Behind closed doors lies uncomfortable and sometimes scandalous truths. 

A leaked audio recording of L.A. City Council President Nury Martinez, with council members Gil Cedillo and Kevin de Leon as well as L.A. County Federation of Labor President Ron Herrera revealed racist and crude sentiments. The recording was made about a year ago, but was posted to Reddit and then reported by the L.A. Times yesterday... The group was discussing redrawing council district boundaries and which groups would maintain power and influence.

Martinez is heard on the tape making racist remarks about white Councilman Mike Bonin's 2-year-old adopted Black son. 

Martinez, de Leon, Herrera and Cedillo apologized separately on Sunday, and Martinez issued more apologies today as she announced her resignation as council president. She remains a member of the city council.

Julia Zara reports. 

Happy Indigenous Peoples' Day! 

Today, we celebrate the presence and contributions of Native Americans in our society. This is not only a day of remembrance, but also a day to appreciate the current impact of Native Americans. However, despite President Joe Biden making Indigenous Peoples' Day a federal holiday last year, only 10 states officially recognize this day via proclamation. We talked with students on their feelings surrounding this holiday.

Here's Veronique Louis-Jacques with the story.

Kanye West launched a collection at Paris Fashion Week that has sparked controversy. His new YEEZY line featured shirts that read 'White Lives Matter' which prompted the backlash. Kanye's fans aren't new to hearing about controversial actions taken by the artist, but some have decided that this is the last straw. This conversation sparks a broader question: can you separate the art from the artist? Benjamin Papp prepared this report on YEE at Paris Fashion Week.

The exciting basketball season is back! The Los Angeles Clippers will visit the Galen Center this afternoon, marking the second year in a row that they have come to South Los Angeles for the event after the pandemic.

Bocheng A has the story.

North Korea has ramped up their testing of missiles in the past few days. 

North Korea today fired two short-range ballistic missiles into the sea in the direction of Japan. This is the latest sign that the nation continues to develop its weapons program. This was North Korea's sixth missile launch in just the last 12 days. Earlier this week, North Korea fired an intermediate-range missile over Japan, prompting joint missile drills from South Korea and the US. Lutian Wang has the story.

Most people are familiar with the acronym STEM--Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math education, but add a simple “A,” to make STEAM education, and you add into the mix arts and humanities. Now, USC faculty, staff, students and alumni are collaborating to bring STEAM education to thousands of children in South LA communities. And they've found a clever way to do it! Kassydi Rone has the story.

If you want to show off some of your dance moves, see creative dance performances, and celebrate the multiple forms of dance culture, then tonight’s Kaufman Cypher celebration is the place to be. Jeffrey Lee has the story.

Fall break is right around the corner, and for those USC students who are planning to travel, you may be in luck. USG announced yesterday their new free shuttle service from campus to LAX starting next Wednesday. 

Aorui Pi has more.

Today, October 5th, is World Teachers Day. A day to celebrate those who've prepared and inspired the next generation of leaders and continue to selflessly give their time and efforts. Mariela Gomez spoke to a few students on the integral role educators have played in their lives. Here's the story. 

A student has started a campaign to include a Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) racial category in USC's common app and USC forms. here is Daphne Yaman with the breakdown.