97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell helps send you into the Fourth of July weekend with a look at local news headlines on Friday, July 2.

The filing period for local elections has begun in Orange County — who officially began their candidacy today? UNC researchers are testing a new COVID-19 vaccine as university leadership announces new public health guidelines for the fall. Plus: North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper signs an executive order on NIL and UNC finishes fourth in the Director’s Cup.