Zuckerberg on Trial as DHS Spokesperson Steps Down in Unrelated Shakeup

February 18, 2026 | Daniel Cho

Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO and founder of Meta Platforms Inc., is set to take the stand today in a landmark trial that scrutinizes the role of social media companies in the growing teen mental health crisis. The case highlights the scrutiny faced by technology giants as they grapple with allegations that their platforms are designed in a way that contributes to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues among teenagers. Zuckerberg's testimony is expected to be a focal point as he faces questions about the ways in which Facebook, Instagram, and other Meta products influence young users.

Critics have long asserted that social media platforms, with their algorithms favoring engaging content that keeps users hooked, may inadvertently promote negative mental health outcomes. Plaintiffs in the trial argue that these platforms expose young users to cyberbullying, body image comparisons, and other harmful interactions at a critical developmental stage. Meta, like its competitors, has faced growing pressure to implement changes that could safeguard users, particularly its most impressionable demographic, against these harmful effects.

While Zuckerberg's appearance draws significant attention, a notable development in the political landscape is the departure of Tricia McLaughlin from the Department of Homeland Security. Appointed in the previous administration, McLaughlin has been instrumental in shaping policy and executing strategic initiatives aimed at addressing both internal and border security concerns. Her resignation comes at a pivotal time, as Homeland Security tackles a complex array of challenges, from cybersecurity threats to immigration enforcement.

McLaughlin's exit places pressure on the current administration to swiftly fill her role with a candidate capable of navigating the bureaucratic and security complexities that define the agency's operations. As a prominent figure in national security circles, her resignation reverberates across the governmental landscape, prompting speculation about who might take up the helm and what strategic shifts might lie ahead.

Minnesota Republicans Stand by Fraud Focus Amidst Rising ICE Activity

| Maya Caldwell

Minnesota Republicans are doubling down on their decision to enlist social media influencers to spotlight social service fraud in the state, a strategy they argue is shining a much-needed light on an issue often cloaked in bureaucracy.

Maine Immigration Crackdown Takes Center Stage in Crucial Senate Race

| Lena Dorsey

The Trump administration's aggressive stance on immigration policy is creating ripple effects across the Republican Party's efforts to maintain control of Congress, as exemplified by recent events in Maine.

Revered Civil Rights Icon Rev. Jesse Jackson Passes Away at 84

| Julian Park

The Rev. Jesse Jackson, a towering figure in America’s civil rights movement, died Tuesday at age 84, leaving behind a legacy of advocacy and activism that spanned decades.

Australia Declines Repatriation Efforts for 34 Women and Children Stranded in Syria

| Daniel Cho

In a development that underscores the complex web of geopolitics and national security, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Tuesday that his government would not repatriate a group of 34 women and children from Syria, despite their

Minnesota Democrats Hold State GOP Responsible for Federal Surge Uproar

| Soraya Amin

In a controversial move that has intensified the ongoing debate over immigration, Republicans in the state legislature have extended an invitation to Nick Shirley, a divisive figure known for his sensationalized videos on immigrant fraud.

U.S. Moves Toward Reconciliation as Europe Faces Division at Munich Conference

| Theo Ramirez

Amid an era of escalating geopolitical challenges and shifting allegiances, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio made a concerted effort to placate European allies at the recent Munich Security Conference.

Stalemate in Washington: Lawmakers Stuck in Negotiations Amid Ongoing Government Shutdown

| Julian Park

The shutdown at the Department of Homeland Security marks a significant chapter in the ongoing saga of legislative gridlock, as bipartisanship falters under the weight of urgency.

Texas Senator John Cornyn Confronts Formidable Challenges in Looming GOP Primary

| Lena Dorsey

Sen. John Cornyn, a fixture in Texas politics since his first election to the Senate in 2002, is once again reaching out to the Lone Star State's conservative stalwarts as he seeks the Republican nomination for a fifth term.

Bangladesh Sees Historic Shift: Islamist Party Emerges as Main Opposition

| Daniel Cho

In a historic shift within the Bangladeshi political landscape, an Islamist party has ascended to the role of the main opposition, reshaping the country's longstanding political dynamics.