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Libby Rainey
What I cover
I cover the L.A. region and some of the big events that define it, from recovery after the Los Angeles fires to preparation for the 2028 Olympic Games. I also look at how Angelenos engage with the economy, their communities and the region.
My background
I've been at LAist since 2023. I started as a producer and had a stint as a reporter covering early childhood education before becoming a general assignment reporter. Before LAist, I covered labor at More Perfect Union and produced the daily global news hour Democracy Now! I grew up in South Pasadena, not far from the LAist newsroom.
My goals
I want my reporting to reflect the layered experience of living in Los Angeles. I'm interested in learning what people think about how the city works and what could work better. I also like to look at how big forces, like the economy, impact the experience of life here.
Best way to reach me
I would love to hear from you if you have feedback or thoughts on what I should be covering. You can reach me at lrainey@laist.com. You can also reach me on Signal. My username is @libbyrainey893.
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City Controller Kenneth Mejia is tracking 2028 spending inside the city, including about $11 million to pay workers in various city departments.
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Olympics organizers have agreed to report information on contracts worth more than $1 million to the city. This year, they haven’t.
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LAPD officials said they need more cars to patrol during the Games. The additional vehicles would cost around $31 million, according to the LAPD.
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Los Angeles City Controller Kenneth Mejia filed a request asking LA28 for more specifics. LA28 says it has satisfied its obligations to the city.
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Local and state agencies are counting on the federal government to cover the cost of extra police, but it’s not guaranteed.
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Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill directing the state to negotiate contracts with law enforcement agencies to help police the 2028 Games.
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The co-founder of the new Lucas Museum had faced pressure from L.A. activists about Olympics concerns.
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A separate report from L.A. County estimates major economic boost, but warns benefits will be uneven.
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Metro has a plan to deploy 1,750 additional buses for the Olympics and Paralympics. But that requires $1 billion in federal funds that hasn’t come through.
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LAist will highlight our Olympics and Paralympics coverage every Monday, with a focus on how the Games will affect Angelenos.
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Local officials say that unhoused people living inside security zones during the Olympics will probably have to move.
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Police officials say the request for $30M would help temporarily expand the department's fleet during 2028 Games. Councilmembers questioned why the city should cover the cost.
