Overview of Big Tech Held Liable in Major Case, Iran War Support Slides, Dems' Surprise FL Wins: AM Update 3/26
This AM Update (SiriusXM, March 26, 2026) — hosted by Emily Jashinski — covers three major stories: two high‑profile jury verdicts against Meta (and YouTube/Google) holding social platforms liable for harms to children, new polling and diplomatic ambiguity around Operation Epic Fury in Iran, an internal probe into former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem’s contract approvals, and surprise Democratic wins in special elections in deep‑red Florida. The show also notes ongoing legal and political fallout to watch.
Big Tech bellwether trials and verdicts
- Core outcomes
- Los Angeles bellwether trial: A 20‑year‑old plaintiff (identified in transcript as KGM) won compensatory damages totaling $3 million; Meta assigned 70% of the award, YouTube covering the rest. Jurors found platform features (infinite scroll, notifications, autoplay) engineered to drive compulsive use linked to mental‑health harms. Punitive damages deliberations were ongoing.
- New Mexico verdict: State Attorney General Raúl Torrez (transcript used “Torres”) won a $375 million civil judgment against Meta after jurors found the company failed to protect children from predators and committed tens of thousands of willful unfair/deceptive trade‑practice violations. The jury answered 37,500 willful violations; penalties were calculated under state consumer‑fraud rules (civil penalties cited at $5,000 per violation in coverage).
- Legal context and significance
- These are bellwether/representative trials in a much larger wave of suits alleging platforms deliberately designed addictive features and concealed harm.
- Comparisons drawn to the 1990s Big Tobacco litigation—potential for large payouts, settlements, and regulatory/behavioral changes.
- Meta and Google (YouTube) say they will appeal and dispute the findings; Meta characterized the LA verdict as one they “respectfully disagree” with.
- Eight more trials in the California series remain scheduled; New Mexico’s AG is also pursuing a case against Snap (discovery phase).
- Notable quotes
- Meta: “We respectfully disagree with the verdict and are evaluating our legal options.”
- NM AG Torrez (paraphrase): Verdict should signal “enough is enough” and force companies to change business practices.
- What to watch
- Appeals and potential settlements
- Outcomes of remaining bellwether trials and whether courts/legislatures adopt new restrictions or disclosure requirements
- Similar state AG actions (e.g., the Snap case)
Iran war, public opinion, and diplomacy
- Polling and public sentiment
- Pew Research (polling March 16–22): 61% disapprove of President Trump’s handling of the conflict vs. 37% approve.
- Only 38% said launching Operation Epic Fury was the right decision; 59% said it was wrong.
- On the war’s progress: 45% say it is going “not well” vs. 25% who say it is going well. Sharp partisan split: ~90% of Democrats disapprove; ~69% of Republicans approve of the president’s handling.
- Diplomacy and reports
- The New York Times reported the U.S. sent Iran a 15‑point proposal (details from anonymous officials said to address ballistic missile and nuclear issues). The White House confirmed talks are ongoing but cautioned against reporting speculative points from anonymous sources.
- Iran’s statements (via former minister Abbas Araghchi quoted by AP) denied negotiations have occurred and said Iran does not plan to negotiate with the U.S.; Tehran said senior leadership is reviewing any proposal.
- Military posture
- Pentagon briefings to Congress reportedly hinted that a ground operation could be possible; press reports mention preparation to deploy at least 1,000 paratroopers to the region.
- This coverage came heading into week five of Operation Epic Fury.
- What to watch
- Any formal exchange of proposals between Washington and Tehran or a public acceptance/rejection
- Congressional oversight hearings and possible shifts in military posture
- Continued polling for domestic political impact
Kristi Noem DHS contracting probe
- What’s reported
- Former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem reportedly under investigation by the DHS Office of Inspector General along with former aide Corey Lewandowski over the approval of large, potentially no‑bid contracts (reports cite “billions” involved).
- Investigation reportedly includes the $220 million taxpayer‑funded ad campaign that prominently featured Noem; investigators asked officials to preserve communications (emails, texts, phone records).
- Noem had instituted a policy requiring her personal sign‑off on expenses above $100,000.
- Allegations and responses
- Media reports allege some contractors said Lewandowski sought financial incentives (a so‑called “Lewandowski tax”), which Lewandowski denies and calls “fake news.”
- The OIG has not accused anyone of crimes; if wrongdoing is found, the matter could be referred to the Department of Justice.
- What to watch
- OIG findings and whether any referrals to DOJ follow
- Congressional scrutiny and political fallout, especially given the bipartisan attention the ad campaign already drew
Florida special elections — Democratic surprises
- Results and significance
- Three special elections in deeply Republican Florida produced two Democratic wins.
- Brian Nathan (Democrat, Navy veteran) reportedly flipped a Tampa‑area seat in a narrow victory (~400‑vote margin) in a district Republicans had carried by ~10 points two years earlier.
- Emily Gregory (Democrat) flipped the Palm Beach County House District containing Mar‑a‑Lago, defeating Trump‑endorsed Republican John Maples by ~3 points; she ran on affordability (housing, healthcare, insurance).
- Republicans held one seat: Hillary Hawley beat Democrat Edwin Perez in HD 51 (Tampa‑Orlando corridor).
- Political takeaways
- Democratic leaders (DLCC) and outside observers interpret these flips as evidence of possible Democratic momentum and vulnerability, even in Trump‑friendly territory — DLCC said this was the 29th seat flipped since Trump took office (per transcript).
- Locally centered issues (property insurance, healthcare, education) were emphasized as drivers.
- What to watch
- Whether these special‑election dynamics scale in fall 2026 statewide and federal races
- How both parties adjust messaging and resource allocation based on these results
Notable quotes & soundbites
- From platforms and officials
- Meta: “We respectfully disagree with the verdict and are evaluating our legal options.”
- NM AG Torrez (to Today Show): “Enough is enough. It’s time to change the way they do business.” (paraphrase)
- White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt: cautioned reporters about speculative reporting on the 15‑point Iran plan and said talks “are ongoing.”
- Iranian former minister Abbas Araghchi: “No negotiations have happened … and we do not plan on any negotiations.” (AP quote)
- Legal analysis
- NBC legal analyst Misty Maris summarized the New Mexico case as a consumer‑fraud theory alleging Meta willfully concealed dangers and that the civil penalties reflect willful conduct.
Key takeaways and what to monitor next
- Big Tech legal exposure is increasing: recent verdicts could set precedents, encourage settlements, spur more state AG actions, or prompt legislative responses.
- The U.S. approach to the Iran conflict remains a mix of diplomacy and military readiness; public support is softening and sharply divided along partisan lines.
- The DHS contracting probe into Kristi Noem’s tenure could escalate if investigators find evidence of wrongdoing; this remains an active OIG investigation.
- Localized special‑election victories give Democrats a possible opening in traditionally GOP areas and may influence 2026 campaign strategies.
(Program credits: Emily Jashinski hosts; SiriusXM’s Megyn Kelly channel references and sponsor spots were included in the broadcast.)