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Elly Yu
What I cover
I cover critical issues facing kids and their families, from housing to health to childcare. Research has shown the early years of a child’s life are a crucial time — how can we ensure the youngest Angelenos are set up to thrive?
My background
Before taking on the early childhood beat, I was on LAist’s investigative team, where my reporting on nursing homes propelled changes in state law. My work has been recognized by the Sacramento Press Club and has been a finalist for IRE and Gerald Loeb awards. I grew up in the San Gabriel Valley and am happy to be reporting in a place I call home. Before coming to LAist, I worked at NPR stations in Atlanta and Washington, D.C., where my focus was on healthcare, immigration and state politics. When I’m not reporting, I’m chasing down my two young children.
My goals
I want my coverage to help Angelenos navigate the complex world of raising a young child 5 and under.
Best way to reach me
Email: eyu@laist.com. If you have a tip, you can also reach me on Signal. My username is @ellyyu.89.
Stories by Elly Yu
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The administration cited alleged fraud. Local officials and service providers say the impact could be devastating for families in need.
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Federal funding cuts and immigration policy were two significant issues among many that local educators navigated in 2025.
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The law also mandates coverage to include same-sex couples and single parents.
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Residents affected by the Eaton and Palisades fires can get free tickets to see the Rose Parade and the floats up close.
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Levels of norovirus detected in wastewater have gone up in L.A. County over the last three weeks.
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Education researchers say happier teachers are more likely to stay and that stability can be good for long-term learning outcomes.
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As family housing resources shrink in L.A., one family has left what they know in California behind to start a life in the Midwest, where housing costs are vastly lower.
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Some teachers are making the switch from private preschools to transitional kindergarten. Others come from upper grades. Many are needed.
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Nearly a year after the fires, childcare providers say they need more help from the state to rebuild.
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A new report finds enrollment in transitional kindergarten is rising in L.A. County, but community preschools are closing.
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L.A. County is proposing cuts to homeless services next year, at a time when families have already been struggling to find shelter. One family shares their story.
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Staff recommend heavy cuts, which represent about 16% of the district’s projected budget.
