Diara J.
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curiousscout.bsky.social
Diara J.
@curiousscout.bsky.social
250 followers 150 following 190 posts
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/
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curiousscout.bsky.social
Diara J. @curiousscout.bsky.social · Aug 18
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-...
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
Reposted by Diara J.
alexip718.com
See America? It is possible
yasharali.bsky.social Yashar Ali 🐘 @yasharali.bsky.social · 2h
BREAKING

The former president of South Korea has been sentenced to serve five years in prison in one of eight criminal trials.

The most significant charge he is facing is leading a rebellion, which carries a potential sentence of death.

Full Story: bit.ly/4aWpzgC
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - A South Korean court has sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to five years in prison on some charges related to his imposition of martial law. The verdict is the first against Yoon in the eight criminal trials over the decree he issued in late 2024 and other allegations. The most significant charge against him alleges that he led a rebellion in connection with his martial law enforcement and it carries a potential death penalty.
January 16, 2026 at 6:35 AM
Reposted by Diara J.
mrdanzak.com
Stunning photos from Minneapolis, including this one by John Locher for the Associated Press. www.theatlantic.com/photography/...
A family member reacts after a federal immigration officer used a battering ram to break down a door before making an arrest on January 11, 2026, in Minneapolis.
January 15, 2026 at 7:22 PM
Reposted by Diara J.
joeymaier.bsky.social
#Coralrestoration
Corals grown in mid-water nurseries face fewer predators and less smothering sediment... Some species...can double in size several times annually when suspended on “coral trees” or attached to floating lines."

share.google/UubtlL4Vwwuo...
Millions Of Coral Fragments Grown In Underwater Nurseries Are Rebuilding Reefs, Sheltering Fish And Restoring Ocean Life
Around her, rows of coral fragments sway on thin ropes like laundry hung out in a gentle underwater breeze. A parrotfish crunches in the background, a
share.google
January 12, 2026 at 10:28 PM
Reposted by Diara J.
jacobtlevy.bsky.social
How it’s going
January 12, 2026 at 1:19 AM
Reposted by Diara J.
damaso.bsky.social
Fully Funded Reuters Institute Journalist Fellowships

reutersinstitute.politics.ox.ac.uk/fellowships
Our Journalist Fellowship
The Journalist Fellowship Programme is one of the world’s leading schemes for practising, mid-career journalists.
reutersinstitute.politics.ox.ac.uk
January 13, 2026 at 6:05 AM
Reposted by Diara J.
alexip718.com
INBOX: Atlanta City Council will introduce legislation next Tuesday to rename Old Wheat Street to Cornelius Taylor Street.

Cornelius Taylor was bulldozed to death by City of Atlanta employees during a homeless encampment sweep in 2025 to make way for dignitaries attending MLK Day festivities.
Man killed during clearing of homeless encampment honored at public visitation
Family, friends and community members gathered at a public visitation for a man who was killed during the clearing of a homeless encampment.
www.atlantanewsfirst.com
January 13, 2026 at 6:43 AM
Reposted by Diara J.
belindaarch.bsky.social
I am so very sorry to hear about the passing about my friend and colleague Professor Kimuli Kasara. She was a brilliant scholar and a bright, funny, warm person. I remember first meeting her as the only other Black woman/faculty at the Columbia political econ seminar and feeling relief/happiness
January 12, 2026 at 7:07 PM
Reposted by Diara J.
parkermolloy.com
Pretty willd how the DOJ just straight up stopped releasing the Epstein files even though they're legally obligated to do so.
January 12, 2026 at 7:39 PM
Reposted by Diara J.
theguardian.com
An ecosystem of smuggled tech holds Iran’s last link to the outside world
An ecosystem of smuggled tech holds Iran’s last link to the outside world
Despite internet blackout, a small number of Iranians are risking their lives to share messages as protests continue
www.theguardian.com
January 13, 2026 at 7:51 AM
Reposted by Diara J.
theonion.com
Historians: Quibbling Over Exact Definition Of Concentration Camp Sign Of Healthy Society https://theonion.com/historians-quibbling-over-exact-definition-of-concentration-camp-sign-of-healthy-society/
Historians: Quibbling Over Exact Definition Of Concentration Camp Sign Of Healthy Society
December 28, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Reposted by Diara J.
thexylom.com
The effect of wind on world politics surprised Author Simon Winchester the most.

Swedish scientists picked up radioactive traces carried by an atypical wind from Chernobyl — a shift that exposed the disaster instead of letting the Soviet regime hide it, Winchester tells Jason P Dinh.
Lessons on Climate Futures from Wind’s Tempestuous Past: An Interview with Author Simon Winchester
A newly published history of the wind turns to sea gods and early wind turbines to show how today’s challenges to renewable energy repeat a centuries-old pattern.
www.thexylom.com
December 10, 2025 at 2:38 PM
curiousscout.bsky.social
The session pitches rolling in for the 2026 NC News Summit are 🔥 Got ideas on transparency, news innovation, climate, DEI or community engagement? Only 3 weeks left to get your pitch in! Deadline: Dec 31 bit.ly/PitchNCNewsSummit26
#NCNews #localnews #climatejournalism #localjournalism #northcarolina
December 9, 2025 at 8:51 PM
Reposted by Diara J.
democracynow.org
Democratic Senator Murray Condemns ICE After Agents Release Attack Dog on Constituent
Democratic Senator Murray Condemns ICE After Agents Release Attack Dog on Constituent
In Washington state, Democratic Senator Patty Murray is condemning an incident where ICE agents released an attack dog on one of her constituents last month in Vancouver.
www.democracynow.org
December 9, 2025 at 8:23 PM
Reposted by Diara J.
johnmoe.bsky.social
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.
atrupar.com Aaron Rupar @atrupar.com · Dec 2
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
curiousscout.bsky.social
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
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
curiousscout.bsky.social
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
When reality turns to dust, who will resist? New from The Curious Scout.
thecuriousscout.beehiiv.com
December 1, 2025 at 12:07 AM
Reposted by Diara J.
joshuajfriedman.com
NEW: The governor of West Virginia says that two members of the state National Guard shot today in DC have died.
Tweet from West Virginia governor Patrick Morrisey: It is with great sorrow that we can confirm both members of the West Virginia National Guard who were shot earlier today in Washington, DC have passed away from their injuries. These brave West Virginians lost their lives in the service of their country. We are in ongoing contact with federal officials as the investigation continues. Our entire state grieves with their families, their loved ones, and the Guard community. West Virginia will never forget their service or their sacrifice, and we will demand full accountability for this horrific act. 3:42 PM • Nov 26, 2025 • 12.4K Views
November 26, 2025 at 8:49 PM
Reposted by Diara J.
apnews.com
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
curiousscout.bsky.social
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
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
Reposted by Diara J.
alexip718.com
I'm just glad that Pulitzer Prize winner Ed Yong caught the last chopper out of The Atlantic because what the hell is this
theatlantic.com The Atlantic @theatlantic.com · Nov 24
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
November 24, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Reposted by Diara J.
diannarussini.bsky.social
The Jameis Winston experience, summed up in one play.
November 23, 2025 at 8:30 PM
Reposted by Diara J.
ncgovernor.bsky.social
Our office is aware of reports that the Border Patrol is bringing its operation to Raleigh.
November 18, 2025 at 1:04 AM
curiousscout.bsky.social
🚨 to my fellow NC journalists in the Triangle!

and h/u @maddow.bsky.social
theassemblync.bsky.social The Assembly @theassemblync.bsky.social · Nov 17
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...
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.
antizionistjew.bsky.social
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+)
November 12, 2025 at 7:23 AM
Reposted by Diara J.
alexip718.com
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.
This week, I was fired from Suncoast Searchlight. I was told it was for “performance issues,” including lack of story output, poor news judgement and inability to meet deadlines. In my 33 days at the organization, including in my weekly 1:1s, zero issues were ever discussed. It is not lost on me that I was fired one day after several staffers, myself included, raised concerns to our executive editor about her undisclosed AI usage during the editing and writing process, including inserting hallucinated quotes. We had several documented instances of troubling use. Concerned about the ethical implications and our credibility, we sent a letter to the board. The board doubled down in their support. I am extremely disappointed in our board — who did not ask to speak with any staffers nor examine the evidence we had to prove the questionable AI usage. Throughout my short few weeks at this job it was abundantly clear that the workplace has serious cracks beyond the AI usage. I moved 1,000 miles for this job. I was excited to work for another non-profit newsroom that focused on investigative journalism and claimed to have transparency. I was excited the board was filled mostly with experienced, highly regarded journalists. Every day as a journalist and everytime my byline appears, I vow to protect the truth and strive to have the highest level of ethics. And if it cost me my job to stand up for that truth then I would do it again.
November 14, 2025 at 11:56 PM