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Mary Plummer
What I cover
As managing editor for enterprise reporting and investigations, I oversee many of the newsroom’s editor and reporter teams. I love local news and supporting the journalists who cover our communities.
My background
I started my broadcast career at ABC News, and since then, I’ve worked at nonprofit newsrooms. Most of that time has been right here at LAist (yes, all the way back to the KPCC days). I’ve held a variety of roles, including as a radio producer, political correspondent and senior editor. I’ve also worked as an investigative reporter covering local government and the California state prison system.
I’ve lived in Southern California for over two decades and grew up in Anchorage, Alaska.
My goals
Our newsroom puts community first and brings great rigor and care to all that we do. We’re here to watchdog local government, help you navigate L.A. and Orange counties and shine light on the people and stories that make Southern California so special.
I’m proud of the groundbreaking investigative work produced during my time here. Our watchdog reporting has inspired legislation , helped change federal policies that blocked veterans from housing and increased transparency measures at the L.A. City Council.
I’m also a big believer in people-powered reporting. Earlier in my career, I helped pioneer many of our community engagement projects, and I’m excited about the innovative work we continue in this area. So often, our best stories are informed by you.
Best way to reach me
By email at mplummer@laist.com . You can also send us ideas or tips here .
Stories by Mary Plummer
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Los Angeles Unified officials are set to unveil a new Arts Equity Index to ensure students have equitable opportunity to learn and get exposed to music and the arts.
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A study at USC is measuring the benefits of musical training, and early findings show that orchestra students outperformed their peers in auditory skill tests.
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Just two instruments have been located, Pasadena police said Tuesday. The majority of instruments taken from Marshall Fundamental Secondary School remain missing.
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Pasadena school officials are working with police after some instruments were found. District officials were notified late Friday that items had been recovered.
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Thieves steal about $15,000 worth of music equipment ahead of two big concerts this week. The school borrowed instruments from other schools to get by.
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Some hospitals like Children's Hospital Los Angeles use art as a healing tool. Patients receiving art, music or dance therapy have more than tripled since 2010.
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Father Jon Hedges has been on hand for tragedies in New Orleans, New York and Missouri, but last week's incident in Santa Barbara hit close to home.
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Five organizations and two high schools told KPCC they won't return Sterling donations. But will they accept future support if he offers it?
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The easiest would be a hefty fine against Sterling. A bolder move would be expulsion, expert says. But first the NBA has to make sure alleged racial statements on tape are real.
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As more Angelinos bike and even kayak the Los Angeles River, more are also volunteering to clean up the waterway. Saturday was the first of three weekend events.
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Wilshire Crest was among 20 schools that lost a day of arts instruction in December - leaving it without arts access. Parents have brought some arts access back.
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LA Sheriff Department Assistant Sheriff Todd Rogers launched his campaign for LA County Sheriff with about 100 supporters at the Carson Community Center Saturday.
