[SoDu Sunrise Showcase] Avoid Setting Chromebooks on Fire

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

WEATHER FORECAST

Per the National Weather Service: A flood watch remains in effect through Tuesday night due to excessive rainfall. Hazardous weather outlook indicates an isolated, weak tornado may be possible. High near 77. Tonight, low around 63.

Durham Students: Don't Follow TikTok Chromebook Trend

In a note to Rogers-Herr Middle School families on Sunday, Principal Tawauna Stewart asked for help to “address a concerning increase in the number of damaged device reports we have recently received.”

She cited an “alarming trend in damaged Chromebooks” that could’ve been influenced by a popular TikTok challenge that encourages students to jam paper clips and pencils into a computer’s USB port to cause a short circuit or catch fire.

Stewart told parents and guardians that the school is investigating all reported device damage. If it’s determined that a student intentionally damaged their Chromebook as part of a social media challenge, their consequences could include:

• School disciplinary action.
• Financial responsibility for device repair or replacement.
• Possible suspension of device privileges.

A Mother's Mission: Angela White and the Importance of Water Safety: From our friends at The Haw River Assembly, get perspective on the crucial nature of water confidence.

Join the Southpoint Access Subreddit!

South Durham deserves a space online where neighbors can connect, share updates, ask questions, and build community - and that’s exactly what I'm creating with the brand-new Southpoint Access subreddit.

Right now, it's pretty much a blank slate. That means you have the opportunity to help shape it into something useful and welcoming:

• Post about road construction or traffic delays
• Share school news, local business tips, or weekend plans
• Ask for advice, give recommendations, or just connect with others nearby

Whether you have one quick question or want to start a bigger conversation, Southpoint Access is here for South Durham residents to make it their own.

👉 Click here to join and be one of the first to help it grow!

What's on the Rezoning Radar?

Check the status of some development projects in the works for South Durham, including Brittmore, which is proposed for the area near where Sheffield Farms recently got rejected by the City Council.

FOR SUBSCRIBERS

• [Subscriber Bonus] Durham High School Senior Spotlight!
• [Welcome to the World] Durham Births - April 19-25, 2025
• [Dearly Beloved] Marriage Applications - March 22-28, 2025
• South Durham Restaurant Inspection Scores for April 2025
• [SoDu Shopping Basket] May 9, 2025

Enjoying the SoDu Sunrise Newsletter and the information provided by Southpoint Access? Support our work with your donation!

What's Happening Today?

• Scented Storytime. For pre-schoolers. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Registration required. Storytime and scented activities with Bright Black Candle Co. Discover the connection of storytelling and scent through music and books. Children’s programming room at Southwest Regional Library (3605 Shannon Rd.). (Durham County Library)
• Durham Planning Commission. 5:30 p.m. First-floor council chamber at 101 City Hall Plaza. (Durham Government)
• Family Bingo Night. All are welcome. 5:45 to 7 p.m. Concessions open at 5:45. Bingo starts at 6 and ends at 7. In the school gym at Lyons Farm Elementary School (906 Scott King Rd.) (Durham Public Schools)
• Introduction to Comics Literacy. High school students and adults. 6 to 7:30 p.m. Registration required. Comics fans interested in taking their understanding of sequential art to the next level are invited to join Tea Founger for an exploration of the history and cultural impact of comics. Virtual meeting via Zoom. (Durham County Library)
• Sip and Suds. Ages 21 and up. 6:30 to 8 p.m. Registration required. Unwind with a blend of relaxation and creativity, pairing the art of soap-making with the enjoyment of fine wine. Campus Hills Park, 2000 S. Alston Ave. Fees: $6 for county residents; $11 for non-county residents. (Durham Parks and Recreation)

Check out this week's activities!

IN MEMORIAM

• Durham Obituaries - May 13, 2025

INTERESTING ELSEWHERE

• China Sees U.S. Trade Deal as Huge Win for Beijing [CNBC]
• UK Toughens Immigration Requirements [AXIOS]
• Jailed Rodrigo Duterte Elected Mayor in Philippine Election [BBC]
• Gaza's Entire Population Faces "Critical" Hunger Levels [ABC News]

Get Connected

• Send email to ⁠⁠⁠your neighborhood news guy: wes.platt@southpointaccess.news
• Follow on ⁠⁠⁠Bluesky⁠⁠⁠
• Join ⁠⁠⁠our Discord community⁠⁠⁠
• Join the Southpoint Access subreddit!

Support Our Sponsors

• Holly Hayes at NEST Realty.
• Constantinou and Burkert Law Offices.
• Jill E. Burton and Associates.