Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg testifies in social media addiction trial.

Summary

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Fox News Hourly Update – February 18, 2026

Main Theme

This episode centers on Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, testifying in a landmark social media addiction trial in Los Angeles, where platforms are accused of creating addictive, harmful products for children. The update also covers several other stories: Congressional responses to the President’s upcoming State of the Union, reactions to Reverend Jesse Jackson’s passing, the 25th anniversary of Dale Earnhardt’s death, and new environmental lawsuits against the EPA.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Mark Zuckerberg Testifies in Social Media Addiction Trial

• Court Proceedings: Mark Zuckerberg appears in Los Angeles court to testify in a trial accusing social media companies of knowingly creating addictive, harmful products for children.
• Legal Strategy
  • Use of Apology in Court: In 2024, Zuckerberg apologized to parents who lost children (referencing a Congressional hearing). Plaintiffs hope to use this in questioning, though the defense is pushing back.
    • Quote (Mark Lanier, Lead Plaintiff Attorney, 00:28):
      “The other side is very careful about wanting to limit what I can do from his congressional testimony, but that he apologized may very well be acceptable.”
• Defendants and Settlements: Besides Meta, YouTube (Google) is on trial; TikTok and Snapchat settled prior.
• Defense Tactics: The defense is also challenging references to Zuckerberg’s net worth to limit potential jury bias.

2. Congressional Boycott of State of the Union & Counter Programming

• Progressive Boycott: Several Democrats plan to boycott the President’s State of the Union address. Progressive groups MoveOn and Midas Touch are organizing a rally on the National Mall.
  • Attending Lawmakers: Senators Chris Van Hollen, Chris Murphy, Congress members Veronica Escobar, Greg Casar, and others.
• House Minority Leader’s Response:
  • Quote (Hakeem Jeffries, 01:32):
    “When I go into his house, he’s coming to our house and it’s the people’s house. And having grown up where I grew up, you never let anyone run you off your block.”
• Counter Programming: Midas Touch producing YouTube content featuring individuals affected by Trump’s administration.
• Ongoing Negotiations: Immigration policy and Homeland Security funding remain points of contention in Congress.

3. Reverend Jesse Jackson Remembered

• Family Tributes: After Jesse Jackson’s passing, his family speaks publicly about his legacy.
  • His son, Yousef Jackson, highlights his lifelong dedication to public service.
  • Quote (Hakeem Jeffries, 02:32):
    “Our nation better, to make the world more just.”
  • Quote (Ainsley Earhart, 02:41):
    “May he rest in peace, but may his spirit live forever and let us continue the work, everyone. That is what he would want us to do.”
• Open Funeral: Jesse Jackson Jr. states that the funeral will welcome everyone, regardless of differences.
• Legacy: Santita Jackson emphasizes his faith and dedication as a father.

4. Dale Earnhardt’s Legacy - 25 Years On

• Anniversary of Death: Commemorating 25 years since NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt’s fatal crash in the 2001 Daytona 500.
  • Impact: The tragedy led to major safety reforms, including energy-absorbing barriers and mandatory head-and-neck restraints.
  • Quote (Jared Max, 03:11):
    “On the last lap of the 2001 Daytona 500, Dale Earnhardt, driving his black number 3 Chevrolet, collided with two other cars that sent Earnhardt's vehicle into a retaining wall. It was determined the impact killed him instantly… This tragedy 25 years ago led to a safer sport.”
  • Since then, there have been zero fatal accidents in NASCAR’s three racing divisions.

5. EPA Sued Over Greenhouse Gas Regulation Decision

• Lawsuit Filed: Health and environmental groups sue the EPA, challenging its decision to rescind a regulation foundational for controlling greenhouse gas emissions.

6. Financial Markets Update

• Wall Street Rally: Both the Dow and Nasdaq surge, up by more than 300 points.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “[Mark] Zuckerberg apologized during a congressional hearing to parents who've lost children. Plaintiff's lead attorney Mark Lanier tells Fox Business he's not sure if he'll be allowed to use that during questioning.”
  — Lisa Brady, 00:10
• “The other side is very careful about wanting to limit what I can do from his congressional testimony, but that he apologized may very well be acceptable.”
  — Mark Lanier, 00:28
• “When I go into his house, he's coming to our house and it's the people's house. And having grown up where I grew up, you never let anyone run you off your block.”
  — Hakeem Jeffries, 01:32
• “Our nation better, to make the world more just.”
  — Hakeem Jeffries, 02:32
• “May he rest in peace, but may his spirit live forever and let us continue the work, everyone. That is what he would want us to do.”
  — Ainsley Earhart, 02:41
• “On the last lap of the 2001 Daytona 500, Dale Earnhardt, driving his black number 3 Chevrolet... It was determined the impact killed him instantly... This tragedy 25 years ago led to a safer sport.”
  — Jared Max, 03:11

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:02 – Zuckerberg takes the stand; legal strategies discussed
• 01:09 – Congressional boycott of State of the Union addressed
• 01:32 – Hakeem Jeffries comments on the boycott
• 02:15 – Jesse Jackson’s family pays tribute
• 03:11 – 25th anniversary of Dale Earnhardt’s passing and NASCAR safety
• 03:55 – EPA faces new lawsuit over greenhouse gas regulations
• 04:10 – Financial markets rally update

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This news update provided a comprehensive sweep through major legal, political, and cultural issues unfolding across the United States, balancing breaking coverage of trials, tributes, and regulatory battles with reflective commentary and notable soundbites from political and family leaders.

Transcript

[Lisa Brady]

The Meta CEO takes the stand. Lisa Brady, Fox News Mark Zuckerberg in court in Los Angeles to testify at a trial where social media platforms are accused of knowingly making addictive products that are harmful to kids. In 2024, Zuckerberg apologized during a congressional hearing to parents who've lost children. Plaintiff's lead attorney Mark Lanier tells Fox Business he's not sure if he'll be allowed to use that during questioning.

[Mark Lanier]

The other side is very careful about wanting to limit what I can do from his congressional testimony, but that he apologized may very well be acceptable.

[Lisa Brady]

The defense also challenging possible references to Zuckerberg's net worth. Google's YouTube is also a defendant in the LA trial. TikTok and Snapchat reached settlements before it began. Billionaire businessman Les Wexner tells a House panel he's done nothing wrong and did not know about Jeffrey Epstein's crimes, calling him a world class con man. Wexner, submitting a statement under subpoena after the Epstein files, raised new questions about his ties to Epstein. Several Democrats in Congress plan to boycott the president's State of the Union speech next Tuesday.

[Progressive Group Representative]

Progressive groups Move on and Midas Touch are organizing a rally on the National Mall during the President's State of the Union address. They say several members of Congress plan to attend their rally and are boycotting the State of the Union, including Senators Chris Van Hollen and Chris Murphy, as well as Congress members Veronica Escobar, Greg Cassar and others. It isn't clear yet how many plan to attend their rally, but House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries says he will be attending the State of the Union.

[Hakeem Jeffries]

When I go into his house, he's coming to our house and it's the people's house. And having grown up where I grew up, you never let anyone run you off your block.

[Progressive Group Representative]

Midas Touch will offer counter programming on YouTube featuring people they say are facing the consequences of what they call Trump's disastrous administration.

[Lisa Brady]

Fox's Jessica Rosenthal this as negotiations continue on possible immigration enforcement reforms, Democrats are demanding to end a funding shutdown of Homeland Security. America is listening to Fox News.

[Ainsley Earhart]

This is Ainsley Earhart. Thank you for joining me for the 52 episode podcast series the Life of.

[Santita Jackson]

Jesus, a listening experience that will provide hope, comfort and understanding of the greatest story ever told. Listen and follow [e-mail] or wherever you listen to podcasts.

[Lisa Brady]

Outreach from the family of a civil rights leader after his passing yesterday outside.

[Santita Jackson]

The Jackson family home here in Chicago, the late Reverend Jesse Jackson's children describing their father as a lion among lions. Yousef Jackson said his father dedicated his life to public public service to make.

[Hakeem Jeffries]

Our nation better, to make the world more just.

[Santita Jackson]

Santita Jackson, emphasizing Jesse Jackson's dedication as a father and a man of faith.

[Ainsley Earhart]

May he rest in peace, but may his spirit live forever and let us continue the work, everyone. That is what he would want us to do.

[Santita Jackson]

Rep. Jonathan Jackson thanking those who've honored his father's memory. Jesse Jackson Jr. Also saying that his father's funeral will be open to all, regardless of differences.

[Lisa Brady]

Fox's Jeff Manasso Jackson's death followed a long battle with a rare brain disease. Public public observances are expected to be held in Chicago. Today marks a milestone since the passing of an iconic race car driver.

[Jared Max]

On this day in 2001, the NASCAR community lost a legend. We remember Dale Earnhardt on the 25th anniversary of his passing, NASCAR wrote Wednesday on social media. On the last lap of the 2001 Daytona 500, Dale Earnhardt, driving his black number 3 Chevrolet, collided with two other cars that sent Earnhardt's vehicle into a retaining wall. It was determined the impact killed him instantly. He suffered a basal or skull fracture. This tragedy 25 years ago led to a safer sport. NASCAR added steel and foam energy reduction barriers at oval tracks. New inspection rules for seats and seat belts, mandated as head and neck restraints, were as well for all drivers. There has not been one fatal accident since Dale Earnhardt's death in NASCAR's three racing divisions. Jared Max, FOX News A coalition of.

[Lisa Brady]

Health and environmental groups now suing the Environmental Protection Agency, challenging the decision to rescind a scientific finding that's been the central basis for regulating greenhouse gas emissions. A rally continues on Wall Street. Both the Dow and the Nasdaq up more than 300 points. Lisa Brady, FOX News.