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Articles by

Mariel Padilla

General Assignment Reporter (She/Her)

Hi there, I’m Mariel Padilla. I’m a general assignment reporter at The 19th, where I’ve been since July 2020, just before the organization launched. I’ve written about all kinds of things, from the nursing shortage to child marriage laws to family-building concerns within the military community. I love falling down history rabbit holes, making spreadsheets and writing long explainers that nobody asked for (but people usually show interest in).

Previously, I was a breaking news reporter at The New York Times where I contributed to COVID-19 coverage that won the 2021 Pulitzer Prize, created a database of Philippine drug war victims at the Toni Stabile Center for Investigative Journalism and contributed to a 2018 Pulitzer Prize-winning project at The Cincinnati Enquirer. Despite this, my mom is most proud that I was once featured in a Jeopardy question.

I currently live in Indianapolis. When I’m not staring at a screen, you might find me playing violin in a local orchestra, singing in a choir or playing with my ever-growing number of nieces and nephews.

My work is free to consume and free to republish because of contributions from readers like you. A donation of $19 goes a long way toward sustaining our nonprofit newsroom.

Contact [email protected]

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Latest from Mariel Padilla

‘Am I going to die today?’: Rep. Brenda Lawrence of Michigan recalls the Capitol riot

The 19th collected first-hand accounts of January 6 from nearly two dozen women in Congress.

Mariel Padilla · March 16, 2021
‘Call the kids and tell them I’m all right’: Rep. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut recalls the Capitol riot

The 19th collected first-hand accounts of January 6 from nearly two dozen women in Congress.

Mariel Padilla · March 16, 2021
‘Lie as flat as you can’: Rep. Cheri Bustos of Illinois recalls the Capitol riot

The 19th collected first-hand accounts of January 6 from nearly two dozen women in Congress.

Mariel Padilla · March 16, 2021
‘A really lasting wound’: Rep. Haley Stevens of Michigan recalls the Capitol riot

The 19th collected first-hand accounts of January 6 from nearly two dozen women in Congress.

Mariel Padilla · March 16, 2021
‘We had to run faster’: Rep. Kathleen Rice of New York recalls the Capitol riot

The 19th collected first-hand accounts of January 6 from nearly two dozen women in Congress.

Mariel Padilla · March 16, 2021
‘That’s when I broke down’: Rep. Susie Lee of Nevada recalls the Capitol riot

The 19th collected first-hand accounts of January 6 from nearly two dozen women in Congress.

Mariel Padilla · March 16, 2021
‘I’m ready to fight’: Rep. Abigail Spanberger of Virginia recalls the Capitol riot

The 19th collected first-hand accounts of January 6 from nearly two dozen women in Congress.

Mariel Padilla · March 16, 2021
‘We’re all exhausted, but teachers doubly so’: Educators in office on the pandemic, teachers and students

The 19th spoke with eight women legislators — who are or have been educators — to discuss their unique perspective on the school reopening debate.

Mariel Padilla · March 14, 2021
How Alaska managed to vaccinate residents at higher rates than any other state

In a conversation with The 19th, Sen. Lisa Murkowski and Dr. Anne Zink, chief medical officer, discuss the state’s successful vaccine distribution and concerns about a post-pandemic world.

Mariel Padilla · March 11, 2021
For the top women leading the country’s pandemic response, equity is kept top of mind

In a conversation with The 19th, Drs. Rochelle Walensky and Marcella Nunez-Smith discuss the country’s vaccination distribution plan.

Mariel Padilla · March 11, 2021

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