The Curious Scout

The Curious Scout is a newsletter for folks who value community-centered stories, curiosity-driven reporting, and a behind-the-scenes look at how local journalism works.

Elections

Dozens of NC Candidates Missing Ethics Forms Ahead of Primary

Feb 28, 2026

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15 min read

Dozens of NC Candidates Missing Ethics Forms Ahead of Primary

Communication breakdowns between local election boards, state officials, and candidates leave voters without required financial disclosures

Diara J. Townes, +1

Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost: On Peace, the Past and the Path Forward

Jan 23, 2026

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12 min read

Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost: On Peace, the Past and the Path Forward

We like to believe that history fades if we stop looking at it, but ignoring the past has never stopped it from shaping the present.

Diara J. Townes

Panic! at the Year-End Digital Media Disco

Dec 31, 2025

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6 min read

Panic! at the Year-End Digital Media Disco

A Complete Reference Guide to the NiemanLab Predictions for Journalism 2026: An unexpected labor of love/unwitting commitment.

Diara J. Townes

Nov 30, 2025

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8 min read

The SNAP: When Power Becomes Tyranny

When reality turns to dust, who will rise and resist? New from The Curious Scout

Diara J. Townes

Nov 20, 2025

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18 min read

"I Didn't Fight for This"

Veterans Lead Resistance in Conservative Central North Carolina County

Diara J. Townes

Non-Biological Cruelty: How We Learned to Stop Being Human

Oct 17, 2025

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12 min read

Non-Biological Cruelty: How We Learned to Stop Being Human

What my NEST fatigues taught me about the ICE raids in Chicago. New from The Curious Scout

Diara J. Townes