DPS Board to Confront Chronic Absenteeism, Law Enforcement Policy Changes
Thursday’s agenda also includes legislative priorities, a ThoughtExchange contract renewal, and budget amendments
Latest
AbbVie Picks Durham for $1.4B Manufacturing Campus
The new pharmaceutical production facility is expected to bring more than 700 jobs near Research Triangle Park.
Parkwood Starts Monthly Drive for Food Hub
Neighbors seek donations off shelf-stable items to support South Durham's Parktown Food Hub.
![[SeeGov] Durham City Council - April 20, 2026: Weighing Sprawl, Safety, and Annexations](https://storage.ghost.io/c/50/33/50334374-93a7-4cf9-ba69-d7d51c63be2a/content/images/size/w600/2026/04/city421.png)
[SeeGov] Durham City Council - April 20, 2026: Weighing Sprawl, Safety, and Annexations
Council members passed a proposal for Bella Ridge, unanimously rejected Patterson Hall, and split in its rejection of Morgan Farm - the newest iteration of what once was called Sheffield Farms.
In Memoriam: Durham Obituaries – April 21, 2026
Honoring lives recently lost in the Durham community, with upcoming services and remembrances.
Durham Public Schools Closed on May 1
The Board of Education voted Monday to close schools so teachers and staff can attend a rally at the North Carolina state capital.
Preservation Durham Executive Director Stepping Down
Julianne Patterson intends to leave her role at the end of the organization's current fiscal year.
![[Dispatches Received in Error Issue 2] Harbor Conditions at the Sapphire Estuary](https://storage.ghost.io/c/50/33/50334374-93a7-4cf9-ba69-d7d51c63be2a/content/images/size/w600/2026/04/dispatches420.png)
[Dispatches Received in Error Issue 2] Harbor Conditions at the Sapphire Estuary
A weekly serial fiction project for paid subscribers, unfolding through a growing archive of documents from an alternate-universe Southpoint.
Thousands of South Durham Customers Without Power on Sunday
The largest outage – along the Page Road/U.S. 70 corridor in southeastern Durham County - affects about 3,315 customers.
SoDu Sports Week Ahead: April 20-24, 2026
A day-by-day roundup of this week’s public school games across South Durham, from high school tennis and lacrosse to middle school baseball, soccer, softball and track.
Morgan Farm, Bella Ridge, and Patterson Hall Await City Council Consideration
Plus, Creekside Elementary Needs Your Votes for a Bartaco teacher appreciation event!
Durham Public Schools Cafeteria Menu: What’s for Lunch April 20-24, 2026
Nachos, dumplings, steak and gravy, and a Friday fish-and-chips special headline this week’s free meal lineup across Durham Public Schools.
Southpoint Access
Support the Local News That Keeps South Durham Informed
This work is free to read because neighbors deserve to stay informed. But good local journalism takes time, energy, and funding - and through June 10, your support will also help RootEd in DPS through a revenue-sharing partnership.
News
Durham Earth Day Festival: Community Celebration with a Practical Purpose
Free Durham festival brings live music, a parade, family activities, bike services, and hands-on ways to make everyday life a little greener.
![[Gallery] Hope Valley Elementary School K-2 Concert](https://storage.ghost.io/c/50/33/50334374-93a7-4cf9-ba69-d7d51c63be2a/content/images/size/w600/2026/04/hveconcert3-1.png)
Schools
[Gallery] Hope Valley Elementary School K-2 Concert
Students at the year-round public school on Friday performed for families in the school gymnasium.
Nerdspresso
Thrash: A "Just Fin" Entry in the Catalog of Jaws Imitators
In real life, I don’t think they transport meat in tankers full of blood, but sometimes you have to turn your brain off and just let art flow over you.
![[Gallery] Rogers-Herr Middle School Rams vs. Neal Middle School Eagles Baseball](https://storage.ghost.io/c/50/33/50334374-93a7-4cf9-ba69-d7d51c63be2a/content/images/size/w600/2026/04/baseball4162-1.png)
Sports
[Gallery] Rogers-Herr Middle School Rams vs. Neal Middle School Eagles Baseball
The teams faced off at 4:45 p.m. on Thursday, April 16, at the RHMS baseball field. Here's a photo gallery from the game.
Schools
Tickets for Teachers - Supporting RootEd for DPS!
Neighborhood News Guy Wes Platt talks with Matt Sears about RootEd in DPS and a fundraising effort to support Tickets for Teachers.
News
Triangle Performance Ensemble Brings New Easter Drama, Anti-Gun Violence Message to Durham Stage
“The Third Day,” a world premiere from the producers of “Black Nativity Durham,” opens April 17 at Hillside High School.
![[Dispatches Received in Error Issue 1] Welcome Packet for Unauthorized Recipients](https://storage.ghost.io/c/50/33/50334374-93a7-4cf9-ba69-d7d51c63be2a/content/images/size/w600/2026/04/dispatches416.png)
Fiction
[Dispatches Received in Error Issue 1] Welcome Packet for Unauthorized Recipients
A weekly serial fiction project for paid subscribers, unfolding through a growing archive of documents from an alternate-universe Southpoint.
SoDu Shopping Basket
SoDu Shopping Basket: Aldi Leads Again as Fresh Market Tops $92
Aldi posts the lowest total at $50.79, while Walmart ($54.17) and Food Lion ($54.36) are close behind. Fresh Market reaches $92.99 - a $42.20 spread for the same 17 staples.
Development
Durham Planning Commission Opposes Virgil Road Project
The board voted 10-2 against approving The Reserve at Rocky Branch, but it could still make it past Durham City Council. No date set yet for that meeting.
News
IONNA, Circle K Partner to Expand High-Speed EV Charging Network
The automaker-backed charging company and Circle K plan to add more than 350 EV charging sites across the U.S., including upgrades to about 85 existing locations.
![[Health Inspection Reports] Durham School Cafeterias - April 2026](https://storage.ghost.io/c/50/33/50334374-93a7-4cf9-ba69-d7d51c63be2a/content/images/size/w600/2026/04/inspections426--1-.png)
Health Inspection Reports
[Health Inspection Reports] Durham School Cafeterias - April 2026
TL;DR Version: The top scores went to KIPP Durham College Prep, Sandy Ridge Elementary School, and Spring Valley Elementary School, all scoring a perfect 100. The facility with the lowest score was Oak Grove Elementary School with a score of 93.5.