Flu outbreak tears through campus

Good morning. It’s Tuesday, and I’m browsing recipe ideas for Friendsgiving potlucks. Onto the five USC, Los Angeles, and California stories you need to know for today.

The newsletter will pause for the Thanksgiving break. Have a great week!

1.

A flu outbreak is tearing through the student body just in time for the holidays, USC’s health officer said, adding that “we might be in the midst of it” during finals week. Schedule a virtual appointment with a USC clinician who can prescribe antivirals here, or call (213) 740-9355 at any time to speak with a nurse for advice.

2.

Police identified the driver who allegedly chased down a bicycle-borne teenager then ran him over outside BMO Stadium in a road rage incident — though they haven’t arrested him. The victim was a 16-year-old athlete and honor roll student at a South LA high school.

3.

USC women’s soccer is headed to the NCAA quarterfinals after handily defeating Wisconsin last week. The team, ranked No. 1 in the country, will face Wake Forest at Dignity Health Sports Park on Friday. You can stream the game on ESPN+ or attend for free if you’re one of the first 100 students there.

4.

The San Jose State women’s volleyball team can continue to compete with a transgender player on its roster, a federal judge ruled. The decision dealt a blow to conservative groups who, in a lawsuit on behalf of the team’s co-captain, had sought to bar the athlete from NCAA play.

5.

A UCLA student built a full-fledged escape room in his dorm — and it’s apparently pretty good. The theater major said he built the sci-fi-themed room for under $100 with found or trashed materials, and has been inviting students to try it out. “It’s very campy,” he said of the dorm room operation.