Duke News Roundup: SPACE Initiative Debuts, Federal Probe Launched, Arts & Museum Milestones, New Children’s Hospital, DirecTV Partnership

Good afternoon, Blue Devils! It's Monday, September 22, 2025, and here's what's happening around Duke University. Today in Durham, expect mostly sunny skies with a high of 82°F (28°C). As the evening approaches, temperatures will cool down to the mid-60s. A perfect day to enjoy the outdoors! On September 8, the Duke SPACE Initiative—Science and Policy to Advance Cosmic Exploration—officially launched. The event featured astronaut and Duke alumna Anna Menon, who shared her experiences from the Polaris Dawn mission. The initiative aims to bridge hard science with policy-making to advance our understanding of the cosmos. The U.S. Department of Education has initiated a civil rights investigation into Duke University and the Duke Law Journal over allegations of race-based discrimination in admissions and hiring practices. The probe focuses on claims that the university used race, color, and national origin as factors in selecting law journal members and in other institutional decisions. In response to significant federal policy changes affecting research funding and other areas, Duke University has begun a strategic realignment and cost-reduction process. Measures include freezing most staff and faculty hiring, suspending capital spending on new projects, and limiting non-essential expenditures. These steps aim to sustain excellence in the university's core missions amid financial challenges. Duke Arts has announced an exciting lineup for the 2025-26 season. Opening Week, from September 2–7, featured a variety of performances, including comedian Atsuko Okatsuka and violinist Rachel Barton Pine. Upcoming highlights include Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience and Taylor Mac’s Holiday Sauce. These events showcase a blend of tradition and innovation in the arts. The Nasher Museum of Art is celebrating its 20th anniversary with special tours and exhibitions. From September 19 to 21, visitors can enjoy free guided tours exploring new exhibitions and works in the museum's collection. No pre-registration is required; simply sign up at the front desk upon arrival. Duke Health and UNC Health have announced plans to build North Carolina's first standalone children's hospital. The facility, named "NC Children's," will be located in the Research Triangle region and is expected to enhance pediatric care across the state. Groundbreaking is anticipated by 2027, with completion in about six years. DirecTV has entered into a multi-year college sports marketing and sponsorship deal with Duke University, among other institutions. The agreement includes enterprise-wide intellectual property rights, in-venue signage, and digital media placements. Fans can look forward to enhanced game-day experiences and community engagement initiatives as part of this partnership. That's all for today's update. Stay tuned for more news and events happening around campus. Go Duke!