5 things to know for Feb. 18: Social media trial, Epstein’s Zorro Ranch, Nancy Guthrie, Boat strikes, Nuclear talks
By Alexandra Banner, CNN
Air Force One will be repainted in President Donald Trump’s preferred red, white, gold and dark blue color scheme — a design proposed during his first term in office but later reversed by the Biden administration. The change will replace the baby blue and white livery that has defined the presidential aircraft for more than 60 years.
Here’s what else you need to know to get up to speed and on with your day.
1️⃣ Social media trial
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg will face grieving families today when he takes the stand in a landmark social media addiction trial in Los Angeles. He will testify for the first time before a jury on claims that his Facebook and Instagram platforms have harmed young users by making the apps intentionally addictive. In the courtroom will be parents and families from across the US who say their children were harmed — or even died — as a result of social media. The case could set a precedent for holding social media companies responsible for dangerous design decisions, after years of tech giants fending off lawsuits under Section 230, the law that shields them from liability for user content.
2️⃣ Epstein’s Zorro Ranch
New Mexico’s House of Representatives has approved creating a bipartisan special committee to investigate the ranch that the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein owned in the state. The measure directs the committee, known as the Truth Commission, to examine “allegations of criminal activity” at the property known as Zorro Ranch and determine whether further “legislative action” is required. The committee’s creation is the latest call for transparency and further investigation in the aftermath of the Justice Department’s release of a trove of Epstein files, which has sent shockwaves through several industries after revelations about the late financier’s ties to prominent figures.
3️⃣ Nancy Guthrie
The search for 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, remains heightened, with authorities canvassing neighborhoods in Arizona and reviewing thousands of tips in hopes of locating her safely. On Tuesday, the Pima County Sheriff’s Office reported that DNA recovered from gloves found about two miles from Guthrie’s home did not match any profiles in the FBI’s offender database and showed no connection to DNA collected at her residence. Guthrie was last seen on January 31 and is believed to have been abducted from her secluded home without her phone or critical medications.
4️⃣ Boat strikes
The US military has struck three more suspected drug-trafficking boats in the eastern Pacific and Caribbean, killing 11 people, US Southern Command said Tuesday. The latest operation brings the death toll from the US campaign against international drug trafficking — launched in September — to at least 135. Prior to September, alleged cartel members and drug smugglers were treated as criminals with due process rights. Democrats and legal experts argue the strikes amount to murdering civilians since the US is not in a declared, congressionally authorized war with drug cartels.
5️⃣ Nuclear talks
Iran and the US walked away from Tuesday’s nuclear negotiations with “guiding principles” for future talks, according to Iran’s foreign minister. This comes as the US military continues to build up its assets in the Middle East and as President Trump has warned Iran of a “very traumatic” outcome if they don’t agree to a deal in the coming weeks. US officials also said “progress was made” during the discussions and that the US expects to receive detailed proposals from the Iranian government in the next two weeks to address gaps between their positions.
This just in …
Multiple skiers missing after California avalanche
Rescuers are braving a brutal winter storm in a search for at least nine skiers missing after a California avalanche. So far, six have been pulled to safety.
Breakfast browse
Video: Injured bird admits itself into hospital
Definitely not your typical patient.
Is the future of the Winter Olympics in danger?
In 25 years, dozens of places may be too warm to host the Winter Olympics.
New year, new thinking
Bite-sized shifts in thinking can help you achieve your goals, says Dr. Michele Kehrer, author of the new book “Brave Shift.”
States are split on taxing the rich
With budgets under strain, some state lawmakers and advocates are pushing to raise taxes on two groups: millionaires and billionaires.
No food, no fuel, no tourists
Cuba is facing the deepest economic uncertainty its residents have seen in decades — or perhaps in their lifetimes.
Weather
🌤️ Check your local forecast to see what you can expect.
And finally…
▶️ Kaitlan Collins addresses President Trump’s ‘smile’ remark
An insult from President Trump directed at CNN’s Kaitlan Collins recently made headlines. See her reaction.
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Today’s edition of 5 Things AM was edited and produced by CNN’s Andrew Torgan.
