The New York Times reported on the unconventional way one UCLA ecologist is raising money for marmot research by building a fandom for the rodents on the primarily adult-content platform OnlyFans. “It’s going to be G-rated, and we’re not going to sexualize this,” said Daniel Blumstein, a professor and member of the UCLA Institute of the Environment and Sustainability. The account, which uploads research videos of wild marmots burrowing into nests or scurrying across rocks, offers free subscriptions but asks for tips to help offset federal funding cuts that have impacted field studies conducted by Blumstein and his team. (Also: KCRW-89.9FM.) Read more about UCLA in today’s Politico, Los Angeles Times and others.

More highlights from UCLA in the News: July 27, 2026

4 more states report cyclosporiasis outbreak | Los Angeles Times

In the case where an investigation is initiated by public health agencies, “there is often a significant delay between when someone ate the contaminated food, when they became sick, when they were diagnosed and when public health officials were able to interview them,” said Anne Rimoin, professor in the department of epidemiology with the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health.

FDA identifies new cyclospora outbreak in new product | CBS Evening News

“There could be other sources of cyclospora in the food chain ... Might we see more cases of cyclosporiasis related to other exposures? We’re definitely going to continue to see more cases. This is a disease that is endemic in many of the places where we get our produce, and this should highlight it to everybody the importance of food safety,” said UCLA’s Anne Rimoin (approx. 1:38 mark).

Raids deliver a heavy and lasting blow to Hispanic businesses in LA | El Pais

A report from the University of California, Los Angeles, concludes that “the June 2025 enforcement surge caused immediate and lasting economic harm” in Latino commercial corridors in the county. In just the first two weeks of June 2025, these establishments recorded 46,000 fewer visits, a drop that translated into estimated accumulated losses of nearly $3.2 million. Even a year later, many owners are still waiting for a recovery that has yet to come. (UCLA’s Amanda Armenta was quoted.)

The latest on the conflict in Iran | KCAL-TV

“It looks like it’s escalating. It looks like it will get more intense before it calms down,” said UCLA’s Benjamin Radd.

Trump sued hours after new tariffs, as experts say they may not hold up | CNBC

“In my view, the Section 301 tariffs are clearly unlawful,” Kimberly Clausing, a professor of tax law at the UCLA School of Law and a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, said by email.

What California’s Latino leaders want from Xavier Becerra | Politico

The campaign also leaned into Becerra’s biography as a first-generation Mexican American by launching Spanish-only TikToks and later embracing the nickname “Tío Xavier.” That message may have resonated with young Latino voters, whose turnout jumped more than any other group from the 2022 primaries, said Matt Barreto, a political scientist at the University of California, Los Angeles. Barreto said Becerra’s identity gave voters a “starting point” to explore his political record.