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  • The Daily Brief: Evan Funke Selected as Executive Chef for The Actor Awards, Bad Bunny Highlights L.A. Taqueria in Super Bowl Performance, and more.

The Daily Brief: Evan Funke Selected as Executive Chef for The Actor Awards, Bad Bunny Highlights L.A. Taqueria in Super Bowl Performance, and more.

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Good Afternoon! It’s Monday, February 9.

Los Angeles saw sunny skies and mild conditions on Monday, with highs reaching 77°. Cloudy skies and periods of rain are expected on Tuesday, when temperatures will top out at 64°.

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Evan Funke to Lead the Kitchen at the SAG Actor Awards

Los Angeles chef Evan Funke has been selected as executive chef for the 32nd SAG Actor Awards on March 1 at the Shrine Auditorium, where he will craft an elegant Italian menu for Hollywood’s biggest stars. From a caviar reception and handmade pastas to Roman pizzas and his signature Timballino Siciliano, Funke’s cuisine will set the tone for an evening celebrating the best performances in film and television. Read the full story for a closer look at the menu and the night ahead.

From Highland Park to the Super Bowl Stage, Villa’s Tacos Makes Los Angeles Proud

Villa’s Tacos went from a humble backyard taco stand in Highland Park to a global spotlight during Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show. With chef Victor Villa behind the grill, the surprise cameo brought Los Angeles street food and culture to millions, highlighting a powerful story of community, heritage and hometown pride. What started in his grandmother’s yard has grown into one of the city’s most beloved taquerias, and the Super Bowl moment proved just how far an L.A. dream can travel.

JD Vance Makes Historic Visit to Armenia, Spotlighting Peace and Economic Partnership

Vice President JD Vance became the first sitting U.S. leader to visit Armenia, using the milestone trip to reinforce a U.S.-brokered peace framework with Azerbaijan and expand economic cooperation. During meetings in Yerevan, officials advanced negotiations on a civil nuclear agreement and outlined new opportunities across energy, technology and infrastructure. While challenges remain, the visit signals a deeper American commitment to stability, investment and long-term partnership in the region.

Catherine O’Hara’s Cause of Death Confirmed at 71

A week after her passing, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has confirmed that beloved actress Catherine O’Hara died from a pulmonary embolism, with rectal cancer listed as an underlying condition. The Hollywood icon, known for unforgettable roles in Beetlejuice, Home Alone, Schitt’s Creek and more, was rushed to a Los Angeles hospital after experiencing breathing difficulties at her Brentwood home.

Lakers’ Jaxson Hayes Set for First Career Slam Dunk Contest

Lakers center Jaxson Hayes will take the national spotlight during NBA All-Star Weekend as he competes in the 2026 AT&T Slam Dunk Contest at Intuit Dome in Inglewood. The high-flying big man has long dreamed of participating in the iconic event and now has a chance to bring the dunk crown back to Los Angeles for the first time since Kobe Bryant’s 1997 win. Hayes will be joined in All-Star festivities by teammates LeBron James and Luka Dončić.

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