Diara J.
@curiousscout.bsky.social
Environmental engagement journalist ~ locally reporting in NC. A disinfo researcher, media strategist and fantasy book nerd. Also a normal nerd. Poodle puppy mom. Saving up for my trip to Rivendell.
✍️ 📚 👩🏾🏫
https://thecuriousscout.beehiiv.com/
✍️ 📚 👩🏾🏫
https://thecuriousscout.beehiiv.com/
Pinned
Diara J.
@curiousscout.bsky.social
· Aug 18
Curiosity as a Superpower
Welcome to The Curious Scout, your monthly guide to quirks, questions, and big issues shaping Central North Carolina and beyond.
thecuriousscout.beehiiv.com
As my freelance #journalism expands in North Carolina, I'm sharing my journey with something new.
Welcome to ✨The Curious Scout✨
Join me as I uplift local stories on service, climate, the economy & the voices driving change, with a sprinkle of curiosity thecuriousscout.beehiiv.com/p/curiosity-...
Welcome to ✨The Curious Scout✨
Join me as I uplift local stories on service, climate, the economy & the voices driving change, with a sprinkle of curiosity thecuriousscout.beehiiv.com/p/curiosity-...
Reposted by Diara J.
First thing on every undocumented worker’s mind upon arriving in the United States: use a huge stockpile of cash to make a down payment and lock into a 30-year mortgage.
JD Vance: "Why did homes get so unaffordable? Because we had 20 million illegal aliens in this country taking homes that ought by right go to American citizens."
December 2, 2025 at 6:04 PM
First thing on every undocumented worker’s mind upon arriving in the United States: use a huge stockpile of cash to make a down payment and lock into a 30-year mortgage.
Need help shaping your pitch idea for the 2026 NC News & Information Summit? 🤔
Sign up for our Office Hours session happening THIS Thursday, Dec 4, at 12p ET! Cant wait to see what ideas you all have for the #NCNews & info ecosystem
#localnews #opengovernment #journalism
bit.ly/NCSummitOfficeHours
Sign up for our Office Hours session happening THIS Thursday, Dec 4, at 12p ET! Cant wait to see what ideas you all have for the #NCNews & info ecosystem
#localnews #opengovernment #journalism
bit.ly/NCSummitOfficeHours
Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Office hours: Pitch a session for the 2026 NC News & Info Summit. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.
Got questions about pitching a session for the 2026 NC News & Information Summit?
Join NC Local for an informal office hours session where you can ask anything, from brainstorming pitch topics to und...
bit.ly
December 1, 2025 at 11:06 PM
Need help shaping your pitch idea for the 2026 NC News & Information Summit? 🤔
Sign up for our Office Hours session happening THIS Thursday, Dec 4, at 12p ET! Cant wait to see what ideas you all have for the #NCNews & info ecosystem
#localnews #opengovernment #journalism
bit.ly/NCSummitOfficeHours
Sign up for our Office Hours session happening THIS Thursday, Dec 4, at 12p ET! Cant wait to see what ideas you all have for the #NCNews & info ecosystem
#localnews #opengovernment #journalism
bit.ly/NCSummitOfficeHours
Sometimes the best way to understand authoritarianism is through a Thanos metaphor 😆 My latest newsletter on SNAP benefits, election victories, and why nothing is 'inevitable.'
The SNAP: When Power Becomes Tyranny
thecuriousscout.beehiiv.com/p/trump-powe...
The SNAP: When Power Becomes Tyranny
thecuriousscout.beehiiv.com/p/trump-powe...
The Snap: When Power Becomes Tyranny
When reality turns to dust, who will resist? New from The Curious Scout.
thecuriousscout.beehiiv.com
December 1, 2025 at 12:07 AM
Sometimes the best way to understand authoritarianism is through a Thanos metaphor 😆 My latest newsletter on SNAP benefits, election victories, and why nothing is 'inevitable.'
The SNAP: When Power Becomes Tyranny
thecuriousscout.beehiiv.com/p/trump-powe...
The SNAP: When Power Becomes Tyranny
thecuriousscout.beehiiv.com/p/trump-powe...
Reposted by Diara J.
NEW: The governor of West Virginia says that two members of the state National Guard shot today in DC have died.
November 26, 2025 at 8:49 PM
NEW: The governor of West Virginia says that two members of the state National Guard shot today in DC have died.
Reposted by Diara J.
A tornado that raced through residential areas north of Houston damaged more than 100 homes, tearing off roofs, moving garages off their foundations and smashing windows, authorities in Texas said.
Torn roofs and smashed windows among damage to over 100 homes in a tornado near Houston
A tornado has damaged over 100 homes north of Houston, tearing off roofs and moving garages off foundations.
bit.ly
November 26, 2025 at 7:00 AM
A tornado that raced through residential areas north of Houston damaged more than 100 homes, tearing off roofs, moving garages off their foundations and smashing windows, authorities in Texas said.
Thinking about submitting a session idea for the 2026 NC News & Info Summit but not sure if it's the right fit?
Join @nclocal.bsky.social and @ncopengov.org for our office hours session on Dec 5 at 12 p.m. ET! And let's get you ready to pitch! bit.ly/NCSummitOfficeHours #northcarolina #localnews
Join @nclocal.bsky.social and @ncopengov.org for our office hours session on Dec 5 at 12 p.m. ET! And let's get you ready to pitch! bit.ly/NCSummitOfficeHours #northcarolina #localnews
Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Office hours: Pitch a session for the 2026 NC News & Info Summit. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.
Got questions about pitching a session for the 2026 NC News & Information Summit?
Join NC Local for an informal office hours session where you can ask anything, from brainstorming pitch topics to und...
bit.ly
November 24, 2025 at 6:23 PM
Thinking about submitting a session idea for the 2026 NC News & Info Summit but not sure if it's the right fit?
Join @nclocal.bsky.social and @ncopengov.org for our office hours session on Dec 5 at 12 p.m. ET! And let's get you ready to pitch! bit.ly/NCSummitOfficeHours #northcarolina #localnews
Join @nclocal.bsky.social and @ncopengov.org for our office hours session on Dec 5 at 12 p.m. ET! And let's get you ready to pitch! bit.ly/NCSummitOfficeHours #northcarolina #localnews
Reposted by Diara J.
I'm just glad that Pulitzer Prize winner Ed Yong caught the last chopper out of The Atlantic because what the hell is this
Over many interviews, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told Michael Scherer about how he plans to remake America’s public-health system. Can he lead the scientific establishment he’s spent much of his life crusading against?
Read more in our new cover story: theatln.tc/q9hXxlbM
Read more in our new cover story: theatln.tc/q9hXxlbM
November 24, 2025 at 6:00 PM
I'm just glad that Pulitzer Prize winner Ed Yong caught the last chopper out of The Atlantic because what the hell is this
Reposted by Diara J.
The Jameis Winston experience, summed up in one play.
November 23, 2025 at 8:30 PM
The Jameis Winston experience, summed up in one play.
Reposted by Diara J.
Our office is aware of reports that the Border Patrol is bringing its operation to Raleigh.
November 18, 2025 at 1:04 AM
Our office is aware of reports that the Border Patrol is bringing its operation to Raleigh.
BREAKING: U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents will be deployed in the Raleigh area on Tuesday, Democratic legislative sources briefed by Gov. Josh Stein’s office told The Assembly and INDY on Monday.
www.theassemblync.com/news/politic...
www.theassemblync.com/news/politic...
Immigration Agents Coming to Raleigh Tuesday, Sources Say
Democratic legislative sources briefed by Gov. Josh Stein’s office told The Assembly and INDY agents are coming to the state capital.
www.theassemblync.com
November 18, 2025 at 1:19 AM
Reposted by Diara J.
Ms. Rachel wore a dress designed by Palestinian children in Gaza while being honored at this awards ceremony.
"Rana made this beautiful drawing, she lost both of her sisters in the genocide."
(AJ+)
"Rana made this beautiful drawing, she lost both of her sisters in the genocide."
(AJ+)
November 12, 2025 at 7:23 AM
Ms. Rachel wore a dress designed by Palestinian children in Gaza while being honored at this awards ceremony.
"Rana made this beautiful drawing, she lost both of her sisters in the genocide."
(AJ+)
"Rana made this beautiful drawing, she lost both of her sisters in the genocide."
(AJ+)
Reposted by Diara J.
INBOX: In a detailed LinkedIn post, investigative reporter @mackoxenden.bsky.social accuses Suncoast Searchlight, a nonprofit news outlet based in SW Florida, of firing her in retaliation for raising concerns about her executive editor's use of AI, leading to the insertion of hallucinated quotes.
November 14, 2025 at 11:56 PM
INBOX: In a detailed LinkedIn post, investigative reporter @mackoxenden.bsky.social accuses Suncoast Searchlight, a nonprofit news outlet based in SW Florida, of firing her in retaliation for raising concerns about her executive editor's use of AI, leading to the insertion of hallucinated quotes.
Reposted by Diara J.
Really solid work here to connect people with food. Share it.
That’s why we partnered with local orgs Waters Meet and Spokane Community Against Racism to create spokane.food, an interactive map of places to get support for food insecurity, or give support, if you’re in a place to help.
How to get or give help during the SNAP shutdown across the Inland Northwest – RANGE Media
Our community is facing a food crisis. We created a comprehensive map of all the resources in our region, so you can find the nearest food pantries, community organizations and restaurants offering free food closest to you.
spokane.food
November 7, 2025 at 1:58 AM
Really solid work here to connect people with food. Share it.
Reposted by Diara J.
At least 20 people have died in ICE custody in 2025, making this year the deadliest in decades. With increases to ICE’s funding, workforce, and detention space, the system riddled with abuse and neglect will undoubtedly be more life-threatening in 2026.
www.npr.org/2025/10/23/n...
www.npr.org/2025/10/23/n...
It's the deadliest year for people in ICE custody in decades; next year could be worse
There have been at least 20 deaths in ICE custody in 2025, the deadliest year since 2004. As the agency is ramping up hiring and increasing detentions, concerns remain about how to stop the trend.
www.npr.org
November 5, 2025 at 5:13 PM
At least 20 people have died in ICE custody in 2025, making this year the deadliest in decades. With increases to ICE’s funding, workforce, and detention space, the system riddled with abuse and neglect will undoubtedly be more life-threatening in 2026.
www.npr.org/2025/10/23/n...
www.npr.org/2025/10/23/n...
Reposted by Diara J.
NEW: Cloudbursts in India and atmospheric rivers in California are distinct weather phenomena, yet both unleash intense rainfall over a relatively short period.
As climate change aggravates these events, there is an urgent need for governments to up their game in weather prediction.
As climate change aggravates these events, there is an urgent need for governments to up their game in weather prediction.
Extreme Rainfall Events Pummel the Himalayas to California
Cloudbursts in India and atmospheric rivers in California are distinct weather phenomena, yet both unleash intense rainfall over a relatively short period. As climate change aggravates these events,…
www.thexylom.com
November 4, 2025 at 6:57 PM
NEW: Cloudbursts in India and atmospheric rivers in California are distinct weather phenomena, yet both unleash intense rainfall over a relatively short period.
As climate change aggravates these events, there is an urgent need for governments to up their game in weather prediction.
As climate change aggravates these events, there is an urgent need for governments to up their game in weather prediction.
Reposted by Diara J.
SCOOP: Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has publicly released an app that Sheriff Offices, police departments, and other local or regional law enforcement can use to scan someone’s face as part of immigration enforcement, 404 Media has learned.
CBP Quietly Launches Face Scanning App for Local Cops To Do Immigration Enforcement
The app, called Mobile Identify and available on the Google Play Store, is specifically for local and regional law enforcement agencies working with ICE on immigration enforcement.
www.404media.co
November 4, 2025 at 5:44 PM
SCOOP: Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has publicly released an app that Sheriff Offices, police departments, and other local or regional law enforcement can use to scan someone’s face as part of immigration enforcement, 404 Media has learned.
Reposted by Diara J.
A Border Patrol agent was caught on video telling another to throw tear gas “for fun,” according to a court filing. They also mocked protesters and residents who were getting gassed.
November 4, 2025 at 5:09 PM
A Border Patrol agent was caught on video telling another to throw tear gas “for fun,” according to a court filing. They also mocked protesters and residents who were getting gassed.
Reposted by Diara J.
Reposted by Diara J.
The town of Glenrock and two of its officials are caught up in a $320 million lawsuit. As federal workers brace for zero pay this week, they're finding relief via a variety of means. Some rural residents are objecting to dense, new housing.
Local Lookout: Glenrock fights massive lawsuit | Federal workers find side hustle | Housing project stirs debate - WyoFile
The town of Glenrock and two of its officials are caught up in a $320 million lawsuit. As federal workers brace for zero pay this week, they’re finding relief via a variety of means. Some rural reside...
wyofile.com
October 29, 2025 at 9:19 PM
The town of Glenrock and two of its officials are caught up in a $320 million lawsuit. As federal workers brace for zero pay this week, they're finding relief via a variety of means. Some rural residents are objecting to dense, new housing.
Reposted by Diara J.
They're not even pretending it's not about racism.
A statue of Confederate general Albert Pike, which had been pulled down during the Black Lives Matter movement, has been put back up in Washington, D.C.'s Judiciary Square. n.pr/49pygiD
A Confederate statue toppled in Washington, D.C., in 2020 has been reinstalled
A statue of Confederate general Albert Pike, which had been pulled down during the Black Lives Matter movement, has been put back up in Washington, D.C.'s Judiciary Square.
n.pr
October 27, 2025 at 9:42 PM
They're not even pretending it's not about racism.
Reposted by Diara J.
NEW: After The Washington Post reported Monday on the demolition of the "East Wing facade," a new picture obtained by Law Dork that was taken on Tuesday shows that a substantial portion of the entirety of the East Wing has been demolished.
October 21, 2025 at 8:13 PM
NEW: After The Washington Post reported Monday on the demolition of the "East Wing facade," a new picture obtained by Law Dork that was taken on Tuesday shows that a substantial portion of the entirety of the East Wing has been demolished.
Reposted by Diara J.
NEW: Scientists are using non-targeted analysis to detect wide swaths of whatever chemicals are lingering out there, ones that government agencies like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency aren’t looking for or don’t even know about.
This story was first published by @knowablemag.bsky.social.
This story was first published by @knowablemag.bsky.social.
Tracking Down the Hidden Pollutants That Make Wildlife Sick
Since some chemicals become increasingly concentrated in animal tissues as they move up the food chain, long-lived, top predators like alligators — which may spend 50 years or more swimming and eating...
www.thexylom.com
October 21, 2025 at 11:05 PM
NEW: Scientists are using non-targeted analysis to detect wide swaths of whatever chemicals are lingering out there, ones that government agencies like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency aren’t looking for or don’t even know about.
This story was first published by @knowablemag.bsky.social.
This story was first published by @knowablemag.bsky.social.
Reposted by Diara J.
Ordered to lie, fired when he refused.
My thoughts on the 60 Minutes interview of former DOJ attorney turned whistleblower, Erez Reuveni, and why any prosecution in the Trump Regime must be viewed with skepticism, if not outright disgust.
youtu.be/GJcXaI7IeH8?...
My thoughts on the 60 Minutes interview of former DOJ attorney turned whistleblower, Erez Reuveni, and why any prosecution in the Trump Regime must be viewed with skepticism, if not outright disgust.
youtu.be/GJcXaI7IeH8?...
Trump SCREWS His OWN DOJ as WHISTLEBLOWER REVEALS All
YouTube video by Katie Phang
youtu.be
October 21, 2025 at 2:23 AM
Ordered to lie, fired when he refused.
My thoughts on the 60 Minutes interview of former DOJ attorney turned whistleblower, Erez Reuveni, and why any prosecution in the Trump Regime must be viewed with skepticism, if not outright disgust.
youtu.be/GJcXaI7IeH8?...
My thoughts on the 60 Minutes interview of former DOJ attorney turned whistleblower, Erez Reuveni, and why any prosecution in the Trump Regime must be viewed with skepticism, if not outright disgust.
youtu.be/GJcXaI7IeH8?...
Reposted by Diara J.
I went to the No Kings protest. After talking to dozens of people, I noticed an interesting shift: Democrats no longer trust the national security state
www.kenklippenstein.com/p/no-kings-i...
www.kenklippenstein.com/p/no-kings-i...
"No Kings" Is About More Than Trump
Americans are rejecting the national security state
www.kenklippenstein.com
October 20, 2025 at 9:19 PM
I went to the No Kings protest. After talking to dozens of people, I noticed an interesting shift: Democrats no longer trust the national security state
www.kenklippenstein.com/p/no-kings-i...
www.kenklippenstein.com/p/no-kings-i...
A #NoKings protest in North Carolina, in front of a Piggly Wiggly in “ruby red Republican” Lee County (yes, it’s named after the Confederate general and yes, they voted for Trump since 2016)
So many veterans, farmers with USAID connections, and very few liberals.
#NoKingsDayOct18th #NoKingsProtest
So many veterans, farmers with USAID connections, and very few liberals.
#NoKingsDayOct18th #NoKingsProtest
October 20, 2025 at 7:32 PM
A #NoKings protest in North Carolina, in front of a Piggly Wiggly in “ruby red Republican” Lee County (yes, it’s named after the Confederate general and yes, they voted for Trump since 2016)
So many veterans, farmers with USAID connections, and very few liberals.
#NoKingsDayOct18th #NoKingsProtest
So many veterans, farmers with USAID connections, and very few liberals.
#NoKingsDayOct18th #NoKingsProtest