![[VIDEO] $2M Teacher Fix](https://storage.ghost.io/c/50/33/50334374-93a7-4cf9-ba69-d7d51c63be2a/content/images/size/w600/2026/08/generated-image--1-.png)
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Neighborhood News Guy Wes Platt explores the latest effort by Durham Public Schools to repair the gap in its exception children teaching staff. The Board of Education tonight is expected to consider a contract with Unlimited Instruction.
![[SoDu Shopping Basket] Aldi Retakes Low-Cost Lead as SoDu Grocery Basket Edges Higher](https://storage.ghost.io/c/50/33/50334374-93a7-4cf9-ba69-d7d51c63be2a/content/images/size/w600/2026/07/shopping723.png)
SoDu Shopping Basket
The average basket rises to $66.76 this week, with Aldi ($51.23) retaking the lowest-cost spot and Fresh Market ($105.53) highest — a $54.30 gap for the same 17 staples.
durham public schools
Outside instructors could help fill classrooms while completing a pathway to become licensed DPS teachers. The board also will consider an online graduation program, expanded i-Ready access, climate planning, and more than $6 million in technology and building projects.
![[VIDEO] Durham Data Center Loophole](https://storage.ghost.io/c/50/33/50334374-93a7-4cf9-ba69-d7d51c63be2a/content/images/size/w600/2026/08/officehours825.png)
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Neighborhood News Guy Wes Platt ponders Durham County Board of Commissioners Vice Chair Nida Allam's choice to vote against the data center moratorium, while also pushing for amendments to strengthen the moratorium.
durham public schools
Two students were held for questioning after Durham County Sheriff's deputies made the discovery while investigating a report involving another student.
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However, the moratorium moves forward with exceptions for projects smaller than 100,000 square feet despite public opposition.
![[SoDu We Learn DPS Governance] How DPS Board Committees Shape School Decisions Before the Final Vote](https://storage.ghost.io/c/50/33/50334374-93a7-4cf9-ba69-d7d51c63be2a/content/images/size/w600/2026/08/dpsgovernance4.png)
durham public schools
This explainer looks at recent Durham Public Schools committee work, including classroom technology, solar planning, budget transparency, and policy updates.
durham board of county commissioners
The proposed nine-month pause would cover large data centers, cryptocurrency mining operations, and artificial intelligence computing facilities. Some projects of up to 100,000 square feet could continue under water-use and backup-power restrictions.
![[SoDu Crime Watch] Shoplifting and Fraud Reports on the Rise](https://storage.ghost.io/c/50/33/50334374-93a7-4cf9-ba69-d7d51c63be2a/content/images/size/w600/2026/07/crimewatch--1-.png)
sodu crime watch
Vehicle-related theft remained South Durham’s largest category from Aug. 14-20, followed by 27 shoplifting reports.
![[VIDEO] Mettlesome: 10 Years of Improv](https://storage.ghost.io/c/50/33/50334374-93a7-4cf9-ba69-d7d51c63be2a/content/images/size/w600/2026/08/mettlesomehours.png)
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Neighborhood News Guy Wes Platt hears from Ashley Melzer of Mettlesome, which celebrates 10 years of making stuff up on the fly. Plus: more rain - but not enough to end Stage 2 restrictions and traditional schools go back into session next week.
![[SoDu Stuff to Do] Your Weekend Ahead - Aug. 20, 2026](https://storage.ghost.io/c/50/33/50334374-93a7-4cf9-ba69-d7d51c63be2a/content/images/size/w600/2026/06/stufftodo618.png)
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What's in the SoDu Events Calendar for this weekend? Southpoint Access provides a few highlights to consider!
SoDu Shopping Basket
The average basket falls to $66.44 this week, with Food Lion ($50.29) taking the lowest-cost spot and Fresh Market ($104.43) highest - a $54.14 gap for the same 17 staples.