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

[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)

SoDu We Have Favorites 2026: Help South Durham Choose Its Best!

I'm inviting Southpoint Access readers to nominate the people, places, and businesses they love most before voting begins.

State: Durham Students With Disabilities Denied Required Education at Youth Home

North Carolina education officials ordered Durham Public Schools to create new procedures after finding the district failed to implement IEP services during a 2025 lockdown at the Durham County Youth Home.

[SeeGov] Durham County Board of Commissioners - April 27, 2026: Durham County's $240M Bonds and Audit Review

Durham commissioners mixed community updates with bigger accountability questions, spotlighting school funding pressure, a $240-million bond move, and audit findings that drew pointed follow-up from the board.

[Commentary] N.C. Lawmakers and State Supreme Court Turn Backs on Our Future

The N.C. Supreme Court has shut the door on the Leandro lawsuit, ignoring its obligation to our Constitution. Our communities are the only ones left to stand up for our future.