Week in Review
Seeking Thankfulness in an Uncertain Time
Plus, a look back at this week's news, including hundreds of jobs coming to Novartis by 2030.
News
city government
Durham Taps Starla Tanner to Lead New Engagement Department
Starla Tanner's earlier roles in North Carolina include intergovernmental affairs manager for Mecklenburg County, where she directed state and federal advocacy strategies, managed more than $50 million in federal relief funding, and advanced a countywide source-of-income nondiscrimination ordinance.
![[SoDu Alert] DPS Postpones Showcase of Schools](https://storage.ghost.io/c/50/33/50334374-93a7-4cf9-ba69-d7d51c63be2a/content/images/size/w600/2025/11/dpspostponed.png)
durham public schools
[SoDu Alert] DPS Postpones Showcase of Schools
School district leaders count on events like Showcase of Schools to help raise awareness about the value of public education in the Bull City - especially at a time when enrollment is declining.
South Durham Business
Novartis to Invest $771M, Add 700 Jobs in Durham and Wake by 2030
Pharma company will expand biologics, sterile filling and small-batch tablet production at new Durham and Morrisville sites, with hiring ramping through 2030.
![[Health Inspection Reports] South Durham Restaurants 27707 - November 2025](https://storage.ghost.io/c/50/33/50334374-93a7-4cf9-ba69-d7d51c63be2a/content/images/size/w600/2025/11/Inspections1125.png)
Health Inspection Reports
[Health Inspection Reports] South Durham Restaurants 27707 - November 2025
TL;DR Version: The top scores went to McDonalds #11385, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Starbucks Coffee 25714, Five Guys, and Panera Bread #1651, all scoring a perfect 100 with no demerits.
sodu we watch our government
Preview: Durham Public Schools Board of Education - Nov. 20 at 6:30 p.m.
What South Durham parents need to know before tonight’s DPS Board meeting: proposed phone/device rules, athletics eligibility changes, rising charter pass-throughs, two future school calendars, and key contracts on the consent agenda.
Kitchen Table
South Durham's 2025 Thanksgiving Shopping Basket Showdown
Whether you're looking for a budget meal, a vegetarian spread, or a classic feast, Southpoint Access breaks down grocery cost comparisons.
Locally Aware
South Durham Crime Report: Parking-Lot Thefts and Retail Frauds Continue Along I-40 Corridor
Police logged 87 incidents from Nov. 9–15, with car break-ins at hotels, office parks, and stores on NC-55, NC-54, and University Drive leading the week’s reports.
sodu we watch our government
DPS, County Pondering New Bond for Improvement Projects
Durham commissioners and Board of Education members meet Wednesday to weigh a new general obligation bond to provide funding in the face of a sales tax shortfall and competing priorities.
Life and Legacy
In Memoriam: Durham Obituaries – Nov. 18, 2025
Honoring lives recently lost in the Durham community, with upcoming services and remembrances.
Your Week Ahead
Your Week Ahead: Storytime, Ozobots, Dogs & Jazz Vespers - Tree Lighting Friday (Nov. 17–22)
Family-friendly picks across Durham: preschool story time (Mon), Ozobot coding (Tue), meet adoptable dogs + vet talk (Wed), Jazz Vespers at Duke Chapel (Thu), Downtown Durham Tree Lighting at CCB Plaza (Fri), and an author visit at Southwest Regional Library (Sat).
sodu we watch our government
Preview: Durham City Council Meeting - Nov. 17 at 7 p.m.
Public hearing on Hayti Lane, plus a packed consent agenda that could pass in one vote unless a member pulls items.