Big Tech Held Liable in Major Case, Iran War Support Slides, Dems' Surprise FL Wins: AM Update 3/26
The Megyn Kelly Show Podcast Recap
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What Happened
A landmark ruling against big tech companies has been made in Los Angeles, where Meta and YouTube were found liable for causing harm to a 20-year-old woman, KGM, due to features designed to promote compulsive social media use. Meta was ordered to pay 70% of the $3 million in compensatory damages, with YouTube covering the rest. This case is the first in a series of bellwether trials in California that could lead to more trials and settlements.
In a separate trial, Meta was ordered to pay $375 million after being found liable for not protecting children from predators on its platforms. New Mexico's Attorney General Raul Torres led this civil suit under a consumer frauds statute, with the jury identifying 37,500 willful violations by Meta. The verdict has drawn comparisons to the tobacco cases of the 1990s, signaling significant potential changes for social media companies.
Polling from Pew Research indicates a decline in public support for the US Military's Operation Epic Fury in Iran, with 61% of Americans disapproving of President Trump's handling of the conflict. Moreover, a majority believe launching the operation was a mistake. The White House continues to assert that talks with Iran are ongoing, despite Tehran's claims to the contrary.
Former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and her colleague Corey Lewandowski are reportedly under investigation over the awarding of billions in no-bid contracts. This probe includes scrutinizing a $220 million ad campaign that prominently featured Noem. The investigation by the DHS inspector general is ongoing, with accusations of a so-called "Lewandowski tax" yet to be substantiated.
In deep red Florida, Democrats achieved surprise wins in state legislature elections. Democrat Brian Nathan flipped a Tampa area seat in the state Senate, while Emily Gregory won a state House seat in Palm Beach County, an area previously carried by President Trump. These wins are seen as potential indicators of shifting political momentum ahead of the 2026 elections.
Key Insights
- A jury in Los Angeles has determined that Meta and YouTube must pay $3 million in compensatory damages to a woman identified as KGM, due to features that encourage compulsive use and are linked to mental health issues.
- Meta faced a separate verdict in New Mexico, where it was fined $375 million for failing to protect children from predators on its platforms, found guilty of 37,500 willful violations under consumer fraud laws.
- Public opinion is increasingly against the US Military's Operation Epic Fury in Iran, with 61% of Americans disapproving of President Trump's handling of the conflict and only 38% believing the operation was justified.
- Kristi Noem, former DHS Secretary, is under investigation for potentially improper awarding of government contracts, including a controversial $220 million ad campaign, which has prompted an ongoing probe by the DHS inspector general.