durham public schools
C.C. Spaulding’s Dr. Vanessa Alford Named 2025–26 Durham Public Schools Principal of the Year
The veteran educator’s open-door approach and data-informed coaching are raising outcomes and pride across the school community.
Latest
Locally Aware
SoDu Morning Brief: AI Threats, School Spirit, and Durham Community Action
From OpenAI’s new Sora app raising safety concerns for parents to Hope Valley Elementary’s coat drive, a Harper’s Home fundraiser, and the latest crime trends - here’s what neighbors need to know in South Durham.
nonprofits
🎾 Swing, Serve & Support: Harper’s Home Pickleball & Tennis Mixer
Join neighbors and local players this Sunday at the Duke Faculty Club for a fun, family-friendly Pickleball & Tennis Mixer benefiting Harper’s Home - a Durham nonprofit supporting families of children receiving treatment at Duke Children’s Hospital.
![[VIDEO] Nerdspresso Phase II Episode 16: Optipus!](/content/images/size/w600/2025/10/nerd16optipus.png)
Nerdspresso
[VIDEO] Nerdspresso Phase II Episode 16: Optipus!
Join Nerdspresso hosts Jeff Stanford and South Durham’s own Wes Platt for Phase II of this caffeinated celebration of all things geek. In Episode 16, the duo dives into Alien: Earth - did it hug your face, burst your chest, or deserve an airlock exit?
durham public schools
SoDu Tech Watch: Why South Durham Parents Should Pay Attention to OpenAI’s Sora
A parent-first guide to Sora, the AI video app blurring truth and fiction - and what South Durham families and DPS can do about deepfakes and hoaxes.
Development
Durham Planning Commission: Oct. 14, 2025 - Downtown Plan, RTP, Page Road
The commission will hear the downtown plan, a 15-townhome request on Page Road, an RTP-wide rezoning and first-round tune-ups to the comprehensive plan.
Obituaries
SoDu Morning Brief: Weather, Halloween Activity Ideas, Durham Obituaries
Get your South Durham lowdown: today’s weather, free SoDu Compass Family Resource Guide, DPS school lunch, Durham jobs, trick-or-treating alternatives, and local obituaries - powered by Southpoint Access.
Your Week Ahead
SoDu Morning Brief: Durham Election: What Primary Results Really Mean + Events, School Eats
Primary wins don't guarantee victory in November. With early voting set to begin, here's what you need to know about Durham's municipal races, local events, school lunches, and how you can support community news.
Nerdspresso
[Nerdspresso] Dinner, a Movie, and Bed by 9:30: Keeping Date Night Alive at Home
One tired dad’s guide to keeping date night alive - with dumplings, a Roku remote, and movies that still hit.
holidays
🎃 7 Trick-or-Treat Alternatives for Halloween Fun in South Durham
Skip the candy crawl - discover fun, family-friendly Halloween activities in South Durham. From pumpkin carving parties to haunted house DIYs, here are seven creative ways to celebrate in neighborhoods like Woodcroft, Parkwood, and Hope Valley Farms.
sodu week in review
SoDu Week in Review: Durham Primary Surprises, Wet Weather Likely, and Can't-Miss Events!
Cloudy skies and scattered rain won’t slow down South Durham this weekend. Catch up on Durham’s surprise primary results, remember community advocate DeWarren K. Langley, celebrate a new historic landmark, and explore local events like A Taste of Greece.
cultural events
A Taste of Greece Returns to South Durham
South Durham’s favorite fall food festival is back! Enjoy authentic Greek food, cultural exhibits, church tours, and a lively marketplace at St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church - free admission, rain or shine.