The Los Angeles Times reported on how UCLA will use a $33 million donation to expand mental health training programs and address workforce shortages across California. The funding will support scholarships, a new minor in youth behavioral health and more clinical training opportunities. A UCLA student described how the initiative is helping shape career paths, while professor Bruce Chorpita said the program will offer specialized coursework beyond a traditional psychology major. (Also: City News Service, Forbes, LAist, KNBC-TV and KTTV-TV.) Read more about UCLA in today’s CNN and NBC News Daily.

More highlights from UCLA in the News: April 7, 2026

Low-cost blood test may detect cancer and other diseases | NBC News Daily

What if you could detect different types of cancers and other diseases from a single sample of blood? UCLA scientists say you can. They have developed a blood test that can analyze DNA fragments circulating in the bloodstream, and in early studies, the test shows promise in detecting multiple cancers, liver conditions and organ abnormalities.

Astronauts swing around the Moon in historic flyby | KNBC-TV

“Artemis II is a big stepping stone toward Artemis III, which is meant to take humans on the surface of the Moon. And so, it’s making the necessary testing of the Orion capsule, of the space radiation environment, all the technologies that are needed in order to prepare a safe human landing to the Moon,” said UCLA’s Vassilis Angelopoulos.  

The latest in the Iranian conflict | CNN

“There are red lines for both countries. You heard Iran wants an end to hostilities. They want lifting of sanctions. They want, essentially, reparations and reconstruction. That’s a no-go for the United States,” said UCLA’s Benjamin Radd.  

Mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt lashes out against LA Times report | KCBS-TV

Former Los Angeles City Councilman and county supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky does not believe the issue will affect Pratt’s ability to run for mayor. “Common sense tells me he lost his home in the Palisades,” Yaroslavsky said. “He’s got to find a place to live. I’m not sure this is an issue that gets any traction.” Yaroslavsky and his colleagues at UCLA’s Luskin School of Public Affairs recently released a poll showing a wide-open race for LA Mayor. A whopping 40% of voters remain undecided.