LAist reported on California Governor Gavin Newsom’s announcement of a $2.2 million gift that will go to UCLA Health’s Sound Body Sound Mind program to support the mental health of young survivors of last year’s firestorms. The funds will come from LA Rises, a public-private partnership mostly supported by philanthropic donors. UCLA’s Matt Flesock and Catherine Mogil were interviewed. Read more about UCLA in today’s Independent, Los Angeles Times and other outlets.

More highlights from UCLA in the News: Feb. 11, 2026

What an environmental policy rollback could mean | KCRW 89.9-FM’s “Press Play”

The Wall Street Journal reports the Trump administration plans to announce a rollback of a cornerstone Obama-era emissions ruling this week. The so-called “endangerment finding” determined greenhouse gases are a threat to human health and welfare and can be regulated under the Clean Air Act. The change would eliminate federal vehicle emissions standards and other industrial regulations. UCLA environmental law professor Ann Carlson says this would drive up harmful air pollution and amount to the U.S. no longer taking responsibility as the largest historical greenhouse gas emitter.   

$600 million in federal health cuts will hit California HIV programs | Los Angeles Times

The program is a “critical” tool used to detect emerging HIV trends, prevent outbreaks before they spread and reduce HIV incidence, said Dr. Paul Simon, an epidemiologist at the UCLA Fielding School [of Public Health] and former chief science officer for the county’s public health department. “Without this program, we’re flying blind. The first step in addressing any public health threat is understanding what’s happening on the ground,” Simon said.

Local police are tapping school security cameras to help ICE | Independent

According to a paper published by the UCLA Institute for Democracy, Education and Access in December 2025, more than two-thirds of high school principals “reported that ‘[s]tudents from immigrant families have expressed concerns about their well-being or the well-being of their families due to policies or political rhetoric related to immigrants.’”  

LA County considers new sales tax to offset federal funding cuts | LAist’s “AirTalk”

Shana Charles, an affiliate of the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research and an associate professor of public health at Cal State Fullerton, appeared on “AirTalk to discuss a proposed sales tax hike in Los Angeles County that would be used to fund health care.

Unable to get estrogen patches? Here’s why | KNX-FM

Dr. Rajita Patil, who founded the UCLA Comprehensive Menopause Program, told KNX News’ Emily Valdez the shortage is because of a “really massive surge in demand.” “When you look back at how much it’s really increased in terms of the number of patches, prescriptions, I think it’s like well over 80% since 2021,” she said. “We used to see less than 5% of people using hormone therapy.”

Do weighted blankets help you sleep better? Here’s what to know | Los Angeles Times

The blankets’ firm touch may calm the brain’s fight-or-flight response, said Dr. Neal Walia, a sleep medicine expert at UCLA Health. “The evenly distributed weight on you tells your body, ‘Hey, you’re in a calm environment,’” he said. The extra pressure also may signal the brain to release what’s called the love hormone, also known as oxytocin. It’s produced during bonding and cuddling, and can also lower anxiety, Walia said.