ARN Stories

The University of Southern California is home to one of the oldest, free-standing jazz departments in the country. But the idea of getting a formal jazz education is something relatively new that would’ve been quite foreign to the founders of the musical tradition. Jelly Roll Morton is widely considered one of the essential early jazz musicians and made his living playing jazz in the roughest join...

During the 1940s, George Tirebiter was a shaggy mutt adopted by the student body of USC. He was named “Tirebiter” due to his love of chasing cars and biting their tires. He was beloved by all, taken to football games and prided as the unofficial mascot of the school. Eventually, he grew so popular that the student body decided to vote him in as the school’s first official mascot in 1947. During hi...

Cinematographer Todd Somodevilla attended USC’s School of Cinematic Arts in the early ‘90s. He became quick friends with classmate Rian Johnson, who went on to direct huge blockbusters like “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” and “Knives Out.” Although he studied cinematography and editing at USC, Somodevilla spent a little time in front of the camera as well. He played the lead role in one of Johnson’s st...

As April ends, we head into May. Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The US has seen a rise in anti-Asian violence this past year, but it must be acknowledged that this is not a new occurrence. And as Mendy Kong reports, it has to do with the history and modern day effects of colonialism and imperialism.

Where did the word “meme” come from and why do we like it?

Thinking of girlbossing your way into a new job? Learn about the word’s origin and how its meaning has evolved.

As we reach the end of the school year, there’s one word you might be hearing over and over

On today’s show, students participate in a campus wide walkout against sexual violence, the real reason behind basketball player Ethan Anderson leaving USC, urban farming in Compton’s food desert, and our producers share their recent reporting on Ukrainian refugees. All that and more, “From Where We Are.”   We are also streaming on KXSC at http://KXSC.org/listen . Subscribe to “From Where We...

Compton lacks readily-available fresh produce and grocery stores at large. One organization has set out to change that by creating an urban farm.

Denim Day, April 27, is dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual violence and spreading awareness. USC organizations led a walkout today in solidarity with survivors.

USC basketball star Ethan Anderson has led the team to NCAA tournaments and electric wins over major school rivals. This season, the team finished third in the Pac-12 with a 26-8 record. Now, Anderson is entering the transfer portal to find a new home. With two years left of eligibility, Anderson is committed to one day becoming an NBA player. Chelsea Hylton reports.

A man sets himself on fire at the U.S Supreme Court in a display of environmental advocacy.

From “@sackoftroy”, to “@wearescaf”, USC has had its fair share of parody Instagram accounts. One account in particular has students on the edge of their seat, waiting to see if they have been featured. Yohanna Bauerdorf has the story. 

Los Angeles County is now the largest government body to restrict single-use plastics in restaurants and other heavy plastic-using locations across the county.

Many of us start our day with a cup of coffee for a boost of energy. One shop in Huntington Beach is brewing more than just coffee. It's boosting a labor force for a community that has historically been excluded. Here's Shayla Escudero, serving us the story. 

More than 500 writers, musicians, and artists will be on hand, as well as some notable celebrities.

The history of colorism and its embodiment in pop culture

California lawmakers proposed a bill that would shorten the work week from 40 to 32 hours for larger companies. Some have already taken the leap ahead of the proposed legislation.

Frances Haugen visited the Annenberg Forum Tuesday to discuss Facebook’s alleged economic corruption, the spread of misinformation on the platform and the future of technology. Producer Wilko Martinez-Cachero caught up with her.

USC’s Ground Zero, a cozy spot for open mic nights and showcases, faces demolition by next fall semester. Daishalyn Satcher has the story.

Frances Haugen, who exposed Facebook's prioritization of harmful content late last year gives a talk here at USC Annenberg. Bella Durgin-Johnson has the story.

A USC student tells Annenberg Radio how he composes music using a rather interesting formay. Lutian Wang has the story.

Knick knack, Kung Fu Kenny is back! Kendrick Lamar finally announces his next solo studio album after half a decade. Evan Wyno has the story.

LA has a trash problem. The county has been trying for years to find a solution on how to clean up the streets. Some residents are coming together to tackle the issue. As Esther Quintanilla reports, one organization has taken its mission further by including social activities in their community cleanups.

Earth Week 2022 is here. USC kicked it off today by announcing sustainability goals under a new project called Assignment: Earth. President Folt announced new eco-friendly initiatives such as plans to install 200 clean-stream recycling stations. The next seven days around here will be filled with events to celebrate Earth Week. Patrick Warren has more on the story.