Kyra O'Connor

Recent Articles

NEWS 8/2/21 9:53pm

Board of Aldermen hears preliminary ADA self-assessment findings

By Kyra O'Connor

The Board of Aldermen met for an agenda session Monday, August 2. Members discussed the town’s self-assessment of the accessibility of facilities and programs, a budget amendment for the police department and retirement benefits for town employees. The board also discussed adopting an equality resolution and the town’s decision to look into vaccination and mask requirements for town employees.

NEWS 7/30/21 1:16pm

‘From Morgantown to Mayor’

By Kyra O'Connor

Rev. Donna Vanhook ’07 is one of five candidates in the Burlington mayoral race this fall, addressing quality, affordable housing and broadband internet access in her campaign.

NEWS 7/27/21 12:46pm

CDC expected to update mask guidance for vaccinated individuals

By Kyra O'Connor

The Centers for Disease Control is expected to announce revised mask guidance, recommending vaccinated individuals wear masks in some indoor settings, at a media briefing today at 3 p.m.

NEWS 7/21/21 4:08pm

Elon University announces Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education

By Kyra O'Connor and Graysen Shirley

President of Elon University Connie Book announced the naming of the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education in honor of the $10 million gift, made by the Williams family, to Elon and Willliams’ service as an educator and administrator. The commitment, part of the Elon LEADS campaign, represents the largest endowment in the university’s history.

NEWS 7/12/21 12:36pm

Board of Aldermen to discuss equality resolution at August meeting

By Kyra O'Connor

Two Board of Aldermen members were tasked at the May meeting to draft an outline of what an anti-discrimination ordinance could look like in the town of Elon. Board members are expected to discuss the equality resolution at the August 10 meeting.

NEWS 7/8/21 12:50pm

Elon University announces speakers for 2021-22 academic year

By Kyra O'Connor

Elon University will host numerous speakers throughout the 2021-22 academic year, including Olympic Gold Medalist Carli Lloyd, Elon University President Emeritus Leo Lambert and award-winning actor BD Wong.

NEWS 7/1/21 10:48pm

Emily Sharpe to run for mayor of the town of Elon

By Kyra O'Connor

After thinking about how she would like to see the town of Elon grow, Alderwoman Emily Sharpe decided to run for mayor to continue making the town friendly, safe and inclusive.

NEWS 6/29/21 1:08pm

Alamance Sheriff’s Office, Graham Police withhold footage from Graham march

By Kyra O'Connor

The Alamance County Sheriff’s Office and the Graham Police Department did not release video footage from the Oct. 31 “I Am Change” march in Graham, NC, as previously ordered by an Alamance Superior Court judge. While the Graham Police Department has filed a motion of appeal and a motion to stay, Alamance County has yet to do so.

NEWS 6/28/21 2:09pm

Burlington Mayor Ian Baltutis announces run for fourth term

By Kyra O'Connor and Graysen Shirley

BURLINGTON — City of Burlington Mayor Ian Baltutis will run for reelection this November. The Elon alumnus was first elected at age 30 in 2015, becoming the city of Burlington’s youngest mayor. He has served three terms as mayor.

NEWS 6/24/21 4:10pm

President Joe Biden visits Raleigh to speak about NC vaccination efforts

By Kyra O'Connor , Ellis Chandler and Graysen Shirley

RALEIGH — President Joe Biden will visit Raleigh today to discuss vaccination efforts in North Carolina. The president’s stop in the state is part of his “National Month of Action,” which calls for a nationwide sprint to get 70% of U.S. adults partially vaccinated by July 4.

NEWS 6/22/21 12:41pm

Judge orders release of law enforcement video from Graham march

By Kyra O'Connor

A judge ordered the release of all law enforcement video footage from the ‘I Am Change’ march to the polls in Graham, on Oct. 31, 2020, which ended in marchers pepper sprayed and many arrested. This includes all unedited body camera, dash camera and other law enforcement surveillance footage from that day.

NEWS 6/17/21 6:47pm

Elon University to partner with African American Cultural Arts and History Center for Juneteenth celebration

By Kyra O'Connor and Katherine Aristizabal

Elon University will partner with the African American Cultural Arts and History Center in Burlington to celebrate Juneteenth on June 18. Community members can take part in one of three 75-minute tours of the new center, including a featured exhibit “Juneteenth & Black Alamance.”

NEWS 6/17/21 12:30pm

Elon University to require COVID-19 vaccinations for all students

By Kyra O'Connor

Elon University will require all students to submit documentation of the COVID-19 vaccination for the fall semester.

NEWS 6/15/21 9:55pm

Mayor Jerry Tolley will not seek reelection

By Kyra O'Connor

After 38 years of service to the town of Elon, Mayor Jerry Tolley announced at the Board of Aldermen regular session on June 15 that he will not seek reelection in November.

SPORTS 6/9/21 7:33pm

Elon football will not travel until October, according to Athletics

By Kyra O'Connor

Elon University announced that the Phoenix will not leave North Carolina until October, but fans will be allowed inside the stadium for the fall 2021 season. The Phoenix are scheduled to kick off the season on Sept. 4 at home against Wofford.

NEWS 6/3/21 4:22pm

FBI investigating Postmaster General, Elon University Trustee Louis DeJoy

By Kyra O'Connor

Postmaster General and Elon University Board of Trustees member Louis DeJoy is facing a federal inquiry regarding campaign contributions involving his former business, North Carolina based New-Breed Logistics.

NEWS 5/21/21 12:31pm

Elon University celebrates class of 2021 in three undergraduate ceremonies

By Kyra O'Connor

Over 1,200 students graduated from Elon University on May 21, 2021.

NEWS 5/18/21 1:27pm

Explaining impostor syndrome

By Kyra O'Connor

Impostor syndrome, or the impostor phenomenon, was first introduced by clinical psychologists Pauline Rose Clance and Suzanne Imes, who originally researched the concept in high achieving women in the 1970s.

NEWS 5/14/21 1:39pm

‘He was the kind of people that the world needs more of’

By Kyra O'Connor

A chef and business owner. A foodie. A licensed mushroom forager. A father, friend and family member. Lincoln Franchell, head chef and co-owner of Pandora's Pies, was known by many names.

NEWS 5/14/21 12:16pm

Ready and Resilient Committee announces masks will still be required indoors

By Kyra O'Connor

Elon University will continue to require masks indoors in classrooms and other public spaces, after the Centers for Disease Control announced updated guidance for fully vaccinated individuals yesterday.

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