SoDu We Like Local News

Home Alone in SoDu

In this episode of ⁠⁠Southpoint Access Office Hours⁠⁠ [https://soduwelikelocal.news], Wes Platt brings readers up to speed about the new Durham Public Schools Board of Education, Alexan Farrington, and record-setting swimmers at the Durham Summer Swim League championship. Thanks to Southpoint Access sponsors for supporting independent local journalism.

What Does Right-Sizing Mean for Durham Public Schools?

In this episode of ⁠Southpoint Access Office Hours⁠ [https://soduwelikelocal.news], Wes Platt talks with Matt Sears of RootEd in DPS [https://rootedindps.org/] about what lies ahead for the Tickets for Teachers program - and what a new group of Board of Education members can expect during the start of their journey guiding Durham Public Schools. Thanks to Southpoint Access sponsors for supporting independent local journalism.

DPS Raises, Pride Displays, and South Durham Development

In this episode of Southpoint Access Office Hours [https://soduwelikelocal.news], Wes Platt catches listeners up on a busy stretch in Durham and South Durham, from end-of-school-year chaos to the latest local government decisions. Topics include: * Durham County’s newly approved budget, including a 2.5-cent tax increase to support raises for classified Durham Public Schools workers. * Funding approval for family drug treatment court. * The library Pride display controversy and commissioners’ response. * Tonight’s Planning Commission agenda, including data center moratoria, Page Road Townhouses, Oak Grove Landing, Avalon Place Phase 9, and a proposed 200-unit project at 3815 Wake Forest Hwy. * Concerns about vegetation clearing along Third Fork Creek Trail and its impact on wildlife. * A new sports trading card shop, Bull City Slabs, planned for The Shoppes of Hope Valley. * Reminders about the SoDu We Have Favorites voting deadline, graduation and pet obituary announcements, and the June 10 deadline for Southpoint Access’s revenue-sharing campaign benefiting RootEd in DPS. Thanks to Southpoint Access sponsors for supporting independent local journalism.

Navigating the Right Fit of School for Your Child

In the quest for quality education, families often find themselves overwhelmed by the options available, especially when relocating to a new area. In this episode of Office Hours, Emmy Renquist of SchoolUp [https://schoolupnc.com/] offers insights into that process. She's an education consultant with deep roots in the community. SchoolUp's team primarily covers Wake and Durham counties. Plus: * Data center moratorium on Monday's Council agenda [https://soduwelikelocal.news/data-center-moratorium-on-mondays-durham-council-agenda/] * Rogers-Herr performers take their talents to Carowinds [https://soduwelikelocal.news/gallery-rogers-herr-middle-school-band-orchestra-chorus-at-carowinds-may-2-2026/] * SoDu We Have Favorites: Submit your nominations [https://soduwelikelocal.news/sodu-we-have-favorites-2026-help-south-durham-choose-its-best/] * New Fiction: Dispatches Received in Error, Issue 4 [https://soduwelikelocal.news/gallery-rogers-herr-middle-school-band-orchestra-chorus-at-carowinds-may-2-2026/] * Get a 50% subscription discount [https://soduwelikelocal.news/dps-deal-50]

Tickets for Teachers - Supporting RootEd for DPS!

The "Tickets for Teachers" [https://rootedindps.org/projects/tickets-for-teachers/] initiative was born out of a simple yet powerful idea: utilize unused event tickets to benefit Durham educators. Many community members have tickets they can’t use, whether due to illness or scheduling conflicts. By donating these tickets, educators and their families can enjoy local events that might otherwise be out of reach. This initiative not only prevents tickets from going to waste but also fosters community spirit by providing educators with enjoyable experiences. Hear from Matt Sears, the mind behind this initiative for RootEd in DPS [https://rootedindps.org/], in this latest episode of Office Hours. Plus: * What's going on at Hope Valley Elementary School? [https://soduwelikelocal.news/busy-spring-stretch-at-hope-valley-elementary-school/] * Wendell Tabb and Xavier Cason produced "The Third Day," which premieres this weekend at Hillside High! [https://soduwelikelocal.news/triangle-performance-ensemble-brings-new-easter-drama-anti-gun-violence-message-to-durham-stage/] * Durham Planning Commission opposes The Reserve at Rocky Branch (but City Council could still approve it) [https://soduwelikelocal.news/durham-planning-commission-opposes-virgil-road-project/]. * School cafeteria health inspection reports. [https://soduwelikelocal.news/health-inspection-reports-durham-school-cafeterias-april-2026/] * New weekly SoDu Shopping Basket! [https://soduwelikelocal.news/sodu-shopping-basket-aldi-leads-again-as-fresh-market-tops-92/] * Paid Subscribers: Spotlight your favorite nonprofits! [https://soduwelikelocal.news/paid-subscriber-benefit-nonprofit-spotlight/] * Another bonus for paid subscribers: "Dispatches Received in Error" serial fiction project. [https://soduwelikelocal.news/dispatches-received-in-error-issue-1-welcome-packet-for-unauthorized-recipients/]