Russia says it has retaken Kursk’s biggest town as Putin advisor says truce would help Ukraine

• March 13, 2025

Russia claimed Thursday that its troops have driven the Ukrainian army out of the biggest town in Russia’s Kursk border region, as a senior Kremlin official said that a U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire in the war three years after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine would help Kyiv by giving its weary and short-handed military a break.

The Russian Defense Ministry’s claim that it recaptured the town of Sudzha, hours after President Vladimir Putin visited his commanders in Kursk and wore military fatigues, could not be independently verified. Ukrainian officials made no immediate comment on the claim.

The renewed Russian military push and Putin’s high-profile visit to his troops came as U.S. President Donald Trump presses for a diplomatic end to the war. The U.S. on Tuesday lifted its March 3 suspension of military aid for Kyiv after senior U.S. and Ukrainian officials made progress on how to stop the fighting during talks held in Saudi Arabia.

Trump said Wednesday that “it’s up to Russia now” as his administration presses Moscow to agree to the ceasefire. The U.S. president has made veiled threats to hit Russia with new sanctions if it won’t engage with peace efforts.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Thursday that U.S. negotiators were on their way to Russia, but he wouldn’t comment on Moscow’s view of the ceasefire proposal.

“Before the talks start, and they haven’t started yet, it would be wrong to talk about it in public,” he told reporters.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News that national security adviser Mike Waltz spoke Wednesday with his Russian counterpart. She also confirmed that Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff will head to Moscow for talks with Russian officials, possibly including Putin.

Russian news agencies reported Thursday that Witkoff’s plane had landed in Moscow. It wasn’t immediately possible to verify the reports.

Senior U.S. officials say they hope to see Russia stop attacks on Ukraine within the next few days.

But Yuri Ushakov, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s foreign policy adviser, complained in televised remarks Thursday that a ceasefire would grant a “temporary break for the Ukrainian military.”

Ushakov said that Moscow wants a “long-term peaceful settlement that takes into account Moscow’s interests and concerns.” His comments came a day after his phone call with Waltz.

Ushakov’s comments echoed statements from Putin, who has repeatedly said a temporary ceasefire would benefit Ukraine and its Western allies.

The U.S. still has about $3.85 billion in congressionally authorized funding for future arms shipments to Ukraine, but the Trump administration has shown no interest so far in using that authority to send additional weapons as it awaits the outcome of peace overtures.

By signaling its openness to a ceasefire, Ukraine has presented the Kremlin with a dilemma at a time when the Russian military has the upper hand in the war — whether to accept a truce and abandon hopes of making new gains, or reject the offer and risk derailing a cautious rapprochement with Washington.

The Ukrainian army’s foothold inside Russia has been under intense pressure for months from a renewed effort by Russian forces, backed by North Korean troops. Ukraine’s daring incursion last August led to the first occupation of Russian soil by foreign troops since World War II and embarrassed the Kremlin.

Speaking to commanders Wednesday, Putin said he expected the military “to completely free the Kursk region from the enemy in the nearest future.”

Putin added that in the future “it’s necessary to think about creating a security zone alongside the state border,” in a signal that Moscow could try to expand its territorial gains by capturing parts of Ukraine’s neighboring Sumy region. That idea could complicate a ceasefire deal.

Ukraine launched the raid in a bid to counter the unceasingly glum news from the front line, as well as draw Russian troops away from the battlefield inside Ukraine and gain a bargaining chip in any peace talks. But the incursion didn’t significantly change the dynamic of the war.

The Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank, assessed late Wednesday that Russian forces were in control of Sudzha, a town close to the border that previously was home to about 5,000 people.

Ukraine’s top military head, Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, said late Wednesday that Russian aviation had carried out an unprecedented number of strikes on Kursk and that as a result Sudzha had been almost completely destroyed. He did not comment on whether Ukraine still controlled the settlement but said it was “maneuvering (troops) to more advantageous lines.”

Meanwhile, Major General Dmytro Krasylnykov, commander of Ukraine’s Northern Operational Command, which includes the Kursk region, was dismissed from his post, he told Ukrainian media outlet Suspilne on Wednesday. He told the outlet he was not given a reason for his dismissal, saying “I’m guessing, but I don’t want to talk about it yet.”

​ Orange County Register 

Fewer Americans file for jobless claims last week, signaling a still-healthy US labor market

• March 13, 2025

By MATT OTT, Associated Press Business Writer

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits fell slightly last week, indicating a still-healthy U.S. labor market.

U.S. jobless claims filings fell by 2,000 to 220,000 for the week ending March 8, the Labor Department said Thursday. That’s fewer than the 226,000 new applications analysts forecast.

Weekly applications for jobless benefits are considered a proxy for layoffs, and have remained mostly in a range between 200,000 and 250,000 for the past few years.

The four-week average, which evens out some of the week-to-week swings, ticked up by 1,500 to 226,000.

The total number of Americans receiving unemployment benefits for the week of March 1 fell by 27,000 to 1.87 million.

​ Orange County Register 

A government program made tax filing free and more efficient. Musk and DOGE may get rid of it anyway

• March 13, 2025

By FATIMA HUSSEIN, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Mia Francis, a 22-year-old barista from Boston, filed her taxes on her own this year for the first time, using a free government tax filing program that made it easy because it did most of the work for her.

Francis said it took 45 minutes to finish her taxes with the IRS Direct File program, an electronic tax return filing system that the IRS made permanent last year and that has rolled out to 25 states.

Francis is expecting a $530 refund. And because she saved cash by not using a commercial tax preparation company to file her taxes, “that money will go a long way,” she said. She plans to use it for a trip to Amsterdam this year.

Despite its popularity with Francis and other members of the American public, the IRS Direct File’s fate remains unclear as Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency cleave their way through the federal bureaucracy. So far, the program is still available for use ahead of the April 15 tax filing deadline, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent committed during his January confirmation hearing to maintaining it, at least for this tax season.

Representatives from the Internal Revenue Service and DOGE did not respond to requests for comment from The Associated Press on their plans for Direct File. But one Republican tax expert says the IRS never got congressional authorization to create Direct File. And Republican lawmakers and commercial tax preparation firms complain the program is a waste of money because free filing programs already exist, although they are hard to use.

Direct File was rolled out as a pilot program in 2024 after the IRS was tasked with looking into how to create a “direct file” system as part of the money it received from the Inflation Reduction Act signed into law by President Joe Biden in 2022. Last May, the agency announced that the program would be made permanent.

The IRS accepted 140,803 returns filed by taxpayers using Direct File in the 12 states where it was available last tax season. It’s been expanded to include half the country this year. It is unclear how many taxpayers have used Direct File this year.

Merici Vinton, an original architect of Direct File from the U.S. Digital Service, noted the ease and accessibility of the program and called it “a great example of how people should interact with the government in the 21st century.”

“We effectively launched a startup in the IRS,” she said. “It was built by an in-house product team, in an iterative manner, and we ship updates to the software to improve user experience in real time based on feedback. If we continue to invest in it, both taxpayers and the IRS can benefit.”

Musk posted last month on his social media site that he had “deleted” 18F, a government agency that worked on technology projects such as the IRS’ Direct File program. This led to some confusion about whether Direct File is still available to taxpayers. However, conversations inside the IRS indicate that no decision has been made on whether to cut the program, two people familiar with these conversations tell the AP.

Former IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel, who oversaw the rollout of the program, said Treasury officials considering the future of the program should take into account “the voice of the taxpayers.”

“My reflection is that taxpayers are in very different situations and have very different preferences for how they want to file,” he said. “Those whose preference is to file electronically direct with the IRS for free, it’s a good option to have on the menu. But it should not replace other options.”

Derrick Plummer, a spokesperson for Intuit, one of the country’s largest commercial tax preparation firms, said free tax preparation had been available for years before Direct File came along.

“IRS Direct File is a solution in search of a problem, a waste of taxpayer dollars and a drain on critical IRS resources,” he said. A June 2024 Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration report estimates that the annual costs of Direct File may range from $64 million to $249 million.

“The IRS should focus on its core mission including data privacy and customer service while policymakers in Washington focus on simplifying the tax code,” Plummer said.

However, other taxpayers, like 31 year-old Aquiel Warner in Austin, Texas, say they want to avoid using commercial tax preparation software.

Warner filed her taxes with Direct File in 10 minutes using her phone and a chatbot that the IRS provides. She likes the program’s convenience, that it prepopulated her tax forms and that it allowed for free filing. Although she has some concerns about data privacy in the government — DOGE is reported to have access to some of the IRS’ internal systems — she feels more secure going through the IRS than commercial tax preparation services.

“I don’t want to be a product. I don’t want my information sold when I file my taxes,” she said. “I have to file my taxes, and I don’t want to be put in a situation where, in order to file my taxes, I have to pay to get the help I need because I’m not a professional tax preparer.”

Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform, said the IRS never got explicit permission from Congress to create the Direct File system.

“It really doesn’t matter if it’s a good idea. It was done illegally,” he said, calling on Congress and the Justice Department to look into what he says is unauthorized spending that went into the creation of Direct File.

Democratic lawmakers in January asked Bessent and IRS commissioner nominee Billy Long to preserve the program. They wrote in a letter that “ending Direct File would hurt everyday Americans.” Long has not yet received a nomination hearing.

In the meantime, Musk and his cadre of computer programmers could decide to wield their tech skills to boost the program — or use the very same digital savvy to delete it.

For his part, Werfel hopes that the agency will keep the program. “It’s a big country with a lot of taxpayers with a lot of different preferences,” he said.

Francis, the Boston barista, hopes so, too.

”There are a lot of young people like me who are working and figuring out how to file their taxes — this just makes it faster and easier,” she said.

​ Orange County Register 

Flash flood warning active for Orange County Thursday morning

• March 13, 2025

Orange County is under a flash flood warning which was released by the National Weather Service on Thursday at 4:30 a.m. The warning is in effect until 7:30 a.m.

“Flooding of areas in and around the Airport Burn Scar,” according to the NWS San Diego CA. “This is a life threatening situation. Heavy rainfall will cause extensive and severe flash flooding of creeks, streams and ditches in the Airport Burn Scar. Severe debris flows can also be anticipated across roads. Roads and driveways may be washed away in places. If you encounter flood waters, climb to safety.”

Road closures

Updates on road closures can be found on CalTrans’ website or mobile app or by calling 800-427-7623.

Emergency alerts in Southern California

For “considerable or catastrophic” hazards, emergency alerts will be sent to all enabled mobile phones in the area. To monitor lesser risk, residents are advised to sign up for county alert systems and to monitor agencies’ social media. How to sign up for alerts in your area:

LA County

Orange County

Riverside County

San Bernardino County

Where to get sandbags

If you’re in an area at risk of flooding, sandbags can be one line of defense. County fire departments typically offer a limited supply of free sandbags for residents of their nearby communities. You should bring your own shovel to fill your bags, and be prepared to show proof of residency.

Sand and sandbags can also be purchased at many home improvement and hardware stores.

Here are links of locations that might have sandbags in your area:

Los Angeles County https://dpw. Lacounty. Gov/dsg/sandbags/

Orange County https://ocfa. Org/AboutUs/Departments/OperationsDirectory/Sandbags. Aspx

San Bernardino County https://sbcfire. Org/sandbags/

Riverside County https://rvcfire. Org/resources/fire-stations

How to fill a sandbag

Not sure how to fill your sandbags? Watch the how-to video, provided by the City of Seal Beach.

Understanding the differences between advisories, watches, and warnings

• Flash flood warning: Take action!

A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood is either imminent or already occurring. In flood-prone areas, it’s crucial to move immediately to higher ground. A flash flood is a sudden and violent inundation that can develop within minutes to hours, and it can even happen in areas not currently experiencing rainfall.

• Flood warning: Take action!

A flood warning is declared when flooding is on the verge of happening or is already underway.

• Flood advisory: Be aware:

A flood advisory is issued when flooding is not expected to be bad enough to issue a warning. However, it may cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property.

• Flood watch: Be prepared:

A flood watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.

Keeping safe during floods: Expert advice from the NWS

In flood-prone regions or while camping in low-lying areas, understanding and following the NWS flood safety guidelines can be a lifesaver:

Seek higher ground:

If you reside in a flood-prone region or are camping in low-lying terrain, the first step to safety is relocating to higher ground.

Follow evacuation orders:

When local authorities issue an evacuation order, promptly comply. Before leaving, secure your home by locking it.

Disconnect utilities and appliances:

If time allows, disconnect your utilities and appliances. This reduces the risk of electrical hazards during flooding.

Avoid basements and submerged areas:

Steer clear of basements or rooms where water has submerged electrical outlets or cords. This helps prevent electrical accidents.

Evacuate promptly for safety:

If you notice sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping, or popping noises, evacuate immediately. Avoid any water that may be charged with electricity.

Refrain from walking in floodwaters:

Never attempt to walk through floodwaters, even if they appear shallow. Just 6 inches of fast-moving water can forcefully sweep you off your feet.

Seek higher ground when trapped:

Should you become trapped by moving water, reach the highest point possible and dial 911 to contact emergency services.

During heavy rain, flooding is possible, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Never drive through water on the road, even if it does not appear to be deep. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars, according to the NWS. Prioritize your safety by staying informed and prepared.

Driving through downpours: Safety guidelines for wet roads

When heavy rain sets in, the risk of flooding and hazardous driving conditions rises. Whether it’s prolonged rainfall or rapid runoff, being prepared is essential. Here are some valuable safety tips from the NWS to ensure you stay safe in heavy rain:

Beware of swollen waterways:

Avoid parking or walking in close proximity to culverts or drainage ditches, as the swiftly moving water during heavy rain can potentially carry you away.

Maintain safe driving distances:

The two-second rule for following distance is your ally in heavy rain. Extend it to four seconds to ensure safe spacing in adverse conditions.

Slow down and stay cautious:

On wet roads, slowing down is paramount. Gradually ease off the accelerator and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stick to the middle lanes to minimize the risk of hydroplaning. Outer lanes are more prone to accumulating water.

Prioritize visibility:

Turn on your headlights and be careful of other vehicles to the rear and in blind spot areas as they are especially difficult to see through rain-spattered windows.

Watch out for slippery roads:

The first half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mix of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

Don’t follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely.

Mind your windshield wipers:

• Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely limits your sight, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or protected spots.
• If the roadside is your only option, pull off as far as possible, preferably past the end of a guard rail, and wait until the storm passes. Keep your headlights on and turn on emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.

In the face of heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety on the road. Remember to stay informed about weather conditions and heed guidance from local authorities for a secure journey.

​ Orange County Register 

Person of interest in Anaheim-area homicide seen in video

• March 13, 2025

A person of interest in a homicide in unincorporated Anaheim from October 2024 is seen in a video released by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department in a social media post on Wednesday.

On Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024, around 10:10 p.m. deputies with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department responded to a shooting on the 11500 block of Mossler Street,  near Orangewood Avenue and east of Beach Boulevard, authorities said.

Deputies found a 50-year-old man, later identified as Jorge Sanchez Tapia, fatally injured with gunshot wounds. He died at the scene, said OCSD Sgt Matthew Parrish.

Numerous suspects fled the scene in what the department reported as a silver/gray colored Lincoln MKZ sedan.

A photo of the vehicle was posted by OCSD on X this month.

Sanchez Tapia is seen in the video on a bicycle riding past another person walking on Mossler Street who, according to Sgt Parrish, is not the person of interest.

The person of interest seen at the end of the video was spotted outside of the vehicle on Mossler Street right before the shooting, according to the department, and appears to be wearing a dark jacket, jeans, and light-colored shoes.

Investigators with OCSD hope the release of the video leads to information from the public related to the homicide. The department is asking anyone with any information to contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Department at (714) 647-7000. Anonymous information may be provided through Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.

​ Orange County Register 

Angels, White Sox battle to tie in pitchers’ duel

• March 13, 2025

THE GAME: The Angels managed just two hits in a 1-1 tie against the Chicago White Sox in a Cactus League game on Wednesday in Glendale, Arizona.

PITCHING REPORT: Right-hander José Soriano gave up one run in three innings. He pitched into the fourth, because he was pulled after throwing 19 pitches to get two outs in the third inning. Soriano made it up to 70 pitches. He struck out five and walked three. This spring he has 13 strikeouts in 9⅓ innings. Soriano struck out 7.7 hitters per nine innings last season. He said increasing his strikeout rate isn’t a priority. “Honestly, the plan is to get batters out as quickly as I can,” Soriano said through an interpreter. … Right-hander Ben Joyce pitched a scoreless inning, with three strikeouts. His fastball topped out at 103.6 mph on his final strikeout. Joyce has pitched four scoreless innings this spring, with seven strikeouts. … Right-hander Ryan Zeferjahn worked in and out of a bases-loaded jam to get a scoreless inning. He struck out Andrew Vaughn with a cutter to end the inning. Zeferjahn has not allowed a run in five innings this spring. … Left-hander Brock Burke worked a scoreless inning, with the help of his defense. Left fielder Scott Kingery, who had just made a sliding catch, collaborated with shortstop Kyren Paris on a relay to get an out at the plate.

HITTING REPORT: The Angels didn’t have a hit until the fifth inning, when Yoán Moncada singled. … After three straight walks in the sixth, Jorge Soler was up with the bases loaded. He challenged a called third strike, but the review showed the call was correct. Moncada then struck out, and the Angels got nothing out of the inning. … Chuckie Robinson, who was with the White Sox last year, tied the game with an RBI single in the eighth.

DEFENSE REPORT: Moncada made a nice play charging a slow bouncer at third. … Left fielder Taylor Ward had a ball bounce off his glove when he was trying to field a single. The error allowed the hitter to go to second. … Second baseman Kevin Newman mishandled a ball taking it from his glove as he tried to hurry to get a force at second. Newman started at second base for the first time this spring, with Tim Anderson starting at shortstop. Previously, Anderson had played both positions, but Newman had only played shortstop. Manager Ron Washington said that he’s undecided who will be the starting shortstop until Zach Neto returns from the injured list. … Shortstop Kyren Paris backhanded a ball in the hole, but then he made a bad throw, for the Angels’ third error of the game.

UP NEXT: Angels (RHP Yusei Kikuchi) vs. Kansas City Royals (RHP Michael Wacha), Friday, 1:10 p.m. PT, at Tempe Diablo Stadium, FanDuel Sports Network West, 830 AM

Angels (LHP Tyler Anderson) at Athletics (RHP Joey Estes), Friday, 1:05 p.m. PT, at Hohokam Stadium

​ Orange County Register 

USC’s NFL prospects try to shine on another rainy Pro Day on campus

• March 13, 2025

LOS ANGELES — It’s one of the reasons players come to USC – the L.A. sunshine, beaming almost every day of the year except, apparently, on Pro Day, the on-campus NFL showcase that also happens to be a major draw for the Trojans.

For the third consecutive year, rain fell on the school’s aspiring pro footballers as 15 of them auditioned Wednesday before stopwatch-wielding scouts from all 32 NFL teams preparing for the draft that’s set to take place between April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

The weather might have been a feature, not a bug, to hear some of the Trojans’ prospects tell it. Because it showed “I can catch the ball in any kind of weather,” running back Woody Marks said. “Wind, rain, sun, snow, it really don’t matter, I’m gonna still catch the ball.”

The 5-foot-10, 213-pound Marks is one of the Trojans’ prospects most likely to catch on with an NFL team. He, offensive lineman Jonah Monheim and defensive back Jaylin Smith were the trio representing USC at the recent 2025 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.

All three were back at it again Wednesday, a relatively low-key affair compared with the spectacle surrounding No. 1-pick-to-be Caleb Williams’ Pro Day display last year.

Marks bettered his 40-yard dash time, clocking 4.52 seconds Monday morning after reportedly running 4.64 at the combine, where his 18 bench press reps tied him for the fourth-most among running backs.

The Mississippi State transfer, who spent just last season with USC, finished the year with a head-turning 1,133 rushing yards, nine rushing touchdowns and 47 receptions for 321 yards. And now he’s on the verge of hearing his name called in the NFL draft.

“It’s amazing,” Marks said. “I’ve been dreaming about this all my life. Started playing football around 5 years old, so it’s just it’s amazing whenever my name gets called.”

The 6-4, 303-pound Monheim was pleased with how he performed in offensive line drills Monday after being limited at the combine, where the center – at USC and likely at the next level, too – was recovering from a hamstring issue.

And Smith, USC’s swift 5-10, 194-pound defensive back, declined to run another 40 on Wednesday, sticking with his previous 40 time, the reported 4.45 he clocked in Indianapolis.

After having also played nickel, cornerback, strong and free safety in his USC tenure, Smith’s move to cornerback last season might have changed his life.

“It was a revival of my career,” Smith said. “It was great, in terms of Coach (D’Anton) Lynn and Coach (Doug) Belk coming in and seeing my abilities and tailoring it.”

Still, Smith said it’s his versatile history – “just knowing it all” – that NFL teams seem to like in all the conversations he’s been enjoying over the past few weeks, like the one he had with Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, “a funny, funny guy, man. That conversation was just great; he had a lot of energy.”

Jacobe Covington said he didn’t start having those talks – including some during in-person visits, he said – until after the combine went on without him.

“It was kind of weird, because after the combine, it kind of blew up,” said Covington, a 6-1, 207-pound defensive back who used Wednesday’s event to show teams “that I can run and I got fluid hips. I’m a big DB, but I can move very well – probably better than a lot of other big DBs.”

And Gavin Meyer, the 6-3, 285-pound defensive tackle who transferred from Wyoming last season hoping for opportunities like Monday’s, said he’d already been having good talks with “some of the West Coast teams,” and then with even more Wednesday.

“Why did I pick here? It’s for things like this,” Meyer said. “You got every single NFL team here, along with a lot of important guys up and down the teams, too. A scene like this … where everyone’s got all eyes on you. When you play here, they’re gonna watch you.”

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Other participants Monday: safety Akili Arnold, linebacker Mason Cobb, punter Eddie Czaplicki, wide receiver Kyle Ford, cornerback John Humphrey, kicker Michael Lantz, linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold, defensive end Jamil Muhammad, safety Bryson Shaw and cornerback Greedy Vance Jr. Also, 2023 Trojan Jac Casasante, a long snapper, participated.

And transfer quarterback Sam Huard threw passes to the DBs and Ford. The 6-1, 223-pound receiver said they’d had two training sessions together before Wednesday’s big day, when he had family and friends along with now-former teammates in the stands, braving the elements in support.

The high-profile pro day is an important part of the experience, but Covington said what he’ll most remember about USC are the bonds he made with teammates in his two seasons in town, including while weathering last season’s 7-6 season.

In particular, he’ll hold onto “our last game against Texas A&M (a 35-31 comeback victory in the Las Vegas Bowl),” he said, noting it meant USC went “undefeated against SEC.”

“It was just everything, a lot of emotions,” he added. “The season didn’t go how we wanted to go and just for the team to come back, it was just fun to be out there on my guys one last time. It was very emotional, from the hotel to the game, little tears dropping from my eyes and stuff, realizing this is my last game with my guys. That was probably one of the key moments in my career, just knowing it was the last one, and giving my team all I got.”

​ Orange County Register 

USC is raising tuition. How much will it cost in 2025?

• March 13, 2025

Student costs are rising at USC, with tuition increasing by 4.8% to $73,260 for the upcoming academic year, with other expected costs rising as well, the university announced on its web page.

Tuition was $69,904 for the 2024-25 academic year.

Overall costs for undergraduates not living with their parents during the upcoming academic year were estimated at $99,139, up from $95,225 for the current year.

Total cost estimates include housing, meals, books and supplies, transportation, assorted fees and “personal and miscellaneous.”

The school’s meal plan is going up from $7,660 to $8,028, housing is increasing from $12,271 to $12,879, and fees will increase from $1,743 to $1,902. However, book and supply costs will drop from $1,200 to $650, and annual transportation costs are dropping from $441 to $414.

The university provided the following statement to City News Service:

“To adjust for rising costs across all of higher education and to support our commitment to providing high-quality education and ensuring student success, the Board of Trustees has approved a 4.8% tuition increase for the 2025-2026 academic year. … Tuition is the largest source of the university’s academic operating budget; it helps cover the costs of teaching, student services, facilities, and administrative support. That includes everything from career counseling and academic advising to new course development, technology, the Department of Public Safety and Fire Safety & Emergency Planning.

“USC’s undergraduate financial aid pool increases at the same rate as the tuition rate increase and is supplemented by individual philanthropy. In an effort to reduce essential out of pocket costs for students, the university is launching a new Digital Course Materials program, offering required course materials online for a flat fee, saving students approximately 80% on book costs.”

​ Orange County Register