Good morning, it’s Friday, and we’re reading about how pandas could be gone from U.S. zoos by the end of next year. Onto the five USC, Los Angeles and California stories you need to know for today.

1.

George Tyndall, the former USC gynecologist accused of sexually abusing hundreds of patients over a seven-year span, was found dead in his home Thursday. His lawyer said there’s no evidence of foul play or suicide. Tyndall was expected to face a criminal trial after a civil suit in which USC agreed to an $852 million settlement with more than 700 women who accused Tyndall of abuse — believed to be a record sum for a settlement of its kind.

2.

One in three board members at California public universities have direct ties to the fossil fuel industry, according to a new analysis from a climate research group. Critics say those board members can informally set funding priorities and set research goals, and that the effects aren’t limited to college campuses — research at prestigious universities informs policymaking. One advocate called the board memberships an “infiltration” of polluters into academia.

3.

Firearms are being used in an increasing number of homicides and aggravated assaults in California, a troubling trend in a state with some of the nation’s tightest gun restrictions and whose overall crime rate is decreasing. Guns were used in 71.2% of homicides in 2022 compared to 68% in 2019. The last time guns were used in such a high percentage of homicides was “at the peak of our violent crime wave” in the early 1990s, one expert said. Experts struggled to explain the trend, but noted that overall crime did increase during the pandemic.

4.

A San Jose day care facility where two toddlers drowned this week had its license suspended and is facing an $11,000 fine. Two 1-year-old girls were pronounced dead at the hospital after being discovered in the facility’s pool Monday morning, and a third child survived the incident. State regulators issued multiple citations to the day care center in the past year, most recently for improperly documenting checks on sleeping children — but always said the pool met state requirements. Police are still investigating the case.

5.

Consider turning to artificial intelligence the next time you go through a breakup. A new app created by a Stanford graduate called “Texts from my ex” is using AI to analyze message history between two people and rate their compatibility. One user said the app scored her and her ex-boyfriend an abysmal four out of 10, noting that she was “as smooth as a porcupine.” The app’s founder said that since launching in July, Texts from my ex has garnered over 30,000 users. This is, clearly, a service in high demand.

You’re all caught up. Thanks for reading Morning, Trojan, and have a good day. Anna Hsu copy edited this newsletter.

3630 Watt Way, ANN 102, Los Angeles, CA 90089.