At least 42 Trojans lose homes in wildfires
Tomo Chien
January 13, 2025
Good morning. It’s Monday, and I hope you and your families are safe. Onto the five USC, Los Angeles, and California stories you need to know for today.
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1.
At least 42 USC students and employees have lost their homes to LA’s devastating wildfires, a Morning, Trojan estimate found. That figure — based on GoFundMe listings, social media, and interviews — is likely to grow substantially. The school hasn’t released an official tally.
2.
Officials warned that strong winds could fuel further “explosive fire growth” Monday evening through Wednesday. As of 5 a.m. today, the Palisades fire was 13% contained, and the Eaton fire was 27%. The death toll has risen to 24.
3.
Police shot a man brandishing a knife outside an apartment complex just a few blocks north of campus Saturday. A witness who saw the incident at Oak and 23rd streets said cops told the man to drop his knife, then shot nonlethal rounds at him — and resorted to firearms when he still held the weapon. The suspect is in “stable condition.”
4.
A former USC executive is suing the university, alleging it allowed disgraced athletic director Mike Bohn to make “racially charged remarks” and harass her during his time at USC. Joyce Bell Limbrick, the litigant, was the highest-ranking female and Black official in the athletic department.
5.
The LA fires are apocalyptic, and the ensuing social media discourse has been an unremitted hellhole. There’ve been some light moments, though: Just watch the ESPN-worthy highlight reels of water bombers snuffing out fires. “Got Steph Curry manning the firefighting efforts,” one delighted commenter said.