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Morning Briefing: Racial Profiling At USC
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Good morning, L.A.
USC joins the never-ending list of institutions facing allegations of failing their Black and Brown communities. In a new report, LAist contributor Sofia James details instances in which non-white students are repeatedly stopped and searched by officers from the school’s Department of Public Safety, asked for IDs when their white friends are not, policed while socializing, and more.
"DPS definitely creates a hostile environment on campus," said USC sophomore Jonathan D'Aguilar. "They watch us closely, more closely than they watch any other students on campus."
The story, which was reported by the university’s Beacon Project, echoes those posted on @black_at_usc, an Instagram account started over the summer for students and alumni to share their experiences.
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Keep reading for more on what’s happening in L.A. today, and stay safe out there.
Coming Up Today, November 18
Josie Huang will unpack what happens next with DACA, following the weekend court ruling that invalidated President Trump’s restrictions from this summer.
The official headquarters of the new U.S. Space Force is the Pentagon. But a large share of the department’s work will be done at the U.S. Space Command, for which the government is now trying to find a location. Recently, Robert Garrova visited Palmdale – one of the communities vying to be named the nation's next "Space City."
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The Past 24 Hours In LA
California Kids: In Orange and Ventura Counties, this week’s move to the coronavirus’ purple tier means more complications for already complicated school reopening plans. The general public can weigh in this Friday on California’s new plan for early childhood education.
Climate Change: The L.A. City Council energy and environment committee took a step toward shutting down a natural gas-burning power plant in Sun Valley.
Money Matters: In L.A., where unemployment is at 15%, 50,000 households that were current on their LADWP bills in March have now fallen behind by three months or more. Cerritos cafe Bakers and Baristas fuses Filipino cuisine, fine dining and Fruity Pebbles (plus, heroic resourcefulness) to stay afloat during the pandemic.
Election 2020: Two weeks after the close of polls on Nov. 3, the race for California’s 25th congressional district remains too close to call.
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The Industry: Movie theater owners used to enjoy tremendous clout, but the pandemic has turned the tables. The newly-published This Was Hollywood looks at "forgotten stars and stories" from Hollywood's golden age.
Photo of the Day
A student at Lee Elementary School in Los Alamitos enters school on the first day of hybrid classes.
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