Independent news and updates for South Durham, covering local development, government, health, and community life.

[Nerdspresso Bonus Dose] 10 great movies that bring Halloween to life

From Michael Myers to a very confused extraterrestrial, these movies make Halloween part of the adventure. Plus, a North Carolina bonus.

[SoDu We Work] A library job close to home, plus 60 additions to our jobs guide

This week’s SoDu We Work guide adds 60 listings, including openings at South Regional Library, local schools, and area universities.

[SoDu Crime Watch] Burglaries rise as South Durham crime reports decline

South Durham logged 72 selected incident reports Oct. 23-29, down from 89 the week before, while burglary reports rose from four to nine. What changed on your block?

Durham Public Schools Cafeteria Menu: What’s for Lunch Nov. 2-6, 2026

A split-calendar Monday and an Election Day closure make this a short cafeteria week for many DPS families. Here’s what schools are serving Nov. 2-6.

New Durham school inspections flag repeat repairs at Mangum and Neal

The updated Southpoint Access guide includes newer reports for three cafeterias and one school building, while all 106 cafeteria records in the guide still carry A grades.

After the scares, Durham gives pumpkins a second life

Your jack-o’-lantern’s work isn’t over. Durham’s November composting options include free drop-offs and a new pickup option for paying yard waste customers.

[SoDu We Dine] Jamaica Jamaica improves to B in latest Durham restaurant inspection update

Twenty-one of 22 new reports received A grades, while Zephyr Coffee posted a perfect 100.

[Nerdspresso] "Poltergeist" still has spirit, but does it scare?

Did “Poltergeist” scare you as a kid? Jeff Stanford revisits the haunted suburbs, creepy clown, and movie memories of a Halloween classic.

[SoDu Stuff to Do] Your Weekend Ahead - Oct. 29, 2026

What's in the SoDu Events Calendar for this weekend? Southpoint Access provides a few highlights to consider!

Durham planners propose size limits, public hearings for data centers

A Nov. 4 discussion will help shape rules governing where facilities can operate and how they affect neighborhoods, water supplies, and utilities.

What does research tell us about school improvement plans?

Durham families can weigh in through Oct. 30. Studies offer clues about useful planning, but the evidence of student gains is mixed.

[SoDu Shopping Basket] Fresh Market’s total drops $10.26

The nine-store average falls to $65.68, Aldi holds its lead, and Food Lion closes to within four cents of Walmart.