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  • The Daily Brief: Steve Hilton Shows Early Lead in Governor Race, Hollywood Bowl Announces Star-Studded 2026 Lineup, and more.

The Daily Brief: Steve Hilton Shows Early Lead in Governor Race, Hollywood Bowl Announces Star-Studded 2026 Lineup, and more.

Your daily update is here.

Good Afternoon! It’s Wednesday, February 18.

Los Angeles saw partly cloudy conditions with scattered showers on Wednesday, with highs reaching 57°. Showers are expected to continue on Thursday, when temperatures will top out at 55°.

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Early Poll Shows Wide Open California Governor Race With Steve Hilton Slightly Ahead

A new February 2026 poll offers an early snapshot of California’s open governor race, showing conservative commentator Steve Hilton narrowly leading a crowded field while a large share of voters remain undecided. Democratic contenders, including Eric Swalwell, Katie Porter and others are splitting support in the run-up to the state’s top two primary, leaving the contest fluid as campaigns sharpen their messages around affordability, public safety and the cost of living.

Gustavo Dudamel

Hollywood Bowl Reveals Star-Studded 2026 Summer Season Honoring Gustavo Dudamel

The Hollywood Bowl has announced a wide-ranging 2026 summer lineup featuring fireworks spectaculars, genre-spanning concerts, and a major farewell tribute to longtime LA Phil music director Gustavo Dudamel. Highlights include The Beach Boys headlining the Fourth of July shows, a four-night Dudamel celebration in August, and performances from artists across pop, jazz, reggae, hip-hop, and classical. Subscriptions are on sale now, with single tickets arriving in May.

Casey Wasserman to Sell Talent Agency Amid Epstein Files Controversy, Will Remain LA28 Chair

LA28 chairman Casey Wasserman is selling his stake in the talent agency he founded after fallout from newly released Epstein files, saying he has become a distraction to the business. The move follows scrutiny over past email exchanges with Ghislaine Maxwell and a wave of artist departures from the firm, though an internal review found no deeper ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Despite calls from Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass to step down, Wasserman says he will continue leading the effort to bring the 2028 Olympic Games to Los Angeles.

Bad Bunny to Lead Star-Studded Historical Epic Porto Rico

Bad Bunny is stepping into his most ambitious film role yet, taking the lead in Porto Rico, a sweeping historical drama inspired by Puerto Rican revolutionary Águila Blanca. Directed by Residente and featuring Edward Norton, Javier Bardem, and Viggo Mortensen, the film blends cinematic scale with a powerful exploration of Puerto Rico’s history and identity. With major talent in front of and behind the camera, Porto Rico is shaping up to be one of the year’s most talked-about productions.

Dozens of Los Angeles Museums Offer Free Admission This Sunday

More than two dozen Southern California museums will open their doors for free on February 22 as part of the annual Museums Free for All Day. From iconic film artifacts at the Academy Museum to fossils at the La Brea Tar Pits and contemporary art at the Broad, the event invites Angelenos to explore art, history, science, and culture across the region. General admission is free, though some special exhibitions may still require tickets. See the full list of participating museums and plan your visit in our guide.

The Broad

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