Good morning. It’s Thursday, and we’re excited that Vietnam’s most popular coffee chain is opening its first U.S. store in Southern California. Onto the five USC, Los Angeles and California stories you need to know for today.

1.

USC football suspended an Orange County Register reporter’s team access for two weeks — and the media is up in arms. The team contends that the reporter, Luca Evans, violated policy by quoting a conversation he overheard at practice; asking a question after a press conference concluded; and talking to sources in areas of campus not designated for interviews. Critics say those are all minor and fairly common violations, and that the real flash point was likely an article Evans wrote that head coach Lincoln Riley, a known media skeptic, didn’t like.

2.

The man who shot and killed an LA County deputy pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. The family of Kevin Cataneo Salazar, 29, said he had previously been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. Cataneo Salazar faces one count of murder, though District Attorney George Gascón said he won’t seek the death penalty in keeping with a vow he made on the 2020 campaign trail.

3.

Embattled LA Councilmember Kevin De León said he plans to run for reelection almost a year after being caught making racist and homophobic remarks in the City Hall leaked audio scandal. De León said he believes his constituents have forgiven him — despite his friends and allies cutting ties and a widespread push for his resignation that culminated in a failed recall effort earlier this year. De León will face more than 10 competitors in his bid for reelection.

4.

A former longtime USC employee sued the university for wrongful termination. Stephen McElroy, a former facilities manager on Catalina Island, alleged that ageism and violation of labor laws played a role in his 2021 termination. McElroy seeks to be reinstated in his previous role, compensated by the university and for USC to start mandating anti-age discrimination and retaliation training.

5.

Wildfire smoke is once again drifting into the San Francisco Bay Area, bringing the air quality to level to “unhealthy for some.” The main contributor is the Smith River Complex fire in the state’s far north that also extends across the Oregon state line. Experts expect relief late Thursday or Friday when wind patterns shift.

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

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