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

Teacher Working Conditions: What South Durham School Staff Say About Their Schools

Rogers-Herr Middle School, Hope Valley Elementary among schools standing out with strong results in the 2026 survey.

[VIDEO] Nerdspresso Phase II Episode 21: Han Still Shot First

It's Nerdspresso, Phase II! In the 21st episode, we're talking about the ongoing cultural impact of Star Wars ahead of the May 22 release of The Mandalorian and Grogu. Happy Star Wars Day! May the Fourth Be With You!

[VIDEO] Navigating the Right Fit of School for Your Child

Neighborhood News Guy Wes Platt talks with Emmy Renquist of SchoolUp about options families have when it comes to education in Durham and Wake counties.

[Dispatches Received in Error Issue 4] Foreclosure Notice Served Upon a Minor Moon

A weekly serial fiction project for paid subscribers, unfolding through a growing archive of documents from an alternate-universe Southpoint.

[Gallery] Rogers-Herr Middle School Band, Orchestra, Chorus at Carowinds - May 2, 2026

The school orchestra and chorus received superior ratings from judges, while the band earned an excellent rating.

Durham Public Schools Cafeteria Menu: What’s for Lunch May 4-8, 2026

Nachos, chicken fried rice, lasagna roll-ups, and pizza Friday headline this week’s free breakfast and lunch lineup across Durham Public Schools.

Good Cookies? Ashleigh Ratchford Goes Next Level!

The owner of Durham's Ashleigh Bakes Daily shared her story in a Q&A with Next Level Local's Michelle Johnson.

Data Center Moratorium on Monday's Durham Council Agenda

The two-year stoppage would give the city time to develop clearer zoning rules before more projects move forward.

SoDu Sports Week Ahead: May 4-8, 2026

Jordan High School headlines a packed week of South Durham high school sports, with home matchups in girls soccer and boys lacrosse, plus key road tests in girls soccer and girls lacrosse.

[Nerdspresso] Young Ones: A Sci-Fi Western Lost on the Cinema Trail

I went in expecting a cool Neo-Western with sci-fi energy, but got Sad Max: Dreary Road.

[The Gourmand Next Door] Oregon, Exemplary Youth

"More than just good fortune makes good wine, and here we see it with the pioneers that came to plant this valley."

SoDu Shopping Basket: Aldi Keeps the Lead with Competitive Prices

Aldi ($51.38) continues to be the most affordable, followed by Food Lion ($54.21) and Walmart ($54.44)