Health Inspection Reports

SoDu Morning Brief: School Cafeteria Scores, New Book Shortages, and an RTP Retrospective

Cafeteria inspections recap with top and lowest scores, Durham County Library warns of slower new arrivals, and breast cancer awareness and survivor event at The Streets at Southpoint on Sunday, Oct. 19.

Wes Platt

Wes Platt

— 4 min read
SoDu Morning Brief: School Cafeteria Scores, New Book Shortages, and an RTP Retrospective
The Museum of Durham History today opens a new exhibit about the history of Research Triangle Park. Courtesy: NC Biotech.

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☀️ South Durham Weather Forecast – Oct. 17, 2025

Looking for the latest weather update for South Durham, NC? Here's your hyperlocal SoDu forecast:

Today: Sunny, with a high near 69. Tonight, partly cloudy, with a low around 47. Great for lunchtime walks and evening football - bring a layer after sunset.

Updated daily by Southpoint Access, your source for South Durham news and local weather.

wes.platt@southpointaccess.news

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Southpoint Inspection Scores - Durham School Lunchrooms

Source: Durham County Department of Public Health records (inspections filed Aug. 1–Sept. 30, 2025).

TL;DR:

  • Top score: Lyons Farm Elementary Lunchroom - 100 (no demerits).
  • Lowest score: Parkwood Elementary Lunchroom - 95.5 (boiler out; no hot water at inspection time).

Read the full report in Southpoint Access!

Durham County Library: New Book Delays After Baker & Taylor Shutdown

The collapse of Baker & Taylor - long the nation’s largest wholesaler to public libraries - means Durham County Library patrons are unlikely to see many new books on shelves in the coming months.

County officials notified patrons on Thursday that Baker & Taylor, the library system’s primary supplier, is closing at the end of the year and can’t fill most outstanding orders.

Read more in Southpoint Access!

Southpoint Event Aims to Raise Awareness About Breast Cancer

According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, more than 8,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the state, and about 1,000 die from the disease annually - figures that highlight the importance of early detection and access to care in North Carolina.

Against that backdrop, The Streets at Southpoint will host a Breast Cancer Awareness & Survivor Event on Sunday, Oct. 19, from 1 to 3 p.m. in Center Court (lower level near Nordstrom). The community is invited to learn about screening options, pick up educational materials, and support local patients.

Get the full story from Southpoint Access!

🎟️ Events In and Around South Durham – Oct. 17

Five easy picks across libraries, parks, downtown, and the Museum of Durham History - perfect for families, teens, and date night.

  • 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. - Fire Truck Storytime (Durham County Library)
    Southwest Regional Library - Stories + a real fire truck visit.
  • 2 - 3:30 p.m. - Among Us: Crewmates vs. Imposter (Durham Public Library)
    Durham County Main Library - Teen/tween gaming session.
  • 5 - 8 p.m. - Fright Night (Durham Parks & Recreation)
    Edison Johnson Recreation Center - Spooky, family-friendly fun.
  • 5:30 - 9:30 p.m. - Durham Foodie Fare (Durham Central Park)
    Durham Central Park - Food trucks, vendors, and music.
  • 6 - 7 p.m. - Exhibit Opening: Made in the Triangle: The Story of RTP (Museum of Durham History)
    Museum of Durham History - New exhibit + opening program.

📅 More local happenings on the SoDu Events Calendar.

Have something to share? Email wes.platt@southpointaccess.news.

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