sodu week in review
Durham City Council passed new ordinance aimed at landlords with dangerous rentals, South Regional Library seems most popular early voting spot, and Southpoint Access commits revenue share to Hope Valley Elementary.
![[VIDEO] Dris Eats the Streets 3: Nerra](/content/images/size/w600/2025/10/dris3thumb-.png)
Southpoint Access
Idrissa A. Smith takes us to dinner at seafood-focused Nerra on the east side of downtown Durham.
Southpoint Access
Wes Platt recaps Durham early voting (3,800 ballots; last day Nov. 1), who’s on the 2025 municipal ballot, a $30K boost for Piedmont Wildlife Center, Jordan High’s visit from Rep. Valerie Foushee, a year-end Hope Valley Elementary PTA pledge, and more.
election 2025
With about a week left, roughly 60% of early voters are women, most are Democrats or unaffiliated, and ages 41+ dominate. Early voting runs through Nov. 1; Election Day is Nov. 4. South Regional Library tops turnout so far.
Viewpoints and Voices
Meanwhile, Friday should be off to a chilly start, but what scares await at some spooktacular Halloween events? And how does "Something Wicked This Way Comes" hold up after all these years?
Nerdspresso
Disney finally dropped Ray Bradbury’s 1983 carnival chiller on Disney+, and nostalgia came roaring back - until the rewatch. Strong turns from Jonathan Pryce and Jason Robards can’t save a muddled, half-baked adaptation that doesn’t hold up.
Southpoint Access
Former Marines Julie and Bill Christiansen share their multiple sclerosis journey and life at Biogen’s RTP site - 30 years strong - plus: SoDu Shopping Basket, Kinya Ramen opening next week, the Family Resource Guide, and our pledge to support the Hope Valley Elementary PTA through Dec. 31.
Kitchen Table
Fire danger in effect; sunny 71°F. Durham Night Market, Bright Black’s reading club, rooftop Witches Night Out, and this week’s SoDu shopping basket.
Southpoint Access
Between now and Dec. 31, 2025, Southpoint Access will share a portion of subscriptions, donations, and sponsorships to support the Hope Valley Elementary PTA and South Durham classrooms.
Locally Aware
Your weekday local lowdown, powered by Southpoint Access. 💌 [Subscribe Free] | [Support Local Stories] Today’s South Durham Weather Forecast (Oct. 22, 2025) Heads up: Increased Fire Danger, 11 a.m.–7 p.m. today. Dry air (relative humidity 25–30%) plus westerly winds 15–20 mph, gusts 20–25 mph
Commentary
North Carolina’s GOP leaders are rushing a mid-decade redraw ahead of the 2026 midterms - while the governor’s hands are tied by a 1990s deal that exempted redistricting from veto power.
Obituaries
Sunshine and a light breeze this afternoon, cooler tonight near 50°. Support Hope Valley Elementary at Tomato Jake’s, see today’s obits, free school meals, DPS hiring needs, and a full rundown of Oct. 21 happenings across South Durham.