The Wall Street Journal cited Mindy Seu, a UCLA associate professor, artist, technologist and academic behind the publication the “Cyberfeminism Index,” in a story about the ‘alternatively influential’ — loosely defined as people with clout in their topic area who have modest but engaged audiences removed from social media feeds. “I don’t really consider myself an influencer — it happens that I distribute my work and events online, but I don’t make things specifically for social media,” said Seu. “To have someone on your team to champion you in all the things that are kind of uncomfortable, like knowing how to negotiate fees, and to figure out which deals feel right for me ethically, is very helpful. Read more about UCLA in today’s New York Times, Los Angeles Times and other outlets.

More highlights from UCLA in the News: March 13, 2026

In 2025, diversity dropped in Hollywood. ‘Sinners’ bucks the trend | Hoodline

The latest UCLA Hollywood Diversity Report, which examined 109 of the top English-language theatrical releases of 2025, found that people of color held only about 23% of lead roles and women made up roughly 37% of leads. Directors of color accounted for about 22% of directors, while women directed just over 10% of the top films. (UCLA’s Michael Tran and Jade Abston were quoted. Also: KTLA-TV and KABC-TV.)

How spiking gas prices are jolting California’s economy | Los Angeles Times

The state’s economy grew at a robust 3.8% annualized rate in the fourth quarter, driven by artificial intelligence investment, the burgeoning aerospace industry and other high-productivity sectors, according to the UCLA Anderson Forecast released early this month. The report predicted a possible pickup in employment this year, but any prolonged conflict in the Middle East means all bets are off.

New Iranian leader Khamenei vows ‘never-ending’ revenge | Los Angeles Times

The latest incidents follow drone strikes and explosions targeting fuel storage facilities across the gulf, including at energy sites in Bahrain and at the port of Salalah in Oman, an important hub for tankers seeking to bypass Hormuz. It’s a relatively thrifty way to sow global chaos without using a lot of resources, according to Benjamin Radd, a UCLA expert on U.S. foreign relations with Iran. “They cannot match the United States and Israel on the ballistic, kinetic warfare front,” he said. “But Iran has now seen the disproportionate effect that their maritime escalation has on the global economy and energy markets. Look at how much damage they can inflict by doing relatively little.”

4 tips for a better morning routine | New York Times

Mornings can be hectic, especially for night owls, so Diana Winston, director of UCLA Mindful, the mindfulness education center at UCLA Health, recommends carving out a few moments to rest and re-center — which she calls “glimpse practices.” That’s simply taking five seconds to “just be, rather than do,” she explained.

Catherine Opie: 'All people have the right to exist' | CNN Style

Professor Emerita Catherine Opie spoke about her anticipated exhibition at London’s National Portrait Gallery. The question of what art is shown in national galleries and museums is a potent one, and Opie believes she knows when she’s not welcome. “There’s absolutely no way the Smithsonian will show me right now,” she says while overseeing the final installation of “Catherine Opie: To Be Seen.” A show like this, which displays photos of American people from the ’90s to now, might eventually make its way to the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C., but no, she says. “Absolutely not.” A lot of her work challenges gender stereotypes and shines light on marginalized, queer-identifying people.