Long Beach Daily Local Headlines: Fatal Tunnel Crash, Voucher Deadline, City Hall Banner

Top local headlines

4 killed in fiery tunnel crash near Long Beach Airport

A deadly single-vehicle crash early Saturday shut down part of Lakewood Boulevard near the tunnel under Long Beach Airport. Police said a 2008 Honda Accord was traveling south from Spring Street when it hit a median curb, lost control, struck the underpass center support wall, and caught fire. Investigators say speed and possible impairment are among the factors being examined. Officials have not released the victims’ identities.

Emergency Housing Voucher funding faces an early-August deadline

A pandemic-era voucher program that helped hundreds of people move from homelessness into apartments is running out of federal money sooner than expected. Long Beach officials say the Emergency Housing Voucher program could be out of cash by the start of August 2026, with roughly 500 recipients still relying on it. The city had been issued 582 vouchers, but rising rents have drained funding faster than planned, and the program is now costing about $800,000 per month. Housing staff are trying to transition voucher holders into longer-term assistance; officials said dozens have already made the switch, but more help is still needed to avoid sudden displacement.

Civic and community

‘ICE Out of Long Beach’ banner briefly displayed at City Hall

A large banner reading ‘ICE Out of Long Beach’ was briefly posted on a City Hall balcony outside the mayor’s office, drawing attention downtown and on social media. City officials said it wasn’t purchased with public funds, and the banner was removed and is expected to be donated to a local community organization. The mayor’s office described the message as solidarity with immigrant families and a call for accountability around federal tactics.

Long Beach Airport signs on as first sponsor of new pro baseball team

Long Beach Airport agreed to a $100,000 sponsorship deal with the Long Beach Coast baseball team, including jersey sleeve patches, advertising, and promotions at Blair Field and at the airport. The Coast is an independent professional team in the Pioneer Baseball League, and the club’s inaugural season is scheduled to begin May 19, with a first home game set for June 2.

Public safety snapshot

In its Feb. 23 daily blotter update, Long Beach police reported no shootings or stabbings overnight. The department notes the blotter is preliminary and may be updated as information is confirmed.

Sources

• https://lbpost.com/news/fatal-crash-long-beach-airport-tunnel/
• https://lbpost.com/news/emergency-housing-vouchers-long-beach-limbo-funding-runs-out/
• https://www.longbeachlocalnews.com/2026/02/20/city-officials-display-ice-out-of-long-beach-banner-at-city-hall/amp/
• https://lbpost.com/news/long-beach-airport-signs-on-as-long-beach-coast-baseball-teams-first-sponsor/
• https://www.longbeach.gov/police/news/lbpd-blotter-feb-23-2026/