Meta agrees to restrict US teen use of its social media platforms

Meta agrees to restrict US teen use of its social media platforms

The social media giant Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, has agreed to restrict American teenagers’ use of its platforms as part of an $18bn settlement with states that accused it of harming children. We hear from a former Meta insider. Also on the programme: how climate change is increasing the likelihood of avalanches and flooding in the Himalayas; and we look back on the life of Rocky Horror Picture Show star Tim Curry. (Photo: The Meta logo is displayed on a mobile phone in Liverpool, Britain, 09 June 2026. Credit: ADAM VAUGHAN/EPA/Shutterstock)

Hundreds missing after Nepal floods

Hundreds of people are missing, including at least 291 foreign tourists, after a flash flood on the Nepal-Tibet border. At least 18 people are confirmed dead in Nepal; Chinese state media is also reporting "major casualties" in Tibet, which is controlled by China. We'll hear how this incident is affecting people on the ground. Also in the programme: Tragedy at one of Pakistan's main hospitals, where at least 14 newborn babies have been killed in a fire; new research shows a new shingles vaccine can lower the risk of heart disease; and we'll reflect on the wisdom and humour of country music icon Dolly Parton, who died yesterday. (Photo shows a satellite image of the valleys near the Nepal-China border, after the devastating floods on26 August 2026 Planet Labs PBC/Reuters)

Country music legend Dolly Parton dies

The country music legend Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80 in Nashville, Tennessee. In a seven-decade career, she won 10 Grammy awards, sold more than 100 million records worldwide, and wrote in excess of 3,000 songs. We'll be looking back at her life and legacy. Also in the programme: the United Nations and the Red Cross have called for urgent negotiations to restrict the use of autonomous weapons; and why the Indian government is sending onions across the country. (Photo: The American country music star, Dolly Parton, performs on the Pyramid Stage during the Glastonbury Festival June 29, 2014. Reuters/Cathal McNaughton.)

China to protect its interests in wake of US Iran sanctions

China has vowed to protect its interests after the US announced plans to widen economic sanctions against Iran and its trading partners, which include Beijing. Will China scupper the squeeze on Iran? Also in the programme: the UN and Red Cross call for urgent new laws to police fully autonomous weapons, an at-home test kit for cervical cancer. and can Australia keep AI out of music? (Photo: US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent during a press conference to outline further sanctions against Iran,in Washington DC on 24 August 2026. Credit: Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters)

US announces 'economic onslaught' against Iran

The US treasury secretary, Scott Bessent, has unveiled a wave of sanctions aimed at isolating Iran's economy and says that other countries will be pressured to comply. But will the US deliver on its threats? Also in the programme: a group of cricket legends urges Pakistan to give the former prime minister, Imran Khan, proper medical care; and the edible cookie made from plastic waste. (Photo: US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent speaks during a press conference to outline further sanctions against Iran in Washington, August 24, 2026. Credit: Reuters/Evelyn Hockstein.)