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Articles by Yana Savitsky
USC sold dead bodies to U.S. military to train IDF medical personnel
UPDATE Monday, Jan. 26: Annenberg Media Investigations has published a follow-up to this reporting, confirming that bodies used in this program are sourced from Keck’s Anatomical Gift Program. Our team also found that UC San Diego provides a significant number of bodies to USC that are sold for trainings with the Navy and the IDF. Read the follow-up here. Near the end of 2017, the United States Navy filed a to begin purchasing human cadavers from the University of Southern California.
OPINION: A 10-year-old explains Trump’s agenda
My sister, Katherine, came home from school in a state of panic and fear last month. She thought President Donald Trump banned gay people. My mom calmed her down and explained what being transgender in America means. 10-year-old Katherine has never met an openly transgender person. She only knows two gay couples, and one of them is fictional (Mitch and Cam from “Modern Family”).
Teachers brace for change
Devin Glenn’s classroom discussions are guided by four principles: the 12th graders’ comments must be pertinent, forward-looking, intelligent and concise. Topics range from the Great Depression to Viktor Frankl, the book “Their Eyes Were Watching God” and current events. Glenn, or “Mr. G” to his students, serves as the moderator, asking questions during lulls in the two-hour Socratic seminar. Eight years ago, he did the same as a student.
OPINION: Our wannabe king
The limits of complicity and tyranny are boundless in Washington. President Donald Trump is gluttonous for power; he can’t get enough, and he’s getting cocky. On Wednesday, Trump posted “LONG LIVE THE KING!” on Truth Social, proclaiming New York City’s congestion pricing program was “dead.” The White House recirculated his royal decree to X and Instagram with an illustration of a fake Time magazine cover (that looks AI-generated) where Trump dons a suit and golden, glittering crown.
OPINION: Trump’s return to the White House
Eight years ago, President Donald Trump spoke of “American carnage” in his first inaugural address. It was a bleak, ruthless portrait of a divided nation that now seems more divided than ever. And yet, this same nation was unified enough (across the swing states, at least) to resoundingly elect Trump a second time: the convicted felon, the insurrectionist, the accused rapist, the racist, the billionaire and the comeback king. Don’t be mistaken, he is now a king; America is not a democracy.
The impact of Project 2025 on voters
It’s not unusual for U.S. think tanks to propose policy agendas for future administrations before an election. But one in particular has drawn heightened attention: Project 2025. It’s a 900-page, multi-part plan for former President Donald Trump’s second term -- if he gets one. It’s led by the Heritage Foundation, one of Washington’s main right-wing public policy and research institutes.
What’s on the ballot for climate change?
Although climate change has largely taken a backseat this election, global warming and natural disasters could decide its outcome. In an already closely contested race to the White House, every vote counts. In a survey of five key swing states, 40% of young voters said climate change is a top issue — a “deal breaker.” The non-profit Environmental Voter Project, who conducted the August poll, focuses on low-propensity climate voters, or those who did not vote in the last presidential election.
Gen Z voters have the power to swing the presidential election -- if they show up
HAMTRAMCK, Mich. — Generation Z may decide the outcome of the presidential race in this crucial electoral battleground, but many young voters are apprehensive about aligning completely with former President Donald Trump or Vice President Kamala Harris. Some don’t know if they will vote at all. “I don’t feel like I have a voice. I don’t feel like my opinion matters or anything matters,” said Fahad Noor, who is 29.
The fight to win over Michigan youth-and America
DETROIT — Jorge Palafox registered to vote three weeks ago at a bus station. He works construction four days a week with his dad. Every other day, he attends community college to take English classes and study auto mechanics. The 18-year-old said he remains undecided on who to choose for president in one of the most critical battlegrounds in the race for the White House. His dad keeps asking, but Palafox says he still needs more information.
Democrat Adam Schiff and Republican Steve Garvey advance in the California Senate race
The post was previously held by Diane Feinstein, who passed last year, for more than three decades. Schiff’s and Garvey’s advancement marks a new era in Californian politics. It presents a rare opportunity for the GOP to compete for a Senate seat in a Democratic stronghold, where a Republican hasn’t won in the state since 2006. It’s also a win for Schiff, who spent over 30 million dollars on ads that attacked Garvey, a former Los Angeles Dodgers player.
Federal Trade Commission took action to stop the potential merger of two large grocery chains
The proposed merger between grocery giants Kroger and Albertsons faces regulatory scrutiny. On Monday, the FTC led a federal lawsuit alleging that the $24.6 billion acquisition would harm millions of American consumers and supermarket workers. The FTC said the lack of competition could lead to higher prices and lower quality products, as well as restrict grocery options for shoppers.
Russia arrested a Los Angeles woman on suspicion of treason
Russia’s Federal Security Service, known as the FSB, said the 33-year-old Los Angeles resident was arrested in the city of Yekaterinburg and was, quote “involved in providing financial assistance to a foreign state in activities directed against the security of our country” end quote. Senior U.S. officials confirmed to several news outlets that the detainee is Ksenia Karelina, who became a U.S. citizen in 2021.
Annenberg hosts Valentine’s Day mixer
To celebrate Valentine’s Day, Annenberg Student Services hosted a mixer earlier today with sweet treats, raffle prizes and crafts. Dr. Kelly Greco, an associate professo atr the Keck School of Medicine and Annenberg’s embedded counselor, also gave a talk on how to find fulfillment and happiness for students. Here’s Greco on the importance of community engagement at Annenberg. Greco: Happiness starts with ourselves, and we have to cultivate it and create it.
Alternating arms for COVID-19 vaccinations strengthens immune response
Alternating the arm you receive the COVID-19 vaccination shot in could strengthen the immunity response. A study published by The Journal of Clinical Investigation last month found that switching arms increases blood antibody levels by up to four times. For people who are immunocompromised or elderly, even a small boost in immunity is significant. Experts said the report has not been corroborated by other research and only surveyed 947 individuals, but the results look promising.
SCA adjuncts vote to unionize
SCA adjuncts start voting today. If over 50% of them vote yes before February 22nd, USC is legally obligated to negotiate a contract with the Adjunct Faculty Alliance-UAW. Adjuncts bear the brunt of course workload, making up 70% of Cinematic Arts faculty, according to the Adjunct Faculty Alliance. Union organizers say diminishing benefits and low wages are unsustainable as the cost of living rises.
Dartmouth to require standardized test scores for applications
Dartmouth College announced Monday that is will require students to submit standardized test scores for admissions next year. During the Covid pandemic, Dartmouth dropped ACT and SAT score requirements along with other top colleges across the country. But, four Dartmouth professors conducted an internal study into standardized test scores of prior applicants and found that the requirement supports disadvantaged students.
Chasing the ‘Lady Bird’ dream: A quest for the perfect cafe near campus
Ever since I arrived at the University of Southern California, I’ve been on the hunt for a cute, quaint cafe to study in and live out my “Lady Bird” fantasy. What’s a girl to do? Study at Leavey Library? No, the best cup of coffee doesn’t lay at the Annenberg Cafe Feat Illy or the School of Cinematic Arts Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (although, I must say I love both).
Battle of the Beats: Spotify Wrapped vs. Apple Music Replay
Apple Music’s Replay and Spotify’s Wrapped launched Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively — unveiling a year’s worth of listening history for their users worldwide. Whether students were labeled a “Vampire” by Spotify for listening to “emotional, atmospheric music more than most” or reached a new milestone on Apple Music, USC is divided over which platform is better. “I think it’s a fun little thing people can bond over,” said sophomore psychology major Camila Beresford-Redman.
A new bill now requires media literacy to be taught in K-12 schools throughout California
Assembly Bill No. 873, set to take effect at the start of the next academic year, will enforce the teaching of media literacy across K-12 schools in California. With the rise of social media and subsequent “fake news” consumed by the public, the bill aims to educate young students on the importance of critical thinking regarding news, media and other digital evaluation skills. The bill, originally introduced by assemblymember Marc Berman, was signed into law by Governor Newsom in October.
Higher labor costs in California means bumped up Chipotle prices
California residents will pay the price at Chipotle Mexican Grill locations across the state when a new state law will soon take effect. The law, which goes into effect in April, raises the minimum wage for California fast-food workers to $20 an hour, up from the current $15.50 an hour rate. The state-wide minimum wage for all other jobs will rise to $16. Based in Newport Beach, the company has already increased its prices by 3% last month — the first nationwide price hike in over a year.
USC graduate student workers officially vote to authorize strike
USC graduate student workers union overwhelmingly voted 95.1% “yes” to authorize a strike. On Friday morning, the Graduate Student Workers Organizing Committee-United Auto Workers (GSWOC-UAW) announced that over 2,000 student workers are ready to continue bargaining for better working conditions. In an Instagram post, the members asked for “fair wages, real recourse, and a strong union” from the USC administration.
USC’s Humane Society shows students that therapy comes in all shapes and sizes
The Humane Society of USC hosted dogs from a local shelter for students to pet and play with, offering a moment of joy in between their busy schedules at its first event this Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Founders Park. Founder and creator of the organization, sophomore Skyler Nahouray, said his passion lies in destigmatizing mental health on campus.
President Joe Biden’s dog Commander exits the White House
President Joe Biden’s dog Commander is no longer living at the White House after multiple reported biting incidents injured staff and Secret Service, according to CNN. The Secret Service acknowledged 11 different incidents of the dog biting personnel, but told CNN “the real number is higher and includes executive residence staff and other White House workers.” Injuries vary in severity, with several bites requiring attention from the White House Medical Unit.
Fall-ing into autumn one pumpkin spice latte at a tim
The fall solstice has passed and autumn has officially fallen upon the USC campus. The weather is cooling down, the leaves are changing color and pumpkin spice lattes are back. Companies have spiced up their product lineups in preparation for the autumn season. Within walking vicinity of campus, Starbucks, Trader Joes and Dunkin Donuts have added themed drinks and menu items to their roster to get you in the autumn mood. This year, Trader Joe’s announced 146 fall items on its website.
Unsent – The Letter Project promotes self-expression in the USC student community
Unsent – The Letter Project, a bi-weekly event organized by USC Senior Isabella Escalona, provides a safe space for students to release emotions that range from excitement and hope to loss and grief through anonymous letters. As a part of the event, a tent will be set up on Mondays at the Hahn Plaza and on Fridays at the USC Village from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. An array of the students’ heartfelt letters are displayed around the tent for spectators to empathize and resonate with.
LA Metro Facebook page hackers posted anti-LGBTQ+ hate speech
Hate speech targeting the LGBTQ+ community was posted to the official Metro Los Angeles Facebook page on Thursday, which the organization blames on a hack.
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