sam delgado
@samdelgado.bsky.social
reporting for @51st.news ✍️👩🏻💻 tejana in dc prev: vox.com, more perfect union
For the last 3 months, I've been obsessed with one question: why can't D.C. get its rat problem under control? I went to an Adams Morgan alley, rat school, and down the rabbit hole (or in this case, the rat burrow) to find out. @51st.news 🐀 51st.news/dc-rat-preve...
DC's war on rats reaches new heights
Birth control, poison, and calls for a more peaceful coexistence. Is the District finally winning the rat race?
51st.news
MedStar Washington Hospital Center delivers more babies than any other hospital in DC. Now, they're cutting over a third of their postpartum beds. Nurses & health advocates are very concerned about this decision. I spoke with them to understand why. @51st.news 51st.news/dc-hospital-...
This hospital is cutting over a third of its postpartum beds
As the city faces a Black maternal health crisis, health advocates are concerned about cuts at MedStar Washington Hospital Center.
51st.news
NEW: In a decade of teaching in D.C., Alex Clark says he’s lost over 20 students to gun violence. Through his nonprofit Prime Ability, he hopes to make cycling — group rides, mountain biking, and more — a safe recreational outlet for local Black and brown youth. More from @samdelgado.bsky.social:
Prime Ability started as a teacher's attempt to keep kids safe
Prime Ability started as one P.E. teacher's attempt to keep kids safe. It’s become so much more.
51st.news
NEW: D.C.’s most consequential primary in recent history is over. But the ripple effects are just beginning, @samdelgado.bsky.social reports:
What comes next after D.C.’s historic primary?
Can McDuffie run again? How will the balance of power change? And what’s going on in November?
51st.news
What do wins from @aparnafordc.bsky.social in Ward 1 and @repoyedc.bsky.social for At-Large mean for D.C.? Our reporter @samdelgado.bsky.social joined @nbcwashington.com to discuss the Democratic primary election results and break down the clear message voters sent at the ballot box.
Raj, Owolewa emerge as projected nominees in DC Council race
Reporter Sam Delgado explains how projected winners of the D.C. Council primary could contribute to a progressive caucus in D.C.’s government.
nbcwashington.com
NEWS: Janeese Lewis George has declared victory in D.C.'s mayoral race. She bested her former council colleague Kenyan McDuffie by double digits, crowning a wave of progressive wins in the local primary, @samdelgado.bsky.social and @curiouskurz.bsky.social report:
Janeese Lewis George declares victory in mayoral race
She bested her former council colleague Kenyan McDuffie by double digits, crowning a wave of progressive wins in D.C.’s primary.
51st.news
"It looks like D.C. will get its first democratic socialist mayor." @samdelgado.bsky.social and @curiouskurz.bsky.social for @51st.news 51st.news/janeese-lewi...
Kenyan McDuffie concedes mayoral race to Janeese Lewis George
The Ward 4 councilmember is leading in partial first-round results by double digits
51st.news
In the wake of the OCF report fining @janeese4dc.bsky.social for allegedly coordinating with unions during her mayoral run, @brianneknadeau.bsky.social is asking the D.C. Inspector General to look into OCF over concerns it violated due process "with the perceived intent to influence" the election.
The campaign signs, ads, and mailers have reached a fever pitch, but the end is in sight. Early voting ends tomorrow, and Election Day is just around the corner — on Tuesday, June 16. As the big day approaches, here's a thread rounding up some of our relevant reporting:
NEW: Ahead of the June 16 primary, campaigns throughout D.C. have largely embraced AI — saying it has helped them work more efficiently. But many also warn of limitations and risks, and its use is unregulated, raising questions about ethics, transparency, and trust. @elizatebo.bsky.social reports:
How D.C.'s political campaigns are (and aren't) using AI
Candidates have largely embraced the use of artificial intelligence, which is unregulated in local political campaigns
51st.news
Election Day is around the corner, which means this crowded (and often contentious) campaign season is almost over. But election night is going to look a little different than years past with ranked choice voting. I explain why for @51st.news ⬇️ 51st.news/dc-election-...
Why D.C. probably won't know who won on election night
With the introduction of ranked choice voting, officials say the results could take days.
51st.news
Early voting in D.C. started yesterday, but @51st.news has been helping break down the election for months now. You can see it all on our DCision2026 page, but I'm pulling out a few of my favorites. 🧵 51st.news/tag/dcision2...
DCision2026 - The 51st
All of our reporting about the local 2026 elections in Washington, DC.
51st.news
If you've ever wondered who the person is behind the byline, check out my staff Q&A!
The 51st@51st.news · 2mo agoWhether it's reporting on a debate breaking down a budget, or explaining how to mosquito-proof your yard, you've probably seen @samdelgado.bsky.social's byline all over our site. Get to know our newest reporter! 51st.news/meet-our-tea...
As I finished this story, I was visiting MD farms whose produce went to communities & food banks, learning from experts about our complex food system, & the impact food policy can have. Here’s a glimpse at what food policy in DC has looked like, & why advocates want to save the office focused on it
Advocates say Bowser’s budget will worsen food access in DC
The mayor proposed eliminating an office that has helped low-income students access food over the summer and made it easier to start farmers markets.
51st.news
DC Mayor Muriel Bowser's budget proposes to eliminate the Food Policy Council, an effort to bolster local food systems and reduce hunger. Here's what that could mean @samdelgado.bsky.social reports: 51st.news/dc-food-acce...
Advocates say Bowser’s budget will worsen food access in DC
The mayor proposed eliminating an office that has helped low-income students access food over the summer and made it easier to start farmers markets.
51st.news
NEW: @samdelgado.bsky.social joined The 51st full-time in May. She's an inquisitive reporter who has wielded her curiosity and storytelling chops to write some of our favorite stories. Get to know her a bit more here:
Meet our team: Sam Delgado
Sam joined The 51st as a full-time reporter in May.
51st.news
Whoever succeeds Anita Bonds on the D.C. Council could be especially influential, @maustermuhle.bsky.social and @samdelgado.bsky.social report. The at-large councilmember was often a deciding vote in debates between more progressive members and centrists. Meet the 9 Democratic primary candidates:
Meet the candidates for an At-Large seat on the DC Council
There are nine Democrats running in the hotly contested race.
51st.news
NEW: Have you noticed that your library holds are delayed recently? It's not just you: The demise of a 200-year-old book distributor has left @dcpubliclibrary.bsky.social with long wait times for new titles. @samdelgado.bsky.social reports on what's going on, and when to expect improvement:
DC Library holds taking forever? You're not alone.
The demise of a 200-year-old book distributor has left DC Public Library patrons with long wait times for new titles.
51st.news
There are nine Democratic candidates running for at At-Large seat on the D.C. Council, so we wouldn't blame you if you're feeling lost. @samdelgado.bsky.social and I chatted with all nine of them, trying to figure who they are and why they're running. In @51st.news: 51st.news/at-large-can...
Meet the candidates for an At-Large seat on the DC Council
There's nine Democrats running in the hotly contested race.
51st.news
📚 Are you an active DC library user? Have you noticed longer hold times? I’m looking to interview people on this for a story ASAP! DM or email me: samdelgado@51st.news
Want to hear from the candidates for D.C.'s delegate to Congress? We're hosting a debate on Thursday, May 14, at Sycamore & Oak, in partnership with @washingtoninformer.com and @spotlightdc.bsky.social. RSVP here: www.eventbrite.com/e/dc-delegat...
Happening now: DC Action’s candidate forum on youth issues! First up will be at-large candidates, and then Ward 1 candidates.
NEW: Some D.C. services are facing substantial cuts in the proposed 2027 budget. Is there a city program that you care about that’s on the chopping block? Or a service that you think could use some changes? Here's @samdelgado.bsky.social's guide to getting involved in the budget process:
How to testify on the 2027 DC budget
Some D.C. services are facing substantial cuts. Here's how you can testify on the 2027 budget.
51st.news
D.C. hasn’t elected a new delegate to Congress since 1990. There’s a lot at stake this time. Join The 51st, @washingtoninformer.com, and @spotlightdc.bsky.social for a debate on May 16. The candidates: Trent Holbrook @gregjaczko.bsky.social Brooke Pinto Robert White @kinney4dc.bsky.social
DC DELEGATE TO CONGRESS DEBATE
Primary candidates for D.C.’s congressional delegate debate issues from criminal justice and the environment to public health and education.
eventbrite.com
We’ve been seeing a lot of conversation this week about proposed D.C. budget cuts. Which proposed cuts concern you the most? What groups have you seen organizing people to testify? Send comments our way — we’re working on a story!
Are you like me and own mounds of unused tote bags, or clothes that haven't seen the light of day in years? I wrote up a guide to how to get rid of your unwanted stuff in the D.C. area ⬇️ 51st.news/dc-recycle-d...
How to donate, recycle, sell, and toss unwanted stuff in D.C.
Whether you're spring cleaning or just looking to get rid of something specific, you've got options.
51st.news
🎤 Thanks so much to everyone who attended our mayoral candidate forum this week — whether IRL at the MLK Library or virtually via the livestream! Big shoutout to our partners @washingtoninformer.com, @spotlightdc.bsky.social, and @dcpubliclibrary.bsky.social. Missed the fun? Here's the recording:
The 51st hosted a DC mayoral debate
We held the forum alongside The Washington Informer and Spotlight D.C.
51st.news
NEW: What’s the best way to get rid of unwanted stuff? In time for spring cleaning, @samdelgado.bsky.social explains your local options to donate, recycle, or sell your items before tossing them in the landfill.
How to donate, recycle, sell, and toss unwanted stuff in D.C.
Whether you're spring cleaning or just looking to get rid of something specific, you've got options.
51st.news
NEW: Five Democrats are vying for the open D.C. Council seat to replace Brianne Nadeau. @maustermuhle.bsky.social + @samdelgado.bsky.social interviewed @rashidaforward1.bsky.social, @miguelward1.bsky.social, @aparnafordc.bsky.social, Terry Lynch, + @warriorforward1.bsky.social. What they learned:
Meet the candidates running to represent Ward 1
Five Democrats are vying for the open D.C. Council seat to replace Brianne Nadeau.
51st.news
