In the latest episode of the Middle Country Public Library podcast, Nicole and Sara tackled two massive topics: a ground-breaking tech settlement and a heartfelt tribute to a national treasure.
Meta Agrees to a $16.68 Billion Settlement Over Youth Harms
Following up on a story discussed back in April (Episode 429 – Audio | Video), Nicole shared breaking news regarding federal legal actions against social media titan Meta.
- The Settlement: Meta agreed to pay up to $16.68 billion to settle lawsuits brought by a coalition of 29 U.S. states. The suit accused Meta (and apps like Facebook and Instagram) of implementing addictive features, collecting minor data without parental consent, and worsening a nationwide youth mental health crisis.
- Where the Funds Go: The states are set to receive the settlement payouts. New York State, for instance, expects to secure up to $1.15 billion intended to fund educational, youth mental health, and after-school programming.
- Platform Changes: As part of the consent judgment, Meta agreed to institute nationwide features for teenage users, including default daily usage limits, nighttime access blocks, and reduced notification triggers.
- Denial of Wrongdoing: Meta denied all wrongdoing as part of the settlement, maintaining that “social media addiction” is not a formally recognized psychiatric condition.
Read more about the tech settlement coverage and track lawsuit details on CNBC.
Honoring the Legacy of Dolly Parton (1946–2026)
The hosts paused to celebrate country music icon, actress, and philanthropist Dolly Parton, who passed away on August 25, 2026, at the age of 80. Sara had a plethora of books, music and insights to share…
Early Roots & Stellar Rise Born in Locust Ridge, Tennessee, as the fourth of 12 children, Dolly’s journey took her from a two-room cabin in the Great Smoky Mountains to world renown. Her distinct soprano voice, flair for performance, and sharp songwriting produced timeless classics like “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You,” and “9 to 5.” She spanned genres seamlessly, eventually earning a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Unmatched Generosity Dolly was just as legendary for her heart as her catalog:
- Imagination Library: Inspired by her father’s inability to read, Dolly launched this literacy program in 1995. To date, it has gifted well over 100 million free books to children under five worldwide.
- Disaster Relief & Healthcare: She funded millions in direct support to Tennessee residents affected by wildfires and flooding and donated $1 million to Vanderbilt University to help develop the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
Featured Library Materials Middle Country Public Library carries a wide array of Dolly Parton titles for patrons looking to honor her life: (MCPL card required)
- Books: Star of the Show, Dream More: Celebrate the Dreamer in You, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics, Behind the Scenes: My Life in Rhinestones, and her fiction collaboration with James Patterson, Run, Rose, Run.
- Cookbook: Good Looking Cooking (co-authored with her sister Rachael)
- Movies & CDs: Classics like Steel Magnolias alongside her extensive country audio library.
For official tributes, memorial details, or to support her literacy initiatives, visit the official Dolly Parton Website and the Imagination Library.
