SoDu Morning Brief: Biogen Invests in Durham Tech, DPS Expands Mental Health Support, and Early Voting Starts Soon
Biogen’s $250,000 donation will help launch a new life sciences training hub at Durham Tech. Durham Public Schools is expanding student mental health services across the district. And with early voting just days away, we’ve got everything you need to cast your ballot in the 2025 municipal election.
☀️ South Durham Weather Forecast – Oct. 10, 2025
Looking for the latest weather update for South Durham, NC? Here's your hyperlocal SoDu forecast:
Today: Partly sunny skies with a high near 70 - another perfect fall day in SoDu.
Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with overnight lows around around 56. Ideal for a cozy evening or outdoor events.

Biogen Donates $250K to Durham Tech Life Sciences Center
In a major boost to the Triangle’s life sciences ecosystem, Biogen and the Biogen Foundation have pledged $250,000 to support Durham Technical Community College’s new Novo Nordisk Life Sciences Center. The announcement comes as Biogen celebrates its 30th anniversary in the Research Triangle Park area.
The donation will help fund the Biogen Lab Hall, part of Durham Tech’s state-of-the-art, 35,000-square-foot training facility focused on preparing students for high-demand roles in biomanufacturing and the broader life sciences industry. Scheduled to serve hundreds of students annually, the new facility will feature 12 advanced laboratories and industry-aligned programs that mirror the evolving needs of the region’s booming biotech sector.
Read more in Southpoint Access!
DPS Expands Student Mental Health Services
Durham Public Schools (DPS) is expanding access to school-based mental health services through a renewed partnership with Durham County Government and Alliance Health.
The initiative, relaunching on World Mental Health Day (Oct. 10), aims to connect more students with behavioral health care, crisis intervention, and developmental support services across Durham’s public school system.
School-Based Behavioral Health Support for All DPS Students
The program, known as the School-Based Team (SBT), is operated by Alliance Health and is designed to help Durham County students access services such as:
- Behavioral and mental health counseling
- Substance use disorder treatment
- Support for intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)
- Care coordination during and after a mental health crisis
SBT serves all DPS students, regardless of insurance status, and assists families with referrals, follow-up, and connections to community health resources. The program also supports students transitioning in and out of psychiatric or residential treatment facilities.
Read more in Southpoint Access!
📬 Stay informed about Durham school health programs, student support, and local education news. Subscribe to the Southpoint Access newsletter for regular updates on what’s happening in Durham schools and beyond.

Durham’s municipal general election is Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, and voters will decide who leads the city as Mayor and who represents City Council Wards 1, 2, and 3.
Whether you’re new to Durham, attending college here, or just haven’t voted in a while, this guide will walk you through everything you need to register, update your info, and cast your ballot - early or on Election Day.
Early voting starts next week! Get the rundown in Southpoint Access!

🏈 Triangle Rivalry Challenge: Cheer Local, Give Local
Support South Durham news while repping your favorite team - Duke 💙, UNC 💙, NC State ❤️, or NCCU 🦅.
Every dollar donated via ko-fi.com/southpointaccess adds points to your team’s score as we race to raise $4,000 for neighborhood journalism by Dec. 31.
🧭 Cheer for your team. Invest in your community.
[Nerdspresso] Talking Troma and Curly Fries with James Gunn (In My Head)
From Jeff Stanford's latest Nerdspresso column:
I used to do this thing with my friends where we would name our imaginary celebrity bros. These would be well-known folks that we wanted to hang out with in real life. Based on what we knew about them, imaginary celebrity bros were famous guys who seemed like good dudes. Fellas like Paul Rudd, Ryan Gosling, or Kevin Smith who might be down for splitting a pizza and talking about why Michael Keaton was the best Batman.
Although Kevin Smith might fight me on that one because he’s pals with Ben Affleck, who also would be an awesome imaginary celebrity bro. This term sounds a lot cooler to me than saying I have a man crush, but I guess it’s the same thing. But this fascination was not just about fandom. It was about appreciating these prominent individuals who seemed like regular folks. Despite all the tinsel and buzz, there’s the hope that they’re just like you and me.
For example, Paul Rudd takes his kids trick or treating. Ryan Gosling loves his mom. Kevin Smith collects comic books. And Ben Affleck likes Dunkin’ Donuts. Hey, we’re all just one big happy nerd family! While I don’t collect imaginary celebrity bros anymore, I do think that James Gunn and I could be pals. The writer/director of the recent Superman reboot and the mastermind behind HBO Max’s Peacemaker series does seem like my kind of people.
Drop a comment or reply with your pick - and why you’d want to hang out.
Read the full column in Southpoint Access!
🥪 Durham Public Schools Lunch Menus – Oct. 10, 2025
🍎 Elementary School Lunch Menu
Entrée Options:
- Assorted Pizza Options
- Cheese Pizza (V)
Sides:
- Baby Carrots with Dip
- Tossed Salad with Dressing
- Peaches
📚 Middle School Lunch Menu
Entrée Options:
- Assorted Pizza Options
- Cheese Pizza (V)
- MS to Go: Deli Chef Salad with Roll
Sides:
- Baby Carrots with Dip
- Tossed Salad with Dressing
- Peaches
🎓 High School Lunch Menu
Entrée Options:
- Double Hot Dogs on Bun
- Barbecue Flatbread (V)
Sides:
- Cole Slaw
- Oven Potatoes
- Chilled Peaches
📌 All student meals are free. Menus include choice of milk, fresh fruit, and 100% juice. Items subject to change.
🎟️ Events in South Durham – Oct. 10
📚 All Day – Banned Books Week Activities for Tweens & Teens
Durham County Library – 211 Lick Creek Ln.
Celebrate Banned Books Week with themed displays and drop-in activities for tweens and teens. Free and open to the public.
🎨 All Day – Children's Take-and-Make Crafts: Spooky Edition
Durham County Library – 4505 S. Alston Ave.
Pick up a spooky-themed craft kit for kids while supplies last. Great for ages 3–10. Part of a 25-day fall series at South Regional Library.
🎶 5–8 p.m. – Live Music: The Back Roads at The Glass Jug (RTP)
The Glass Jug Beer Lab – RTP, 5410 NC Hwy. 55 V
Enjoy live country and southern rock from The Back Roads while sipping local brews at this relaxed RTP taproom. Free entry, food trucks on-site.
🎉 6–8 p.m. – Friday Fun Night with Durham Parks & Rec
W.D. Hill Recreation Center – 1309 Halley St.
Wrap up the week with games, music, and family fun hosted by Durham Parks and Recreation. A great free event for all ages.
📅 More local happenings on the SoDu Events Calendar.
Have something to share? Email wes.platt@southpointaccess.news.
🚗 Need a Traffic Update?
Check our Southpoint Access Live Traffic Map for real-time road conditions across Fayetteville Road, NC Highway 55, and I-40.
Avoid delays and plan your route smarter!
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