Zuck Testifies at Social Media Trial, Potomac Sewage Disaster, Deadly CA Avalanche: AM Update 2/19

Summary

The Megyn Kelly Show – AM Update 2/19/2026

Episode: Zuck Testifies at Social Media Trial, Potomac Sewage Disaster, Deadly CA Avalanche
Date: February 19, 2026
Host: Emily Jashinsky (filling in; SiriusXM Channel 111)

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Overview

This episode delivers a fast-paced, news-driven update focusing on three headline events: Mark Zuckerberg’s testimony in a landmark social media addiction lawsuit, the fallout from a massive sewage spill into the Potomac River, and a deadly avalanche near Lake Tahoe, California. It also covers President Donald Trump’s Black History Month event at the White House, offering key soundbites from national figures. The episode’s tone is direct, urgent, and factual, designed to keep listeners informed on evolving legal, political, and environmental crises.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Mark Zuckerberg Testifies in Historic Social Media Addiction Trial

[02:33–05:18]

• Case Overview:
  Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, testified in Los Angeles in a potentially precedent-setting trial. The case, brought by a 19-year-old from Chico, CA, alleges negligence and a failure to warn about platforms (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat) being addictively designed for children’s use.

• Litigation Details:

  • First trial of its kind to reach a jury; thousands of similar lawsuits may follow.
  • Legal commentators compare the case to the 1990s tobacco lawsuits, which forced sweeping industry changes and child-focused advertising bans.

• Noteworthy Court Exchanges:

  • On addiction, KGM’s attorney Mark Lanier challenged Zuckerberg:
    • Lanier: “You expect a nine year old to read all of the fine print? That’s your basis for swearing under oath that children under 13 are not allowed?”
    • Zuckerberg: "I think I'm actually well known to be sort of bad at this." [03:55]
      (In response to a question about being coached for authenticity in appearances.)
  • Zuckerberg admitted age limits are evaded by some children, and that Meta removes under-13 accounts when found.

• Industry Response:

  • Facebook and Instagram deny wrongdoing.
  • TikTok and Snap (Snapchat parent) have already settled with the plaintiff.
  • Plaintiffs seek both damages and fundamental changes in app design to protect children.

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2. President Trump’s Black History Month Event

[05:18–08:37]

• Event Recap:
  Trump hosted Black History Month celebrations at the White House, highlighting increased Black support—from 8% in 2020 to 15% in 2024 (per Pew Research).

• Key Moments & Quotes:

  • President Trump:
    • "We thank God for the strength and courage and grit and devotion of black Americans who have helped make America the most powerful country in the history of the world." [05:19]
    • Noted contributions from the Revolutionary War to present, and touted tangible economic gains:
      • "Since I took office, African American employment has increased by 182,000, the highest ever... Nearly half a million black Americans have rejoined the labor force since we took office." [06:05]
  • Ferlicia Cook (D.C. resident, grandmother):
    • Delivered an emotional defense of Trump after losing her grandson to gun violence:
      • “Get off the man’s back. Let him do his job. He doing the right thing. Back up off of it.” [07:38]
  • Trump’s Shout-Out:
    • “How about Nicki Minaj? Do we love Nicki Minaj, right?... She gets it. You know, more importantly, frankly, she gets it.” [08:05]

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3. Potomac River Sewage Spill: Political and Environmental Crisis

[09:58–14:14]

• Incident Details:

  • A collapse in the Potomac Interceptor sewer line (Jan 19) led to approx. 243 million gallons of wastewater pouring into the Potomac River, with residual spills even after emergency bypasses were created.
  • Contamination with E. Coli, staph, and MRSA detected; public warned to avoid river contact.
  • Aging infrastructure (pipe over 60 years old) is blamed; repairs ongoing and expected to take months.

• Political Blame Game:

  • President Trump (Truth Social):
    • “There is a massive ecological disaster unfolding in the Potomac river as a result of the gross mismanagement of local Democrat leaders, particularly Governor Wes Moore of Maryland.” [11:47]
  • Gov. Wes Moore (Maryland):
    • Fires back:
      • “I know this is breaking news to everyone, but the president is not telling the truth... we were actually some of the first folks to respond. Our Department of the Environment was already on the ground testing water, sewage, testing the water quality, making sure that our people were safe." [12:42]
      • “We’d welcome you to help...while we’ve been doing your job.” [13:14]
  • EPA Admin. Lee Zeldin:
    • Clarifies EPA’s role on X; notes DC Water leads cleanup and EPA has offered support, but was not formally asked to take over. [13:19]
  • White House Press Secretary:
    • “President Trump and the federal government are standing by to step in, but… we need the state and local jurisdictions to make that formal request.” [13:50]
  • Final Step:
    • D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser officially requested a presidential emergency disaster declaration, seeking FEMA help and federal reimbursement.

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4. Deadly Avalanche in California

[14:14–16:47]

• Incident Recap:

  • Near Castle Peak, outside Lake Tahoe, 15 skiers in a guided backcountry tour were caught in an avalanche (Feb. 18). Eight bodies located, one missing, six rescued.
  • Rescue efforts hampered by extreme weather and avalanche risk.

• Sheriff’s Statements:

  • Sheriff Shannon Moon:
    • “Extreme weather conditions I would say is an understatement. Lots of snow, gale force winds, winds making it impossible to see...” [16:12]
    • Survivors aged 30–55; two injured, one still hospitalized but non-life-threatening.
    • Unclear whether group ignored avalanche warning; investigation ongoing; bodies to be recovered when conditions allow.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

“You expect a nine year old to read all of the fine print? That’s your basis for swearing under oath that children under 13 are not allowed?”
— Mark Lanier, KGM’s attorney, cross-examining Mark Zuckerberg [03:52]

"I think I'm actually well known to be sort of bad at this."
— Mark Zuckerberg, on being told to appear "authentic" and "real" in public testimony [03:55]

"We thank God for the strength and courage and grit and devotion of black Americans who have helped make America the most powerful country in the history of the world."
— President Donald Trump [05:19]

“Get off the man’s back. Let him do his job. He doing the right thing. Back up off of it.”
— Ferlicia Cook, D.C. resident, defending Trump after her grandson’s murder [07:38]

“There is a massive ecological disaster unfolding in the Potomac river as a result of the gross mismanagement of local Democrat leaders"
— President Trump, Truth Social post on sewage spill [11:47]

“We’d welcome you to help… while we’ve been doing your job.”
— Gov. Wes Moore, Maryland, pushing back on federal criticism [13:14]

“Extreme weather conditions I would say is an understatement. Lots of snow, gale force winds, winds making it impossible to see...”
— Sheriff Shannon Moon, on the ongoing avalanche search [16:12]

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• Mark Zuckerberg Testifies: 02:33–05:18
• Trump’s Black History Month Event: 05:18–08:37
• Potomac Sewage Disaster & Political Fallout: 09:58–14:14
• California Avalanche and Rescue: 14:14–16:47

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Conclusion

Emily Jashinsky’s AM Update condensed a morning’s worth of critical news—merging courtroom drama, presidential politics, infrastructure failures, and natural disaster—into a thoroughly cross-examined package. The episode spotlights hard legal questions around social media’s impact on children, the intersection of environmental disaster and political accountability, and moments of candor and emotion in national events. This briefing is essential for anyone tracking the collision of tech, governance, and public safety in America.

Transcript

[Meghna Chakrabarti]

When news breaks. At first, it's everywhere, like a storm. But the coverage leaves you with so many unanswered questions. That's where we come in. I'm Meghna chakrabarti, host of OnPoint. We ask the questions that still need answers. We analyze the meaning behind the news and why it matters to your life. We equip you with the knowledge to face the next news storm. OnPointe Clarity when it counts, wherever you get your podcasts.

[Emily Jashinsky]

Good morning everyone. I'm Emily Jashinsky, host of Afterparty and the Megyn Kelly Wrap Up show on Sirius XM channel 111. It's Thursday, February 19, 2026. This is your AM update. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg testifies in a major trial that could fundamentally alter how social media companies operate.

[President Donald Trump]

We thank God for the strength and courage and grit and devotion of black Americans.

[Emily Jashinsky]

President Trump hosts a Black History Month at the White House.

[White House Press Secretary]

President Trump and the federal government are standing by to step in a toxic.

[Emily Jashinsky]

Mess in the Potomac river, leading to an even messier blame game in Washington. And after hours of treacherous rescue efforts, nine missing skiers presumed dead in a California avalanche. All that and more coming up in just a moment. On your AM Update.

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[Emily Jashinsky]

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg appearing in a Los Angeles court yesterday morning, testifying in a high stakes legal battle that could fundamentally change how social media companies operate. At stake, whether platforms like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Snapchat designed their products to be addictive to children regardless of the negative outcomes. The case brought by a 19 year old from Chico, California, identified only by her initials, KGM, who alleges negligence and negligent failure to warn. It is the first case of its kind to reach a jury trial, with thousands more potentially coming depending on the outcome. Legal analysts comparing the moment to the big tobacco trials of the 90s, which ultimately forced cigarette companies to pay billions and overhaul product marketing, preventing advertising that appeals to children during questioning Zuckerberg dodging a question about the addictive nature of social media. Attorney for KGM Mark Lanier asking if people are likely to use something more if it's addictive. Zuckerberg replying, I'm not sure what to say about that. I don't think that applies here. Lanier questioning Zuckerberg about age limits on the platform Users are required to be at least 13 years old to sign up for Facebook and Instagram. Zuckerberg testifying that some people lie about their age when signing up. Lanier replying, you expect a nine year old to read all of the fine print? That's your basis for swearing under oath that children under 13 are not allowed. Zuckerberg saying that the company works to remove all accounts operated by kids under 13. Lanier also questioning Zuckerberg about his preparation for his testimony and other public appearances. Lanier pointing to an internal document advising him to appear authentic, direct, human, insightful and real. Zuckerberg replying that he is not coached, then saying, I think I'm actually well known to be sort of bad at this. Facebook and Instagram deny wrongdoing TikTok and Snapchat parent company Snap reaching undisclosed settlements with KGM in January, just ahead of the trial. The trial is expected to last several more weeks. Beyond financial damages, plaintiffs are seeking changes to the app's designs to prevent future harms to children. President Trump yesterday hosting a White House event celebrating Black History Month. The East Room, crowded with many of the president's prominent black supporters. Black support for Mr. Trump nearly doubling between the 2020 and 2024 election from 8% to 15%, according to Pew Research. The president honoring the contribution of black Americans throughout the nation's history.

[President Donald Trump]

But we thank God for the strength and courage and grit and devotion of black Americans who have helped make America the most powerful country in the history of the world. Nearly 10,000 African Americans fought for the Patriot, caused the Revolutionary War. Did you know that? 10,000. And it's actually a number even I've heard even number higher than that. Helping secure our independence in every generation since from the Buffalo Soldiers to the Tuskegee Airmen, Black Americans have stepped forward to defend the flag and to defend our country like few others, really. Like few others. And you've never really been given the recognition that you should get for that.

[Emily Jashinsky]

President Trump touting key wins for the black community under his administration.

[President Donald Trump]

More Americans are working today than at any time in American history. So we have more Americans right now working than at any time. And, you know, when I say this stuff, I get the fake news back there, a lot of it. Thank you. I agree. And since I took office, African American employment has increased by 182,000, the highest ever. Jobs, 182,000. Nearly half a million black Americans have rejoined the labor force since we took office.

[Emily Jashinsky]

Mr. Trump inviting seven attendees on stage to speak, including Dr. Ben Carson, HUD Secretary Scott Turner, and D.C. resident Ferlicia Cook, who lost her grandson to gun violence. Cook delivering this passionate defense of Mr. Trump.

[Ferlicia Cook]

One thing I like about him, he keeps it real, just like grandma. Thank God for this president because he allowed his people to come to my house to interview me to talk about the murder of my grandson. It seemed like nobody cared and nobody heard me. Then they invited me twice before Congress to testify for the beautiful bill that's going to change crime in the District. If you kill somebody, you take a life, you do life, just that simple. If you do a hush crime, you do hush time. Just that simple. And then we need National Guard in which we did years ago.

[President Donald Trump]

He brought it on.

[Ferlicia Cook]

I love him. I don't want to hear nothing you got to say about that racist stuff. And don't be looking at me on the news, hating on me, because I'm standing up for somebody that deserves to be stand up for. Get off the man's back. Let him do his job. He doing the right thing. Back up off of it.

[Emily Jashinsky]

The president largely sticking to the script in the event. His remarks, including guests lasting about 50 minutes and including this shout out to rapper Nicki Minaj, who was not in attendance.

[President Donald Trump]

How about Nicki Minaj? Do we love Nicki Minaj, right? I love Nicki Minaj. She was here a couple of weeks ago. So beautiful. Her skin's so beautiful. I said, Nikki is so beautiful. Her nails. Her nails are like that long. I said, nikki, are they real? She said she didn't want to get into that, but she was so beautiful and so great and she gets it. You know, more importantly, frankly, she gets it.

[Emily Jashinsky]

Coming up, hundreds of millions of gallons of sewage spilling into the Potomac, leading to a toxic political battle and tragedy. In California, nine skiers presumed dead in an avalanche near Lake Tahoe.

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[Emily Jashinsky]

A major sewage spill believed to potentially be the largest in US History, involving millions of gallons of stinky wastewater pouring into the Potomac river, now fueling a political storm in the nation's capital region. The Crisis Beginning on January 19th a collapse in the Potomac Interceptor sewer line running along the Clara Barton Parkway in Montgomery County, Maryland, triggering an uncontrolled overflow of wastewater into the Potomac River. The interceptor, operated by the D.C. water utility company, typically carrying up to 60 million gallons of wastewater daily from Virginia and Maryland to Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant on the banks of the Potomac in D.C. according to the Hill, as of February 6, approximately 243 million gallons of dirty water flowing into the river as a result of the pipe break, reports the New York Times. Days after the break, weeks of below freezing temperatures complicating repair efforts. DC Water implementing an emergency bypass system in late January, rerouting the flow away from the damaged pipe. USA TODAY reporting no overflow has gone into the Potomac since January 29, though there are still intermittent spills, the most recent occurring on February 10, according to the Times. Officials saying emergency repairs are likely to take four to six weeks, with additional work continuing for up to nine months. In the meantime, environmental testing detecting high levels of bacteria, including E. Coli, staph and mrsa. While the drinking water has not been affected, officials warning the public and pets to avoid contact with the water DC Water pinning the cause of the pipe failure on aging infrastructure, noting the interceptor is more than 60 years old and had already been flagged for upgrades. The disaster going largely unreported in mainstream media. That is until President Trump weighed in posting to Truth Social There is a massive ecological disaster unfolding in the Potomac river as a result of the gross mismanagement of local Democrat leaders, particularly Governor Wes Moore of Maryland. While state and local authorities have failed to request needed emergency help, I cannot allow incompetent local leadership to turn the river in the heart of Washington into a disaster zone. Mr. Trump, following up in another post on Tuesday, quote, Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. who are responsible for the massive sewage spill in the Potomac river must get to work immediately. If they can't do the job, they have to call me and ask politely to get it fixed. Maryland Governor Wes Moore, a Democrat and frequent Trump critic, responding to reporters on Tuesday pointing the blame Right back to Mr. Trump.

[Maryland Governor Wes Moore]

I know this is breaking news to everyone, but the president is not telling the truth. In fact, the federal government has had responsibility for that for the past century and now we were actually some of the first folks to respond. Our Department of the Environment was already on the ground testing water, sewage, testing the water quality, making sure that our people were safe. I love the fact that the President of the United States is finally realizing that this was his job and he hasn't been doing it for the past month. So I say, listen, we'd welcome you to help to address the remaining 1% that hasn't been complete while we've been doing your job.

[Emily Jashinsky]

Meanwhile, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin offering a more technical view of who is running what aspects of the cleanup. In a Tuesday X post, Zeldin writing that DC Water is leading the cleanup and remediation efforts. Quote, at no point in the lead up to today had DC Water or the State of Maryland requested EPA to take over their responsibilities. And EPA has continued to offer its full support to state and local leaders from the onset. Yesterday, Press Secretary Caroline Levitt urging local leaders to formally request government assistance.

[White House Press Secretary]

The next step in this process is for any of the three local jurisdictions involved, whether that's the Commonwealth of Virginia, the State of Maryland and Governor Moore, or the District of Columbia to step forward and to ask the federal government for help. President Trump and the federal government are standing by to step in, but of course we need the state and local jurisdictions to make that formal request. That's part of the legal process to move forward.

[Emily Jashinsky]

Last night, D.C. mayor Muriel Bowser officially requesting a presidential emergency disaster declaration. Mayor Bowser requesting that President Trump, among other actions, direct FEMA to establish interagency coordination among federal agencies, affected states and D.C. she is also asking for additional federal technical and testing support to expand water quality monitoring and for full federal reimbursement of cleanup costs. Nine backcountry skiers presumed dead following a Tuesday morning avalanche near Castle Peak outside Lake Tahoe in California with eight bodies located so far. The slide hitting around 11:30am as a guided expedition was returning to the trailhead on the final day of a three day trip. Fifteen people were on the outing, six survivors activating emergency equipment, but brutal weather slowed rescuers for hours, crews finally reaching them more than 12 hours later. Nevada County Sheriff Shannon Moon yesterday with details on the skiers.

[Sheriff Shannon Moon]

Of the 15 that were on this guided trip, they were nine women and six men. We were able to rescue one man and five women. So the survivors ranging in ages from 30 to 55 years of age. Eight of the additional nine additional skiers have been located deceased. We are still looking for one of the members at this time due to the ongoing challenges of the weather, the avalanche conditions, the effort remains ongoing as well as our search for the remaining skier. Of the two that were injured, one individual was stabilized last night and released. One is still being treated at the hospital. I've been told both subjects are non life threatening injuries.

[Emily Jashinsky]

The survivors including five guests and one guide. Sheriff Moon describing the difficult search and rescue effort.

[Sheriff Shannon Moon]

We had two different teams deploying, roughly 50 skilled folks deploying into the scene both from the south side and from the north side trying to come in to this area. Extreme weather conditions I would say is an understatement. Lots of snow, gale force winds, winds making it impossible to see. So it was very much a slow and steady pace going with snowcats, skiers going up into the area, which is still considered a very high danger for avalanche.

[Emily Jashinsky]

The skiers staying in remote cabins during the three day trip. Officials issuing an avalanche warning early Tuesday morning. It is unclear if the skiers ignored the warning before heading back to the trailhead. Sheriff Moon saying an investigation is ongoing. The deceased skiers located through emergency beacons. The bodies have not yet been recovered, according to Nevada County Sheriff Captain Russell Green, who added that recovery efforts would begin when conditions improved. That'll do it for your AM Update. I'm Emily Jasinsky, host of After Party. Catch the Megyn Kelly show live on SiriusXM's the Megyn Kelly Channel 111 at noon east on YouTube.com Megyn Kelly and all podcast platforms.

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