Storms, Olympics Turmoil, and Homelessness Debate Lead Los Angeles News
Los Angeles, CA — February 17, 2026 — Storms pound the region as Mayor Bass presses LA28 to change leaders and Obama’s homelessness critique ripples through L.A.
Los Angeles, CA — February 17, 2026 — Heavy storms, Olympic leadership turmoil, and a sharp critique of the city’s homelessness response are shaping today’s local headlines.
Powerful winter storms drench Los Angeles
A strong winter system that moved in over Presidents Day is bringing several days of rain, high winds, and mountain snow to the Los Angeles area. Forecasters expect multiple waves of storms through midweek, with the heaviest rain focused on Monday and Tuesday.
Coastal and valley neighborhoods are seeing 1 to 3 inches of rain, while foothill and mountain communities could get up to 5 inches or more. The National Weather Service has highlighted the risk of thunderstorms, brief funnel clouds or weak tornadoes, and dangerous surf along the coast.
Flood watches and flash flood warnings are in effect for parts of L.A. County, especially near recent burn scars in the Santa Monica Mountains and other steep terrain. Local officials are urging residents to avoid flooded roads, prepare for possible debris flows, and limit driving during peak downpours.
Mayor Bass calls for new LA28 leadership
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has publicly urged LA28 chair Casey Wasserman to step down from his role leading preparations for the 2028 Olympic Games. Her comments follow weeks of scrutiny over Wasserman’s inclusion in government files related to Jeffrey Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell.
The LA28 board recently reaffirmed its support for Wasserman after an outside review and has not moved to replace him. Bass emphasized that she cannot fire the chairman but said she believes the committee should choose new leadership to protect public trust as the city moves closer to hosting the Games.
The dispute adds fresh political pressure to an organizing committee already navigating sponsorship concerns, internal dissent, and questions about how best to represent Los Angeles on the global stage.
Obama’s ‘atrocity’ comment intensifies homelessness debate
Former President Barack Obama has drawn new attention to Los Angeles’ homelessness crisis, calling the situation on city streets an “atrocity” in light of the billions of dollars already committed to addressing it. In a recent interview, he argued that local and state leaders must pair compassion and services with visible accountability if they want durable public support.
Obama’s remarks echo frustrations long voiced by residents and businesses about encampments and safety, while also reinforcing the moral imperative to expand housing and treatment options. The comments are reverberating through California politics as Los Angeles continues to roll out new shelter beds, housing programs, and outreach efforts under Mayor Bass’ administration.
Staying safe and informed
Residents are being encouraged to monitor storm updates, check on vulnerable neighbors, and use official channels for evacuation or road closure information. As debate grows over Olympic leadership and homelessness policy, City Hall is likely to face mounting calls for transparency and concrete progress in the weeks ahead.
Sources
- https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-02-16/la-storm-timeline-bursts-of-rain-blasts-of-wind-expected-in-presidents-day-washout
- https://abc7.com/live-updates/live-updates-evacuation-warnings-road-closures-place-ahead-powerful-southern-california-storm-system/18602240/entry/18608534/
- https://apnews.com/article/3624c992a6fac8d3735b61beffa509e8
- https://www.thewrap.com/media-platforms/politics/karen-bass-comments-casey-wasserman-la28-epstein-files/
- https://apnews.com/article/efcc43b1e45166e6954d3f484ab7d365
- https://www.wfmd.com/2026/02/16/obama-calls-los-angeles-homelessness-an-atrocity-criticizes-losing-political-strategy/
