Apple News Today: Why the L.A. Olympics Chair Is Facing Calls to Quit

Date: February 18, 2026
Host: Cecilia Ley
Notable Guests/Sources: Jacqueline Diaz (NPR), Dakota Smith (Los Angeles Times), Neil Steinberg (Chicago Sun Times), Rev. Al Sharpton

Episode Overview

The episode unpacks the growing controversy around Casey Wasserman, chair of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, who is under pressure to resign following new revelations from the Epstein files. Additional segments touch on states resisting federal immigration enforcement, the legacy of civil rights leader Jesse Jackson after his death, recent legal rulings on immigration, changes to political broadcast rules, and a record-setting Olympic win.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. States Push Back Against Federal Immigration Crackdown (00:05–04:29)

• Context: The Trump administration has escalated the use of local police to enforce federal immigration law using “287 agreements.”
• Maryland's Response:
  • Maryland joins other Democratic-led states in prohibiting these partnerships.
  • Gov. Wes Moore:
    “We believe in due process here in the state of Maryland, and we refuse to blur the lines between state and federal authority in ways that undermine trust between law enforcement and the communities that they serve.” (01:06)
• How 287 Agreements Work:
  • They empower local law enforcement to act as federal immigration officers, questioning, investigating, and arresting individuals for immigration violations.
  • Jacqueline Diaz (NPR):
    “This gives the local police officers the power to question, investigate, or arrest people for perceived or set immigration violations. And that's unique because it's power that's only really traditionally reserved for federal officers.” (01:42)
• Expansion under Trump:
  • Agreements have surged from just 45 in 2019 to nearly 1,500.
  • Financial incentives given to local police for participation.
  • Under past administrations, use fluctuated—expanding post–9/11 (Bush), heavily scaled back under Obama in 2012, largely dormant under Biden.
• Concerns:
  • Critics warn of civil rights abuses, racial profiling, and strained police-community relationships.

2. LA Olympics Chair Faces Calls to Resign over Epstein Ties (04:29–07:53)

• The Issue:
  • Casey Wasserman’s historical association with Ghislaine Maxwell (Epstein associate) is under new scrutiny.
  • Revelations from the “Epstein files” show emails and past connections, though Wasserman is not accused of any crime.
• Political Fallout:
  • LA Mayor Karen Bass publicly calls for his resignation due to reputational risk.

    “My opinion is, is that he should step down.” (06:04)

  • Other city officials and rivals echo demands for him to quit.
• Wasserman’s Defense and Fallout:
  • The LA28 Olympic Executive Committee stands by him after an independent review.
  • High-profile clients (Abby Wambach, Chapel Roan, Orville Peck) leave his talent agency.
  • He announced plans to sell his company in response to mounting pressure.
  • Dakota Smith (LA Times):
    “There's a feeling that Casey Wasserman never has made a huge effort to become particularly close or make the sort of relationships with the local politicians that would have led to them defending.” (07:38)
• Contextual Note: Wasserman’s emails were sent in 2003, before Maxwell’s and Epstein’s crimes were public knowledge.

3. Remembering Jesse Jackson: Legacy of a Civil Rights Icon (07:53–12:35)

• Jackson’s Death:
  • Jesse Jackson dies at 84. Tributes pour in from across politics; Barack Obama calls him “a true giant.”
• Influence and Philosophy:
  • Inspired figures like Rev. Al Sharpton:

    “He opened my eyes that we could make a difference, we could make change, that we could not be cynical.” (08:47)

• Achievements:
  • Early civil rights activism—arrested as part of the “Greenville Eight” for integrating a public library.
  • Presidential runs in the 1980s; founder of Rainbow PUSH Coalition.
  • Famous for his uplifting rhetoric—“You are somebody. Keep hope alive.”
    • Jackson at DNC 1988:

      “We must never surrender. America will get better and better. Keep hope alive.” (12:10)

• Controversies:
  • Criticized for self-promotion, disputed claims about MLK’s assassination, anti-Semitic remarks, infidelity.
  • Neil Steinberg (Chicago Sun Times):
    “Jackson lived a long time and his legacy became very complicated over the years.” (10:27)

4. Immigration Court Ruling on Kilmar Abrego Garcia (12:35–14:28)

• Court Case:
  • Judge rules the Trump administration cannot redetain Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran immigrant, due to procedural issues and lack of viable deportation plan.
• Broader Implications:
  • Highlights ongoing legal and humanitarian challenges of U.S. immigration enforcement under Trump.

5. FCC Rules and Political Talk Show Crackdown (14:28–15:33)

• Stephen Colbert Segment:
  • CBS declines to air an interview with Texas Senate candidate James Talarico due to new FCC “equal time” interpretations under the Trump administration.
• Political Context:
  • Colbert openly criticizes the FCC chair:

    “You are dutch ovening America's airwaves. Let's just call this what it is.” (13:46)

  • CBS provides alternative means to fulfill equal time for other candidates; the interview airs on YouTube instead.

6. Historic Olympic Win: Ilana Meyers Taylor (15:33–15:50)

• Olympics Update:
  • Ilana Meyers Taylor becomes the oldest individual Winter Olympic champion at 41, winning women’s monobob by 0.04 seconds.
  • Dedicates win to her family and supporters:

    “I can't believe it. It took so many people to get here...I’m just so grateful right now.” (15:33)

Notable Quotes

• Gov. Wes Moore (01:06):
  “We believe in due process here in the state of Maryland, and we refuse to blur the lines between state and federal authority...”
• Jacqueline Diaz, NPR (01:42):
  “This gives the local police officers the power to question, investigate, or arrest people for perceived or set immigration violations...”
• Mayor Karen Bass (06:04):
  “My opinion is, is that he should step down.”
• Rev. Al Sharpton (08:47):
  “He opened my eyes that we could make a difference, we could make change, that we could not be cynical.”
• Jesse Jackson, DNC 1988 (12:10):
  “Keep hope alive. Keep hope alive on tomorrow night and beyond. Keep hope alive. I love you very much.”
• Neil Steinberg (10:27):
  “Jackson lived a long time and his legacy became very complicated over the years.”
• Stephen Colbert (13:46):
  “You are dutch ovening America’s airwaves. Let’s just call this what it is.”
• Ilana Meyers Taylor (15:33):
  “I can't put it into words. I can't believe it. It took so many people to get here... I’m just so grateful right now.”

Timestamps for Important Segments

• State pushback on immigration enforcement: 00:05–04:29
• LA Olympics chair controversy: 04:29–07:53
• Jesse Jackson legacy & tribute: 07:53–12:35
• Abrego Garcia immigration ruling: 12:35–14:28
• FCC and political show crackdowns: 14:28–15:33
• Olympic gold for Meyers Taylor: 15:33–15:50

Tone and Style

The episode maintains a neutral, journalistic tone while interjecting engaging quotes and clear reporting. Commentary from subject matter experts and affected public figures gives the coverage authority and depth, offering listeners context and analysis on current events.