USC planning budget cuts
Tomo Chien
November 21, 2024
Good morning. It’s Thursday, and I’m loving this shot of Snoop Dogg with the marching band. Onto the five USC, Los Angeles, and California stories you need to know for today.
1.
USC is planning a series of budget cuts after operating on a $158 million deficit last fiscal year. The school blamed — among other things — inflation, declining graduate enrollment, and rising athletic expenses for the shortfall. “Difficult decisions are going to have to be made,” the provost said in a contentious faculty senate meeting.
2.
President Carol Folt said USC needs a “big buffer” of money to prepare for Donald Trump’s presidency. She cited his threat to tax university endowments by up to 35%, and noted that revenue could drop significantly if the White House makes it harder for international students to obtain visas.
3.
The Mountain fire in Ventura County, now fully contained, was Southern California’s third-most destructive wildfire in over a decade. Powerful winds helped the blaze level entire suburban blocks, or a total of 243 buildings. No deaths were reported, but at least 10 people were injured.
4.
LA is now officially a “sanctuary city” for undocumented immigrants, thanks to a unanimous vote by the City Council. The ordinance — which bars city departments from complying with federal immigration enforcement — is largely symbolic given that the city and state already have similar policies in the books.
5.
Looking for new restaurants near campus? Try three “hidden gems” recommended by Annenberg Media: Himalayan House, which serves Nepalese food in “exceptionally large” portions; Chichen Itza, which serves Yucatecán cuisine and a famous horchata; and Caveman Kitchen, which claims to have the “best Peruvian food” in LA.
