Good morning. It’s Tuesday, and this isn’t Tomo. We write College Brief’s other newsletters at Cal and Cal Poly SLO, but we’re filling in for Tomo because he shattered his collarbone in a bike accident yesterday. He sends his regards.

Here are the five USC, Los Angeles and California stories you need to know for today.

1.

When USC cleared its second encampment the other night, cops blocked student journalists from getting close enough to cover it. One officer told Annenberg Media students that if they “act like the media, we’re going to treat you like the media.” But miraculously, KCLA was still allowed on campus to cover the sweep. Meanwhile, more than 100 people were arrested at UCLA and UCSD yesterday. And despite disciplinary action and arrests, USC students still plan to take part in the nationwide All Out for Rafah protests later today.

Stephanie Kaloi / The Wrap

2.

California’s historic piers are collapsing, and the state is pouring millions into repairs every year. Santa Monica Pier is a case-in-point: Just a few years after officials voted to preserve it forever, violent winter storms swept away a third of the pier. Thus, the pier we know today — carousel and all — was born. Yet every year, the city spends close to $10 million on routine upkeep, causing officials to question whether or not preserving nostalgia and tourist attractions is worth the bill. 

Tessa McLean / SFGate

3.

LAX’s people-mover train just bagged another $200 million, bringing its total operating budget to nearly $3 billion. Despite the influx of cash, it’s not looking like the automated train will open any time soon. And it’s also unclear what the extra money will go towards, besides settling vague dispute claims brought on by the project’s contractor. As it stands right now, the project is 96% complete, though.

Caitlin Hernández / LAist

4.

The tiny, 4-year-old publication Lookout Santa Cruz just won the Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News for its coverage of the catastrophic flooding and mudslides in January 2023. With just 10 editorial staffers, Lookout Santa Cruz provided “detailed and nimble community-focused coverage,” which won the nation's top journalism award. This makes it one of the youngest and smallest publications ever to join Pulitzer heavyweights such as the New York Times and Washington Post. 

Rick Edmonds / Poynter

5.

Picture this: Gov. Gavin Newsom majestically perched atop the Golden Gate Bridge, the city behind him and signature aviators glinting in the sun as he touts California’s greatness. The occasion? The state’s tourism numbers have reached an all-time high. With $150.4 billion spent in 2023, travel revenue has finally surpassed pre-pandemic numbers. Los Angeles, San Diego and Orange counties are among those to exceed 2019’s standard. Ironically, the one place Newsom chose to announce the news, San Francisco, is not quite there yet. 

David Caraccio / The Sacramento Bee