The Advocate cited a new study released by the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, highlighting the impact of the fires that burned through LGBTQ+ households and businesses. The findings reveal that LGBTQ+ survivors entered the disaster with greater vulnerabilities and less immediate support from community organizations, friends and family. Read more about UCLA in today’s Marketplace, Associated Press and other outlets.  

More highlights from UCLA in the News: Jan. 29, 2026

Report shows how vital Latino entrepreneurship is to the U.S. | Marketplace

Latino businesses surged during the financial crisis and after the pandemic, despite many challenges, according to a new report out Thursday from researchers at UCLA and Cal Lutheran University. It notes that Latino entrepreneurship is key to the U.S. economy. The report covers a 16-year period through 2023. During that time, the number of Latino-owned businesses grew almost seven times faster than non-Latino companies.

Toxic pesticide remains in widespread use across state | Santa Monica Daily Press

Twenty years after officials recommended phasing out methyl bromide, the toxic pesticide remains widespread in California. New UCLA research shows some communities face exposure nearly double state safety recommendations, with port areas like Long Beach at highest risk. (UCLA’s Yoshira Ornelas Van Horne was quoted.)

Map of autism mutations shows new insights into brain development | Medical Xpress

UCLA Health researchers have created a comprehensive map showing how eight different genetic mutations associated with autism spectrum disorder affect early brain development, providing new insights into the ways diverse genetic causes may lead to shared features and symptoms of the disorder. (UCLA’s Dr. Daniel Geschwind was quoted.)

FBI raid in Georgia highlights Trump’s 2020 election obsession | Associated Press

“The man has obsessions, as do a fair number of people, but he’s the only one who has the full power of the United States behind him,” said Rick Hasen, a UCLA law professor.

AI industry looks to repeat crypto lobbying success in midterm elections | CNBC

“The emergence of tech/AI-related super PACS was inevitable,” said [UCLA law professor] Rick Hasen. “This is how big industries and groups participate in influencing elections and policy, and with Congress and state legislative bodies considering new regulation in the area of AI, one would expect a reaction on the part of industry to have greater influence.”