Student presses charges for UCLA slap
Tomo Chien
December 04, 2024
Good morning. It’s Wednesday, and I’m reading the Los Angeles Times’s annual best restaurants list — two of which are near campus. Onto the five USC, LA, and California stories you need to know for today.
1.
A USC sophomore is pressing assault charges against a UCLA student who allegedly slapped him in a viral video during the rivalry football game. The UCLA student, also a sophomore, could face six months in jail or a $1,000 fine if prosecuted and found guilty.
2.
USC warned that international students should return to the country before Donald Trump’s Jan. 20 inauguration in case the president denies entry to visa holders. It is the most tangible measure the school has taken thus far as it braces for a second Trump presidency.
3.
LA County’s new district attorney has wasted no time undoing his predecessor’s progressive policies. Immediately after being sworn in yesterday, Nathan Hochman scrapped policies that stop prosecutors from seeking the death penalty, limit sentencing enhancements, and prevent charges for low-level crimes.
4.
Two of California’s most high-profile Democrats blasted Joe Biden for pardoning his son after repeatedly promising not to. Gov. Gavin Newsom said he’s “disappointed and can’t support the decision,” while Sen.-elect Adam Schiff said it sets a “bad precedent” that’ll give Trump cover to pardon Jan. 6 rioters.
5.
A Southern California man shipped weapons and ammunition to North Korea meant to be used in a surprise attack against South Korea, federal prosecutors said in a wild indictment. The FBI said it seized 50,000 rounds of ammo from the Ontario home of 41-year-old Shenghua Wen.
