup. It works out either way.

Are you looking for romantic date-night ideas in Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and the greater Triangle community? Memorable restaurants, cultural experiences, special events, great places to get outdoors? Every Friday morning at 8:30, Aaron Keck and his husband Brad Bednar go on 97.9 The Hill and offer their recommendations during “Date Night” on This Mor...

Trending today: a man attempts to steal a Faberge egg by swallowing it, but biology (eventually) gets in the way. (Aaron wonders: does the whole ordeal make the egg less valuable, or more?) Michael Koh fills in for Victor.

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...

Aaron welcomes Jack Daoud of Olmaz Jewelers, which is back open in Eastgate Crossing after recovering from the flooding of Tropical Depression Chantal. They’re fully operational and ready for the holiday season, with gift options at all price points – including custom designs.

Conversation presented by Olmaz Jewelers.

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...

In today’s news: UNC’s system president says course syllabi should be public records, and Hubert Davis praises Caleb Wilson. Also: Carrboro celebrates longtime town leader Braxton Foushee with a “Day of Service,” Durham County Commissioner Nida Allam challenges U.S. House Rep. Valerie Foushee in next year’s Democratic primary – and Orange County Commissioners sign off on financial incentives for the French manufacturer CITEL, who’s moving their U.S. headquarters from Florida to Hillsborough. And in sports: UNC wrestling hosts West Virginia, UNC women’s basketball hosts Louisville, Tar Heel gymnastics is picked fourth in this year’s ACC prese...

This week in history: Brian Epstein becomes the Beatles’ manager, and the Bill of Rights becomes part of the Constitution. (Scott takes that opportunity to promote a bell-ringing ceremony he hosts every Bill of Rights Day, which is December 15: everyone’s invited to downtown Hillsborough at noon that day to ring bells in honor of the 234th anniversary of the Bill of Rights’ ratification.)

97.9 The Hill WCHL and Chapelboro.com are your headquarters for local news and local voices in Chapel Hill-Carrboro. Every Thursday morning, local historian Scott Washington joins 97.9 The Hill’s Aaron Keck for “History Matters,”...

Trending today: a raccoon goes on a bender in a Virginia liquor store, sparking widespread memes and some pretty fun pictures. Filling in for Victor, Michael Koh takes the opportunity to share details about other members of the animal kingdom who’ve been known to partake in spiritous beverages from time to time.

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 v...

The month of December always brings exciting holiday festivities, and this year is no exception in Mebane! Kelly promotes several upcoming events – including “It’s Snowing in Mebane” throughout the month, plus the annual Reindeer Run 5K on December 20. Those aren’t the only exciting happenings in town: December 11 is also the opening day for Whataburger’s new Mebane location – and that same night, the Mebane Historical Museum is hosting an event to celebrate the “Makers of Modern Mebane.” Meanwhile in government news, the Mebane City Council signed off this week on a new Sheetz gas station off Buckhorn Road.

In today’s news: Chapel Hill-Carrboro school officials take heat from Republican lawmakers over an anti-transgender state law. Also: social justice advocates push Orange County to reform its property-revaluation process; Orange County Commissioners approve an incentives package for a manufacturer who’s relocating to Hillsborough; Gov. Josh Stein restores Medicaid payments but warns the program’s funding will run out without a state budget; and the Chapel Hill Fire Department releases new information on the August fire at the Siena Hotel. And in sports: the UNC Rams Club gets a new executive director; Tar Heel baseball gets highlighted in a popu...

It’s time for another round of Studio Sessions with the School of Rock Chapel Hill, featuring three classic songs performed by the House Band!

This month, Aaron welcomes (a record!) seven members of the House Band: Joshua Bosworth, Brooke Briner, Ripley Florek, JJ Helbert, Conlan Sharp, Grant Watson, and Katie Wilson. It’s December, so they’re playing holiday songs, led by a tradition that’s sadly about to end: JJ’s Mariah-esque rendition of “All I Want For Christmas Is You.” (A tradition that’s ending because this is JJ’s senior year; in fact all seven ar...

Trending today: IKEA’s master plan to stay in business in perpetuity – by purchasing its own forest, to ensure it will always have a supply of lumber even if the rest of us shlubs wreck all the other trees. (You’d think more companies would actually spend some time thinking about how to stay solvent for the long run, right?)

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...

Aaron welcomes local musician Jason Bales of The Yardarm, who’s just released his debut solo EP “Watching the Pines.” Bales discusses the project and performs the title song live in 97.9 The Hill studios – and promotes The Yardarm’s upcoming show, Saturday, December 13, from noon to 2 p.m. at Boxyard RTP.

Click here to listen to the full EP and purchase it on Bandcamp.

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 governm

In today’s news: Pittsboro swears in two new town board members and asks for your feedback on the future of downtown. Also: the Chapel Hill-Carrboro school board elects a new chair, while the former chair heads to Raleigh to face questions from the General Assembly; a beloved local figure earns the Order of the Long Leaf Pine; UNC staffers object to a new program designed to save money; and author/politician D.G. Martin passes away at the age of 85. And in sports: one Tar Heel football star decides to go pro, while several other UNC athletes earn po...

Trending today: a company is purporting to offer a humanoid robot butler – but it’s not AI, it’s being operated remotely by a person. Which reminds Victor of the Mechanical Turk, an 18th-century scam that claimed to be a chess-playing automaton but was in fact just a dude in a box moving pieces from below. (Also, Aaron and Victor debate the extent to which 24-hour convenience is still a thing in the U.S.)

Want to know what folks are talking about on social media? Every weekday on 97.9 The Hill’s “This Morning with Aaron Keck...

Saturday, December 20, head to Hillsborough for the annual Solstice Lantern Walk along the Eno River, starting at sunset with lots of handmade lanterns. You’re invited to make your own and join the fun!

Get more info and register at HillsboroughArtsCouncil.org.

Aaron welcomes Heather Tatreau and Iva Beveridge from the Hillsborough Arts Council to discuss the lantern walk and what makes it so popular – and what you need to know if you want to participate (or just watch).

97.9 The Hill WCHL and Chapelboro.com are your headquarters for local news and l...

In today’s news: the Triangle remains under a Winter Weather Advisory, with icy roads lingering after Monday’s snowfall. Also: Aaron runs down the list of weather-related closures, cancellations and delays; a longtime local elected official says he’s stepping down next year; Orange County Commissioners consider an incentives package to bring the French manufacturer CITEL to Hillsborough; and education advocates weigh in after North Carolina’s controversial Opportunity Scholarship program hits a milestone. And in sports: Courtney Banghart weighs in after a mixed week for Tar Heel women’s basketball, and Tar Heel football and tennis stars earn indiv...

Thursday through Sunday, December 11-14, head to Chapel Hill High School for their fall musical, “Annie!” A cast and crew of 70 students is staging one of the most beloved shows of all time, with some of Broadway’s most famous songs.

“Annie” is on stage at Chapel Hill High at 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, followed by a 3 p.m. matinee Sunday afternoon. Click here to buy tickets in advance.

Aaron chats with CHHS theater director Thomas Drago, who’s producing this year’s musical.

97.9 The Hill WCHL and Chapelboro.com are your headq...

Trending today: a massive study of neophobia (fear of new things) in birds, with some highly interesting findings. You can come up with easy explanations if you think about it: migratory birds tend to be more neophobic, for instance, perhaps as a way to keep them on track when they’re traveling long distances.

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 busine...

In today’s news: schools are closed across the Triangle as a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect with anticipated snow. Also: local officials respond to last month’s immigration crackdown; Hillsborough gets federal funding to update their water treatment plant; multiple elected boards have meetings scheduled tonight (weather permitting); a Chapel Hill restaurant announces its closing date; and UNC’s mental health services teams turn up their efforts for finals week. And in sports: big wins for UNC men’s and women’s basketball; a season-ending loss for Tar Heel volleyball; another transfer announcement in Carolina football; and big honors...

Holiday season is making Brad feel childlike. What’s a date-night idea that’ll make you feel like a kid again? Aaron suggests a holiday parade, while Brad suggests whacking each other with cardboard tubes – which you can do in Carrboro next weekend.

Are you looking for romantic date-night ideas in Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and the greater Triangle community? Memorable restaurants, cultural experiences, special events, great places to get outdoors? Every Friday morning at 8:30, Aaron Keck and his husband Brad Bednar go on 97.9 The Hill and offer their recommendations during “Date Night” on This Morning with Aaron Keck. Clic...

Trending today: the 1907 voyage of USS Albatross, a research vessel that collected 80,000 different species of sea life – and whose work is still relevant today, because they preserved the specimens in rum rather than formaldehyde and that turned out to be a far better preservative. (Though Aaron wonders about the inevitable stories about the fish that got away.)

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 crim...

This Saturday, December 6, head to the Sancar Turkish Cultural and Community Center for a fun-filled day of creativity, shopping and community at the Sancar Second Annual Craft Fair! The event runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with handmade gifts and artisan products plus “Sancar Treasures” for sale.

Visit Sancar.org to learn more about the fair.

Aaron welcomes Fevzi Yalin and Refika Yousefi from the Sancar Center to discuss Saturday’s Craft Fair – and the ongoing work of the Sancar Center in general.

...

In today’s news: the Triangle is under a Winter Weather Advisory, with multiple school closings and delays across the area. Also: newly elected officials take their oaths of office in Chapel Hill and Carrboro; the filing process continues for candidates in the 2026 midterm; a judge blocks Gov. Josh Stein’s effort to reduce Medicaid payouts amidst the ongoing state budget impasse; Chapel Hill and Carrboro gear up for this year’s Holiday Parade; UNC women’s basketball falls at Texas in the ACC-SEC Challenge; Carolina volleyball gets a win in the first round of the NCAA tournament; and UNC foot...

This week in history: Walt Disney is born, Rosa Parks takes a seat for justice, and a chimpanzee blazes a trail to space.

97.9 The Hill WCHL and Chapelboro.com are your headquarters for local news and local voices in Chapel Hill-Carrboro. Every Thursday morning, local historian Scott Washington joins 97.9 The Hill’s Aaron Keck for “History Matters,” a look back at notable events and significant figures from this week in history, ranging from pioneers to writers to inventors to civil rights champions and more, locally, nationally, and beyond.

Click here to listen back to the full H...

Trending today: a big spike in “buy now, pay later” purchasing – which is sparking concerns as more and more Americans are missing payments, a sign that the industry is contributing to growing economic strain. (It’s not affecting Aaron, though: he never buys anything online in the first place, so he’s never heard of any of this.)

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...

In today’s news: profiles of Tar Heel basketball legends Tyler Hansbrough (now a UNC professor) and Kayla McPherson (now a UNC coach). Also: more candidates file to run for office in 2026; the Durham City Council and Chapel Hill-Carrboro school board meet later today; big games tonight for UNC volleyball and women’s basketball; and the Carolina football team inks a highly-touted freshman class for 2026 – while Bill Belichick moves one step closer to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

97.9 The Hill WCHL and Chapelboro.com are your headquarters for local news in Chapel Hill-Carrboro. Every weekday morning, 97.9 The Hi...

Trending today: a Penn State study on the potential effects of nuclear war on global corn production. Victor’s impressed by the model they used to reach their findings – but Aaron knows enough about academia to be more curious about the late-night conversation where the researchers came up with that idea in the first place.

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 busin...

This Friday and Saturday, December 5-6, multiple local organizations are teaming up for a pair of events to mark the 160th anniversary of the ratification of the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery in the U.S. On Friday, actor Mike Wiley will perform Howard Craft’s one-man show “The Fire of Freedom” at the Elizabeth Price Kenan Theater on UNC’s campus, starting at 6 pm. Then on Saturday, you’re invited to the Carrboro Century Center from 10 to 2:30 for a community history event called “Beyond the Thirteenth Amendment: Reclaiming the Promise of Freedom,” with guest speakers including State Supreme...

In today’s news: local officials and advocates help residents after a week of harsh immigration enforcement, and Carolina basketball gets a gritty win over Kentucky. Also: the filing period continues for candidates in next year’s midterm; the Pittsboro town board meets tonight for a budget discussion; Chatham County officials want your feedback on how to develop 28 acres in downtown Pittsboro; state lawmakers postpone a locally-relevant hearing; and the long recovery continues from Tropical Depression Chantal, even as crews continue finding more damage. And in sports, several Tar Heel athletes earn big individual honors – led by women’s basketba...

97.9 the Hill’s Andrew Stuckey fills in for Aaron Keck with the morning news. In this edition of the news, we learn the results of the first day of the filing period for 2026 elections. Highlights included Chatham County Sheriff Mike Roberson deciding to not run for reelection and instead pursue a seat on the Chatham County Board of Commissioners. We check the candidates in Orange County, hear from Jamezetta Bedford on her decision to run for reelection, and more. In Sports, the men’s basketball team gears up for a high profile trip to Lexington to face Kentucky, several athl...

97.9 the Hill’s Andrew Stuckey fills in for Aaron Keck with the morning news. In this edition of the news, we check the local government meeting schedule, learn about some feedback opportunities for Pittsboro residents, hear about an organization fostering difficult political conversations in person, and more. In sports, the UNC Football team’s season comes to an end, 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. ...

Voice of the Tar Heels Jones Angell joins Aaron to preview Saturday’s regular-season finale, as Tar Heel football takes on NC State. Carolina football may be nearing the end of their regular season, but UNC basketball season is still ramping up – so Jones and Aaron also talk basketball, with the Heels coming off their first loss of the season at the hands of Michigan State.

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 schola...

Trending today: the autograph-collection market is roiled by a massive forgery scandal, with four million fake items out there on the marketplace. Victor soapboxes on how autograph collecting is one of his pet peeves – but Aaron is stuck on the logistics of one man singlehandedly forging four million items. (Also, Aaron’s own fake autograph story.)

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 od...

In today’s news: a milestone night for UNC basketball star Indya Nivar, and a preview of Saturday’s UNC-NC State football game. Also: a French manufacturer announces plans to move to Hillsborough; federal judges sign off on North Carolina’s new Congressional map; Chapel Hill issues a trio of proclamations; UNC men’s basketball takes their first loss of the season; and the 2026 schedule is out for Tar Heel baseball.

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...

97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey fills in for Aaron Keck, presenting the morning news. In this edition of the news, we hear from U.S. Rep. Valerie Foushee on Health Care. We hear from State Superintendent Mo Green on improving education. We hear from Carolina Connection on students celebrating Thanksgiving locally. In sports, the UNC Men’s Basketball team got a win last night, and both they and the women’s team play games on Thanksgiving. We also check the rest of the UNC sports schedule, and more.

97.9 The Hill WCHL and Chapelboro.com are your headquarters for lo...

97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey fills in for Aaron Keck with the morning news. In this edition of the news, we take a deep dive on the Chatham Park South Village Small Area Plan with the Pittsboro Board of Commissioners. We hear a Carolina Connection story on the beekeeping club at UNC working against food insecurity. In sports, UNC Women’s Soccer has their season end in the round of 16, basketball gears up after a week off, 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...

On Wednesday, December 10, you’re invited to The Lincoln Center on Merritt Mill Road as The Chamber for a Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro’s Leadership Class of 2025 hosts the Chili Cook Off & “Boots on the Ground” Dance Party, a one-night-only fundraiser benefiting Family Reading Partners. Enjoy delicious chili from local contestants, kick up your boots on the dance floor, and help raise funds to support early literacy programs for families in our community.

The event runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, December 10.  Visit CarolinaChamber.org for more information.

Aaron speaks with 2025 Leadership C...

Voice of the Tar Heels Jones Angell joins Aaron to discuss UNC football’s upcoming Senior Day matchup with Duke – a big game for both teams, not just for the Victory Bell and rivalry bragging rights, but also as both teams still need wins to clinch bowl eligibility. UNC took a step back in last week’s loss to Wake Forest; Angell shares his thoughts about that game – and what it might take for the Tar Heels to turn the corner this Saturday.

97.9 The Hill WCHL and Chapelboro.com are your headquarters for local news and local voices i...

Part 2 of “Wicked” is out this week – so what’s a Wicked-themed date night? Aaron and Brad both recommend different approaches to defying gravity – though Aaron insists Brad’s suggestion has more to do with embracing gravity than defying it. (Also: Aaron recommends a wicca-themed Durham bar, and Brad takes ‘wicked’ in a Bostonian direction.)

Are you looking for romantic date-night ideas in Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and the greater Triangle community? Memorable restaurants, cultural experiences, special events, great places to get outdoors? Every Friday morning at 8:30, Aaron Keck and his husband Brad Bednar go on 97.9 The Hill and offer their...

In today’s news: Chapel Hill police search for a missing teen, and the Triangle continues to reel from this week’s federal anti-immigrant crackdown. Also: UNC names a new CEO of the university health system; Chapel Hill reopens a pair of trails after four months of post-Chantal repairs; Chatham County officials confirm a rabies case in a skunk; and UNC starts offering new graduate programs in data science. In sports: UNC women’s basketball gets a road win; Tar Heel men’s soccer wins their first-round NCAA tournament game; Carolina women’s soccer and field hockey gear up for their...

This week’s federal anti-immigrant crackdown in the Triangle has consumed much of our attention and thought in the last five days. What should we know about the legal issues involved? Aaron chats with UNC law professor Rick Su, whose expertise is especially timely: he specializes in both immigration law and federal-state-local relations in American government.

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 othe...

We never actually get to today’s trend: Victor starts to set up a trending article by expressing his dislike of autograph collection (specifically, buying autographed items without having had the experience of interacting with the signer directly), but Aaron jumps in with a counterpoint related to modern abstract-expressionistic art. (It makes sense, trust me.) Also, Victor loses a friend.

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...

PlayMakers Repertory Company is back on stage this week with the classic comedy “You Can’t Take It With You,” open through Sunday, December 7. It’s a play that dates back to the 1930s, but its themes remain salient and relevant even today – despite (or because of) the wackiness of some of its characters.

Aaron chats with Ray Anthony Thomas, who’s in the cast as family patriarch Martin Vanderhoff.

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 c...

All eyes this week are on federal immigration authorities, who have been conducting enforcement operations in the Triangle. That has sparked a major backlash from local residents and town and county officials – and even local law enforcement: Orange County Sheriff Charles Blackwood issued a joint statement this week with the Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Hillsborough police chiefs, urging residents to know their rights and reiterating their own commitment to “protect and serve all community members,” particularly the most vulnerable.

Sheriff Blackwood joins Aaron to discuss the situation, how his office is handling it, the conversations he’s had with...

This week in history marks the debut of two famous mice: Mickey Mouse in 1928, and the computer mouse in the late 1960s. Also: Abraham Lincoln delivers the Gettysburg Address – and issues a proclamation fixing the date of Thanksgiving, thanks in part to a delay in the Gettysburg ceremony.

97.9 The Hill WCHL and Chapelboro.com are your headquarters for local news and local voices in Chapel Hill-Carrboro. Every Thursday morning, local historian Scott Washington joins 97.9 The Hill’s Aaron Keck for “History Matters,” a look back at notable events and significant figures from this week in history, ranging from pio...

Trending today: a college student sues Everclear’s manufacturer after a party mishap that led to a serious injury. Victor’s a little offended, though Aaron points out that civil lawsuits tend to go after the folks with the deepest pockets – whether that’s conducive to justice or not. (Also, Aaron digresses into a fond memory about an old 1980s-era local commercial.)

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 we...

Former UNC Chancellor Holden Thorp was in town recently, delivering a lecture on his recent autism diagnosis. Aaron welcomed Thorp into the studio for an extended conversation on a wide variety of issues, beginning with the national dialogue around autism and continuing with discussions about the state of higher education and science in general. In Part 3 of their conversation, Thorp shares his thoughts about the relationship between science and higher education and the Trump administration – and the job Lee Roberts is doing as UNC’s current chancellor.

97.9 The Hill WCHL and Chapelboro.com are your head...

In today’s news: the Carrboro Town Council approves a downtown area plan and an anti-ICE resolution supporting local immigrants. Also: Chapel Hill police identify a juvenile suspect who’s accused of touching a woman without her consent on the Bolin Creek Trail; a Pittsboro Elementary School teacher gets a major honor; OWASA officials urge residents to “care to share” with neighbors in need; UNC student groups fight for space on campus; Carolina women’s basketball gears up for NC A&T; the NCAA tournament gets underway for UNC men’s soccer (though women’s soccer has to wait an extra day...

Trending today: Meta goes public about their efforts to push you into endless short-video scrolling – and not interacting with your actual friends. Great for short-term profits – but won’t that nudge us away from social media in the long run, since we only got on social media in the first place to interact with people we actually know? Aaron thinks that might be the future, but Victor’s not yet convinced. (Also, Victor drops a reference to the Shelley poem “Ozymandias,” because of course he does.)

Want to know what folks are talking about on social media...

This weekend, you’re invited to United Church of Chapel Hill on MLK Boulevard for this year’s Alternative Gift Market! The annual market features gifts for sale from over two dozen organizations, all of whom support various important causes – from fighting global sex trafficking to helping local residents with developmental disabilities. A corresponding silent auction will raise funds for Church World Service and the IFC – so your purchase will “give twice,” both to the organizations you’re supporting and the loved ones who receive your gifts.

This year’s market runs Saturday, November 22, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and S...

In today’s news: local leaders issue forceful statements denouncing federal immigration-enforcement operations in the Triangle – operations which sparked widespread fear, with businesses closing and hundreds of students staying home from school across the region. (Some local grocery stores are even starting to offer free delivery to customers who are afraid to leave their homes.)

Also: Carrboro approves a Downtown Area Plan; Orange County nixes a development proposal north of Hillsborough; Chapel Hill changes its method for resident petitions; we get more information on August’s fire at the Siena Hotel; local treasures Howard and Lillian Lee receiv...

The Trump administration has made major changes to refugee policy, including a big drop in admissions – down to 7,500 this year (mostly white South Africans), though the U.S. typically admits no fewer than 60,000 each year. That sudden reduction blocked refugees who had been fully vetted, some of them family members of refugees currently living in our community; some even had plane tickets in hand when the order came down. And that’s not the only policy change that’s affected local refugees: among other things, a provision in Trump’s budget bill cut off SNAP benefits for refugees without a green...

Trending today: Aaron gets criticized online, but he’s taking it as a huge compliment – triggering a deeper conversation about the importance, the role, the purpose, and the proper strategy for really good trash talk. (Victor is kind of an expert on the subject, but he’s not even tops in his own house.)

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 v...

Wednesday, November 19, the Chapel Hill Service League is hosting an event called “Pasta With Purpose” at the Carolina Club – to raise funds for this year’s Christmas House, an annual effort to provide holiday gifts to more than 800 kids in Orange County. This year marks a milestone for the Christmas House: it’s taken place for the last 75 years.

Visit CHSLChristmasHouse.org for more information on the Christmas House and how you can help the cause. (And click here for more information on Pasta With Purpose.)

Aaron spoke with Kimberly Eastman Zirkle, the longtime chair of the Chr...

In today’s news: federal immigration officials arrive in Raleigh, and Chapel Hill-Carrboro schools face a funding cut over declining enrollment. Also: the Carrboro Town Council considers a Downtown Area Plan; the Casual Pint restaurant in Chapel Hill announces it’s closing next month; three UNC students get named Rhodes Scholars; a WRAL investigation finds a high number of driving citations among UNC football players; the Daily Tar Heel uncovers more information about alleged public-records law violations by members of the UNC Board of Trustees; local pollsters say Democrats have a chance to retake the State House in 2026; and loca...

This year’s election was a very successful one for Democrats. What happens if they can sustain that success for another year? Tom says he’s advising his clients to swing for the fences, with polls showing Democrats might even have a chance at winning in districts Trump carried by 15 points just one year ago – which would be more than enough to flip the North Carolina State House, for the first time in over a decade.

Also, Tom assesses Donald Trump’s analysis of this year’s election results – partly right and partly wrong, he says – while Aaron asks if...

Trending today: a new twist in stock trading, as investors are now trading bonds backed by music catalogs. Victor and Aaron are a little wigged out at the idea of treating art like any other commodity, but are they ready to embrace just how radical a critique that is? (Or the amount of work it’ll take to follow through?)

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...

In today’s news: Chapel Hill police investigate a string of mail thefts and step up patrols on trails after a series of suspicious-person reports. Also: Orange County considers selling land to a nonprofit for a soccer complex; AI is on the agenda for tonight’s Orange County school board meeting; two local college students win Rhodes scholarships; and North Carolina Democrats slam Republicans’ refusal to return to session to fully fund Medicaid. And in sports: UNC football takes a rough loss to Wake Forest, but many other Carolina teams get big wins – including men’s and women’s basketball...

Voice of the Tar Heels Jones Angell joins Aaron to discuss a packed weekend in Tar Heel sports. UNC football has a very big game Saturday at Wake Forest – but Carolina men’s basketball gets the spotlight before that, hosting NC Central in the Smith Center Friday night. And that’s just the beginning: Friday also marks the start of NCAA tournament action for Tar Heel field hockey and women’s soccer. It’s a great day to be a Tar Heel, but it’s a busy day as well.

97.9 The Hill WCHL and Chapelboro.com are your headqua...

In honor of PlayMakers’ upcoming show “You Can’t Take It With You,” Brad asks: what’s a date night that you can take with you? Aaron recommends a very long-term commitment, while Brad’s suggestion is much lower-key.

Are you looking for romantic date-night ideas in Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and the greater Triangle community? Memorable restaurants, cultural experiences, special events, great places to get outdoors? Every Friday morning at 8:30, Aaron Keck and his husband Brad Bednar go on 97.9 The Hill and offer their recommendations during “Date Night” on This Morning with Aaron Keck. Click here to listen back to all...

Trending today: blue cheese? Beets? Liver? Anchovies? Licorice? A new poll asks Americans to rank their most hated food. (Fun result: there’s a big generational divide on blue cheese, with younger people liking it and older people strongly opposed. Aaron’s theory: maybe that has something to do with how old you are when you really like eating wings.)

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 t...

Now through January 4, head to the Ackland Art Museum for a powerhouse new exhibition, “Color Triumphant: Modern Art from the Collection of Julian and Josie Robertson.” The exhibition features 33 modern artists, including Claude Monet and Camille Pissarro – with a focus on especially colorful works, a centerpiece of the Robertsons’ collection.

Aaron welcomes two guests to discuss the exhibit: Peter Nisbet, the Ackland’s deputy director for curatorial affairs, and graduate student Weixin Zhou, who co-wrote the “Color Triumphant” exhibition texts with Nisbet.

Conversation presented by the Ackland Art Museum. Visit Ackland.org for more informati...

In today’s news: UNC trustees narrowly approve a tuition increase, and Carolina women’s basketball takes a loss to No. 3 UCLA. Also: Republican lawmakers spar with Democratic Gov. Josh Stein over Stein’s call for a special session to fund Medicaid; SNAP food benefits return for North Carolinians; Orange County and Mebane officials address their respective water systems; and Carrboro deals with a lack of available vehicles for leaf collection. And in sports: NCAA tournament action begins for UNC field hockey, cross country, and women’s soccer, while Carolina men’s basketball preps for NC Central and Tar Heel footb...

This week, Scott and Aaron remember a pioneering woman aviator, the invention of the grocery cart, and the largest iceberg ever spotted. Also: trailblazing 19th-century journalist Nellie Bly goes around the world in 72 days; the Guinness Book of World Records is launched; and new advancements in transportation pave the way for expanded freedom and equality. (And corporatization too, but that’s another story.)

97.9 The Hill WCHL and Chapelboro.com are your headquarters for local news and local voices in Chapel Hill-Carrboro. Every Thursday morning, local historian Scott Washington joins 97.9 The Hill’s Aaron Keck for “History Matters,” a look b...

Trending today is the Unicode Consortium, a nonprofit that’s tasked with standardizing emojis across all operating systems. (So an iPhone user can send smiley faces to an Android user, for instance.) They’ve just approved a new set of emojis – but will people use them for their stated purpose? (Also: Aaron sings the praises of emojis, and Victor alters his approach to personal communication – but not in the way you’d expect.)

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 sco...

Holiday time is here, and the Mebane events calendar is packed, with tree lightings, parades, markets and more. Kelly joins Aaron to preview it all – starting this Saturday with the season’s last farmers market, and continuing with a busy day the following Saturday, November 22, starting with the annual Winter Wonderland Craft Show (featuring a visit from Santa!) and continuing with a community bike ride and a tree lighting ceremony that evening. Mebane’s annual Christmas Parade is also just around the corner, at 7 p.m. Friday, December 5.

97.9 The Hill WCHL and Chapelboro.com are your h...