Brighton McConnell
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brmcc.bsky.social
Brighton McConnell
@brmcc.bsky.social
News Director for @wchlchapelboro.bsky.social in Chapel Hill, NC. Lots of local news posts, occasional sports and film posts.

Maybe this app is The One™?

(He/Him)
Fun piece from @michaelkohwchl.bsky.social to help get folks ready for tomorrow's regular season finale between UNC football and NC State ⬇️
Despite what others might tell you, college football is not about who can win on a neutral field in January. It’s about fun of getting the better of petty rivals.

That is why UNC and NC State play every year. And that is why we love it.
The UNC-NC State Rivalry is as Petty as it is Mediocre. That’s What Makes it Great. - Chapelboro.com
The heated UNC-NC State rivalry never carries much weight nationally. It's purely regional, and that's why we love it.
chapelboro.com
November 28, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Reposted by Brighton McConnell
UNC shot just 21-55 (38.2 percent) from the floor and 4-23 (17.4 percent) on three-pointers in a 74-58 loss to No. 11 Michigan State in the final game of the Fort Myers Tip-Off event Thursday afternoon.

Check out our game recap here:
Shooting Woes Doom UNC Men's Basketball in Loss vs. No. 11 Michigan State - Chapelboro.com
UNC shot just 21-55 (38.2 percent) from the floor and 4-23 (17.4 percent) on three-pointers in a 74-58 loss to No. 11 Michigan State.
chapelboro.com
November 28, 2025 at 3:54 PM
Tar Heel fans....let's hear your thoughts. 🥲 Leave a voicemail about UNC football's performance vs. Duke and you'll be featured on Monday's "Carolina Football Hour."
November 23, 2025 at 12:01 AM
Reposted by Brighton McConnell
Alfredo’s Pizza Villa completed its move across the University Place parking lot and officially opened to customers in its new space on Thursday night.

Here's more on the new location:
Alfredo's Pizza Villa Opens After Move at Chapel Hill's University Place - Chapelboro.com
Alfredo's Pizza Villa completed its move across University Place's parking lot and opened to customers in its new space on Thursday.
chapelboro.com
November 21, 2025 at 3:13 PM
Reposted by Brighton McConnell
The University of North Carolina is turning to a familiar face to lead its health care system and School of Medicine at the flagship university.

Dr. Cristy Page was named the chief executive officer of UNC Health on Thursday.
Lifelong Tar Heel Dr. Cristy Page Selected as Next CEO of UNC Health - Chapelboro.com
Dr. Cristy Page was named the chief executive officer of UNC Health on Thursday after serving in the interim role since July.
chapelboro.com
November 20, 2025 at 7:12 PM
Reposted by Brighton McConnell
On Sunday, as ICE agents began their descent on Charlotte, Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino posted a video that contained Petey Pablo's anthem "Raise Up" without the artist's permission.

www.wunc.org/wunc-music/2...
Greenville native Petey Pablo says border patrol used his "Raise Up" anthem without permission
On Sunday, as ICE agents began their descent on Charlotte, Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino posted a video that contained Petey Pablo's anthem "Raise Up" without the artist's permission.
www.wunc.org
November 20, 2025 at 6:48 PM
Listen to this episode to hear me actively lose my voice throughout... 😅
The air of optimism around Carolina football was let out of the balloon as the Tar Heels fell flat against Wake Forest, losing 28-12.

97.9 The Hill’s Brighton McConnell and Michael Koh break down what went wrong for UNC on the Carolina Football Hour. Listen here 🎧:
UNC Disappoints, Faces Familiar Questions After Loss at Wake Forest — The Carolina Football Hour (Nov. 17, 2025) - Chapelboro.com
After UNC football falls flat against Wake Forest, 97.9 The Hill's Brighton McConnell and Michael Koh break down what went wrong.
chapelboro.com
November 18, 2025 at 9:39 PM
Reposted by Brighton McConnell
Elected officials in Orange County affirmed their support of immigrant community members and criticism of federal efforts that brought ICE officers and Border Patrol agents to North Carolina through a statement on Tuesday.

Here's what they had to say:
Orange County Elected Officials Share Support of Local Families, Speak Out Against ICE Raids - Chapelboro.com
Elected officials in Orange County affirmed their support of immigrant community members and criticism of federal deportation efforts.
chapelboro.com
November 18, 2025 at 7:48 PM
Got some free tickets on the line... ⬇️
Four free tickets to Carolina football vs. Duke, and all you have to do for a chance to win is give us a call with a hot take? Don’t be all hat and no cattle, leave us a voicemail! 🤠

919-240-6000 ☎️
November 17, 2025 at 9:13 PM
Reposted by Brighton McConnell
How is it that receiver Jordan Shipp, all of 20 years old, showed more dignity and grace after a loss than his 73-year-old head coach?

Here’s the latest on Carolina football’s reaction to its loss against Wake Forest Saturday:
After Another Humbling Loss, UNC Football Paints 2 Different Pictures of Accountability - Chapelboro.com
The clock was ticking down in Winston-Salem when UNC head coach Bill Belichick decided to embarrass himself.
chapelboro.com
November 17, 2025 at 12:27 PM
Reposted by Brighton McConnell
Sanne Hak scored the game-winning goal off a penalty corner in sudden-victory overtime against Duke to send UNC field hockey through to the Final Four Sunday at Karen Shelton Stadium.

Check out our game recap here:
UNC Field Hockey Beats Duke in Overtime to Advance to Final Four - Chapelboro.com
Sanne Hak scored the game-winning goal off a penalty corner in sudden-victory overtime against Duke to send UNC through to the Final Four.
chapelboro.com
November 16, 2025 at 9:44 PM
Reposted by Brighton McConnell
Thoughts on Carolina’s loss to Wake Forest? Thoughts on the season overall? Call us at 919-240-6000 to be featured on What In Tar-Nation?! a segment of the Carolina Football Hour 🏈

You could win four tickets to the next Carolina football game! 🎟️

Don’t hesitate on the draw! 🤠
November 16, 2025 at 1:29 AM
Wellllllll let's go ahead and fire up the phone lines.... UNC fans, let's hear those thoughts and reactions to this performance 😬 Call us at 919-240-6000
November 15, 2025 at 11:54 PM
Reposted by Brighton McConnell
After criticism of the idea on Wednesday and passionate debate on Thursday, the UNC Board of Trustees approved an increase in tuition and fees for all incoming undergraduate students with a split vote.
After Debate and Dissent, UNC Trustees Pass Tuition Increase for Undergrads with Split Vote - Chapelboro.com
After passionate debate, the UNC Board of Trustees approved an increase in tuition for all incoming undergraduate students with a split vote.
chapelboro.com
November 14, 2025 at 12:10 AM
Reposted by Brighton McConnell
EXCLUSIVE: Chapel Hill native and former town council member Karen Stegman plans to run in the primary election for the Board of Orange County Commissioners next year.

Here’s what she told us about her plans:
EXCLUSIVE: Karen Stegman Announces Campaign for Orange County Commissioner Seat - Chapelboro.com
Chapel Hill native and former town council member Karen Stegman plans to run for the Board of Orange County Commissioners in 2026.
chapelboro.com
November 12, 2025 at 2:04 PM
🥳
97.9 The Hill won three awards from RTDNAC in their radio division! 🏆

We won first place in long-form interview, second place in light feature, and first place for best radio news block 📻

A big thanks to RTDNAC, and to our loyal listeners for making our radio work possible!
November 10, 2025 at 9:45 PM
Reposted by Brighton McConnell
With attention shifting to the 2026 election cycle — one local elected official already shared she will not seek another term.

Sally Greene posted on her Facebook page Monday she plans to depart the Board of Orange County Commissioners next winter.
Orange County Commissioner Sally Greene Will Not Run for Re-election in 2026 - Chapelboro.com
Sally Greene posted on her Facebook page Monday afternoon she plans to depart the Board of Orange County Commissioners next winter.
chapelboro.com
November 10, 2025 at 8:46 PM
Another lynchpin in the arguments of how much FIFA sucks and how much public transportation matters!
FIFA is selling parking spots near 2026 World Cup stadiums for between $75 & $175 per spot & per gameday.

A 2026 parking pass alone, at $75 in the group stage, costs more than a Category 3 ticket to any group match at the 2022 World Cup, which was $69.

More from @henrybushnell.bsky.social ⤵️
FIFA’s next 2026 World Cup cash cow: Exorbitant parking prices
If you're paying to park at 2026 World Cup matches it'll cost you more than some match tickets at previous editions of the tournament
www.nytimes.com
November 10, 2025 at 7:39 PM
Reposted by Brighton McConnell
UNC Chancellor Lee Roberts told faculty leaders the university does not plan on signing President Donald Trump’s administration’s “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education” in exchange for favorable consideration of federal funding.
'We Don't Plan To': Chancellor Downplays Potential That UNC Signs Trump Admin's Higher Ed Compact - Chapelboro.com
Chancellor Lee Roberts told faculty UNC will not sign the "Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education" in its current form.
chapelboro.com
November 10, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Is...is that a WINNING STREAK??? For the 2025 Tar Heel football program???

Let's hear your thoughts on the game + how Carolina played! Again: we welcome the good, the bad and the ugly, and you'll be featured on Monday's show!
November 9, 2025 at 1:14 AM
Reposted by Brighton McConnell
Carolina outscored No. 19 Kansas 58-37 in the second half en route an 87-74 win at the Dean Smith Center Friday night. The win is UNC’s first against the Jayhawks since 2002 and snaps a five-game losing streak against them.

Check out our recap here:
UNC Men's Basketball Rides Dominant 2nd Half to Emphatic Win vs. No. 19 Kansas - Chapelboro.com
UNC outscored No. 19 Kansas 58-37 in the second half en route an 87-74 win at the Dean Smith Center Friday night.
chapelboro.com
November 8, 2025 at 2:18 AM
Reposted by Brighton McConnell
Numerous groups and organizations have taken up the fight against hunger on a local level as the government shutdown holds up SNAP funding.

Here is Chapelboro’s guide to food resources in the Orange County and Chatham County communities:
GUIDE: Where to Find Food Resources In Orange and Chatham Counties - Chapelboro.com
Here's our guide to where residents in both Orange and Chatham counties can find food assistance and services as SNAP funds run dry.
chapelboro.com
November 8, 2025 at 11:46 AM
Reposted by Brighton McConnell
After a difficult start to the season, the Tar Heels left little doubt in their 27-10 victory against the Orange Halloween night.

Despite the win, players aren’t putting the cart before the horse. Here’s what they said leading up to playing Stanford:
UNC Football Not Getting Ahead of Itself After Syracuse Win: 'We Just Stay Right in the Middle' - Chapelboro.com
UNC let out its frustrations in a decisive win at Syracuse, but the Tar Heels know they have more work to do before season's end.
chapelboro.com
November 7, 2025 at 1:24 PM
Reposted by Brighton McConnell
Due to ongoing uncertainty surrounding SNAP amid the ongoing government shutdown, Orange County will host emergency food distributions for local residents who rely on benefits.

Here are details for this weekend’s events:
Orange County to Host Emergency Food Distributions This Weekend for Local SNAP Recipients - Chapelboro.com
For residents who rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, Orange county will host food distributions this weekend.
chapelboro.com
November 7, 2025 at 2:41 PM
Reposted by Brighton McConnell
Chatham Park’s South Village is beginning to take shape in its design — and both the public and Pittsboro’s elected officials recently shared feedback on its Small Area Plan.

Here’s what they had to say:
Design for Chatham Park's South Village Takes Shape; Pittsboro Comments on Small Area Plan - Chapelboro.com
After years of discussion and planning for the Chatham Park development, its South Village is beginning to take shape in its design.
chapelboro.com
November 6, 2025 at 12:10 PM