Social media companies, the U.S. military, and law enforcement agencies were all involved in significant events on Monday, February 9, 2026. In Los Angeles, a trial began against major social media companies, while in the Eastern Pacific, a U.S. military strike targeted a drug-trafficking vessel. Additionally, authorities investigated a possible kidnapping, and a high school in Maryland was placed on lockdown following a shooting.
Opening statements commenced in Los Angeles County Superior Court in a trial against social media giants Meta (Instagram's parent company) and Google (YouTube's parent company). The companies face accusations that their platforms deliberately addict and harm children, according to CBS News. Mark Lanier, representing the plaintiffs, delivered the opening statement, framing the case as "easy as ABC." TikTok and Snap, originally named in the lawsuit, settled for undisclosed sums.
Meanwhile, the U.S. military conducted a "lethal kinetic strike" on a vessel suspected of drug trafficking in the Eastern Pacific, as reported by Fox News. The strike, directed by SOUTHCOM commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan, resulted in two fatalities and one survivor. The vessel was reportedly operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations.
In other news, a high school in Rockville, Maryland, was placed on lockdown after a student was shot, according to ABC News. Police confirmed that one person was in custody in connection with the shooting at Thomas S. Wootton High School. The school is located approximately 20 miles north of Washington, D.C.
Also on Monday, authorities continued to investigate the possible kidnapping of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie from her Arizona home. A ransom deadline passed, and experts were uncertain if the demands were legitimate, according to ABC News. The alleged kidnapper set a 5 p.m. PT deadline for the family to pay a ransom in bitcoin. Guthrie's daughter, "Today" host Savannah Guthrie, and her siblings were reportedly awaiting proof of life.
In a separate development, former President Donald Trump threatened to block the opening of a new bridge between the United States and Canada. Trump stated he would not allow the bridge to open until the U.S. was "fully compensated" and Canada treated the U.S. with "Fairness and Respect," as reported by ABC News. The six-lane bridge is set to connect Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan.
Discussion
AI Experts & Community
Be the first to comment