Originally from San Francisco, Lauren Toms joined Spectrum News in February 2021.

Toms spent eight years in Washington, DC where she covered politics and national security for news organizations including CNN and the Washington Times. For the better part of her career she reported from Capitol Hill as a national security reporter covering defense legislation, weapons sales, and overseas diplomacy efforts. 

With a passion for storytelling, Lauren has long hoped to become a local reporter to bring to light issues that impact the greater community and is thrilled to tell stories from Durham and Chapel Hill. 

Lauren holds a master's degree in U.S. law from Washington University in St. Louis school of law, and a bachelor's degree in journalism and mass communications from the George Washington University school of media and public affairs.

When not reporting, you can find Lauren, her husband Parker and their rescue dog Lupo going to sporting events, visiting new and local businesses, and exploring the best North Carolina has to offer! They love trying new restaurants and in Durham, they love Neapolitan-style pizza and homemade ice cream using a local dairy.