Kenny Albert Has The Call: U-S Wins Olympic Hockey Gold

Kenny Albert delivered one of the most electrifying calls of the 2026 Winter Olympics on NBC as Jack Hughes scored the overtime golden goal to secure Team USA's first men's hockey gold medal since the legendary 1980 "Miracle on Ice."

In the gold medal game against arch-rival Canada at the Milano Cortina Olympics Sunday, the teams battled to a 1-1 tie through regulation. The game went to 3-on-3 overtime, where Hughes—assisted by Zach Werenski—poked the puck around Cale Makar, received a cross-ice pass, and slipped it through Canadian goalie Jordan Binnington's legs at 1:41 of the extra period for a dramatic 2-1 victory.  Albert, NBC's veteran play-by-play announcer (joined by color commentator Eddie Olczyk and analyst Brian Boucher), captured the frenzy perfectly. His call built with rising intensity:

JACK HUGHES DELIVERS AMERICA'S GOLDEN MOMENT IN OVERTIME. pic.twitter.com/4foFDOri53

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 22, 2026

“And it’s Werenski, now Jack Hughes, pokes it around Makar! United States with numbers! Back across it comes! JACK HUGHES WINS IT! THE GOLDEN GOAL FOR THE UNITED STATES! FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE THE 1980 MIRACLE, THE UNITED STATES TAKES THE GOLD!”

The line evoked chills for many viewers, tying the modern triumph directly to the historic upset over the Soviet Union in Lake Placid. 

Albert later added post-goal reflections like calling Hughes "the overtime hero for Team USA" and noting the goal's place in American hockey lore.

Fans and analysts praised Albert for rising to the occasion in a high-stakes rivalry game—especially poignant on the anniversary of the Miracle on Ice.

This wasn't Albert's only standout call of the Games; he also handled electric overtime winners earlier in the tournament, including one by Jack's brother Quinn Hughes. But the Jack Hughes clincher against Canada stands as the defining broadcast moment of USA Hockey's triumphant return to Olympic glory with NHL players participating.

NYC Radio: Iconic Jack Sterling On The Mend After Heart Attack

Jack Sterling

Legendary New York Yankees broadcaster John Sterling, 87, revealed Sunday that he suffered a heart attack in early January but is recovering well and described his heart as "fine."

The iconic voice behind decades of Yankees games — famous for his signature home run calls and triumphant "Thaaaaa Yankees win!" — made the candid disclosure during a guest appearance on WFAN's Rickie Ricardo show. Sterling, who retired from full-time play-by-play duties in 2024 after 36 seasons (with a brief return for the postseason that year), emphasized there's "no reason to hide it."“At the beginning of January, I had a heart attack, and that’s fine, the heart is fine,” Sterling said. 

John Sterling shares a health update with Rickie Ricardo after suffering a heart attack in January.

Sending our best to a WFAN legend 🙏 pic.twitter.com/eHDaJANSc6

— WFAN Sports Radio (@WFAN660) February 22, 2026

He noted that the episode has affected his legs, a common side effect, leaving him in a waiting period as he works toward full mobility. “Sometimes it affects your legs and has affected my legs. So kind of waiting... and I can get back out there. I'm very fortunate. All things are good, and it's great to be on with you.”

The revelation comes amid Sterling's post-retirement life, which includes hosting a weekend show on 770 AM WABC since last spring. Fans and colleagues have rallied around the broadcaster, with well-wishes pouring in across sports media and social platforms following the interview.

Sterling's health update underscores his enduring optimism and resilience, traits that defined his broadcasting career. Over more than three decades calling Yankees games, he became synonymous with the team's biggest moments, delivering play-by-play for five World Series championships and thousands of contests without missing significant time until recent years.

While Sterling stepped away from the booth primarily due to age and the physical demands of the role, this latest health scare highlights the challenges many face in later years. He expressed gratitude for his recovery progress and appeared in good spirits during the chat, signaling he's focused on getting stronger rather than dwelling on the setback.

SOTU Coverage: The News Outlets Have Plans

The 2026 State of the Union address by President Donald Trump is scheduled for Tuesday, February 24, at 9 p.m. ET, with the Democratic response delivered by Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger immediately following. Major broadcast and cable news networks plan extensive live coverage, including pre-address analysis, the speech itself, post-address breakdowns, and streaming options across multiple platforms. Below is a breakdown of announced plans for the specified outlets, based on their press releases and coverage announcements.

🔎FOX News

FOX News Channel's coverage begins at 8:50 p.m. ET, anchored by Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum, with analysis from Dana Perino, Harold Ford Jr., Laura Ingraham, Brit Hume, and Larry Kudlow. Senior White House correspondent Jacqui Heinrich and congressional correspondent Bill Melugin will report live from the White House and Capitol, respectively. Post-address, Sean Hannity hosts a special edition of Hannity at 11 p.m. ET live from the Capitol, followed by FOX News @ Night with Trace Gallagher from midnight to 1 a.m. ET. FOX Business Network will simulcast the coverage starting at 9 p.m. ET. 

On the FOX broadcast network, Shannon Bream anchors from 9 p.m. ET, with reporting from Peter Doocy and Chad Pergram, joined by Kevin Walling and John Ashbrook. Streaming is available on FOX Nation for subscribers, with FOX News Digital offering a live blog, chatroom, and stream via FOX One. FOX News Audio includes live radio coverage starting at 8 p.m. ET on FOX News Radio, with podcasts like The FOX News Rundown providing pre- and post-analysis.

🔎CNN

CNN's live coverage starts at 8 p.m. ET, led by Jake Tapper anchoring from Washington and Anderson Cooper from New York City. They will be joined by Kaitlan Collins, Kasie Hunt, Abby Phillip, John King, and other political experts for analysis. Dana Bash and Manu Raju report from the Capitol, Kristen Holmes from the White House, David Chalian presents instant poll results, and Daniel Dale provides real-time fact-checks. The network emphasizes political context and expert breakdowns during and after the address and Democratic response.

MS NOW coverage kicks off at 7 p.m. ET, anchored by Rachel Maddow from New York, joined by Nicolle Wallace, Ari Melber, Chris Hayes, Lawrence O’Donnell, Stephanie Ruhle, Jen Psaki, Symone Sanders Townsend, Michael Steele, Alicia Menendez, and Ali Velshi. Reporters including Jacob Soboroff, Ali Vitali, Vaughn Hillyard, and Laura Barron-Lopez will contribute from locations like Minnesota and the Capitol. The broadcast includes segments breaking down the address by key metrics such as polling, the economy, and national sentiment. At midnight ET, Symone Sanders Townsend, Michael Steele, and Alicia Menendez lead continued special coverage from Washington, D.C., analyzing major moments from Trump's remarks and the Democratic response. MSNOW.com will feature a live blog with updates from columnists and experts.

🔎NBC

NBC News begins streaming coverage on NBC News NOW at 4 p.m. ET with Meet the Press NOW anchored by Kristen Welker, followed by Hallie Jackson NOW from 5-7 p.m. ET. A special edition of NBC Nightly News airs at 6:30 p.m. ET anchored by Tom Llamas, with Top Story with Tom Llamas at 7-8 p.m. ET. Hallie Jackson anchors as the president arrives at the Capitol at 8 p.m. ET, and Tom Llamas leads the main network coverage of the address and response at 9 p.m. ET. 

Contributors include Peter Alexander, Steve Kornacki (data analysis on midterms and public support), Ryan Nobles, Julie Tsirkin, Sahil Kapur, Scott Wong, Melanie Zanona, Jon Allen, Garrett Haake, Gabe Gutierrez, and Monica Alba. Post-speech analysis at 11 p.m. ET is anchored by Kristen Welker on NBC News NOW, featuring political reporters, analysts, and bipartisan voices. 

Digital coverage on NBCNews.com and the app includes live video, real-time updates, fact-checking, and a topic tracker; subscribers get ad-free access to insights from Kornacki, Welker, and Jackson.

🔎CBS

CBS News coverage starts at 8 p.m. ET (7 p.m. CT) on YouTube and streaming platforms, with the speech airing at 9 p.m. ET on the CBS Television Network and YouTube. The broadcast includes the address, Democratic response, and post-analysis, though specific anchors and analysts have not been detailed in announcements.

🔎ABC

ABC's coverage airs from 9-11 p.m. ET, led by David Muir from Washington, D.C., with the political team including Linsey Davis, Mary Bruce, Martha Raddatz, Jonathan Karl, Pierre Thomas, Rachel Scott, and Jay O’Brien. Contributors Donna Brazile, Chris Christie, and Kevin McCarthy provide analysis. A special World News Tonight airs at 6:30 p.m. ET from D.C., with pre- and post-coverage on Good Morning America, GMA3, and This Week. ABC News Live streams comprehensive coverage on Feb. 23-24, with Davis anchoring Prime at 7 p.m. ET both days; Kyra Phillips leads a pre-show at 8 p.m. ET on Feb. 24, and Davis anchors the post-show from 11 p.m. to midnight. Streaming is available on Disney+, Hulu, and ABC News Live. 

ABC News Radio offers live coverage anchored by Steven Portnoy with Karen Travers, plus hourly "Status Reports." Digital includes a live blog with updates and analysis; ABC NewsOne provides station feeds with Travers, Christiane Cordero, and Averi Harper.

🔎Other Outlets

Additional networks like PBS plan live coverage starting at 9 p.m. ET, anchored by Amna Nawaz and Geoff Bennett, with reporting from Lisa Desjardins and Liz Landers, and analysis from Amy Walter, Kevin Madden, Faiz Shakir, and Tiffany Smiley. NewsNation offers a three-hour special at 9 p.m. ET anchored by Leland Vittert, with lead-ins from 6-8 p.m. ET and analysis from Chris Stirewalt, Katie Pavlich, and others. C-SPAN begins at 7 p.m. ET with Peter Slen hosting, transitioning to Statuary Hall post-address anchored by John McArdle. Univision (N+) starts at 8 p.m. ET with Ilia Calderón and Enrique Acevedo from the Capitol, including a preview on ViX. Telemundo coverage begins at 8:50 p.m. ET led by Julio Vaqueiro, with fact-checks and Latino voter reactions.

Media Wars Gaining More Attention

President Donald Trump's efforts to pressure critical media figures and outlets through the FCC and other means are backfiring, boosting their audiences, visibility, and support via the Streisand effect — where attempts to suppress information draw far more attention.

An analysis in The Wrap Friday highlights this pattern, arguing that attacks on anti-Trump voices in media — including regulatory pressure from Trump-appointed FCC Chairman Brendan Carr — paradoxically fuel viral surges in views, ratings, subscribers, and engagement.

Most recent example: Stephen Colbert turned FCC-related pressure into a massive viral hit. In mid-February 2026, CBS advised against airing Colbert's taped interview with Democratic Texas Senate candidate James Talarico on The Late Show, citing concerns over the FCC's "equal time" rule (a 1934 Communications Act requirement for broadcasters to offer equal opportunities to opposing candidates). New January 2026 guidance from Carr tightened interpretations, suggesting late-night shows like Colbert's, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, or The View may no longer automatically qualify for news exemptions if featuring partisan-leaning interviews.

Colbert defied the guidance by discussing the issue on air — criticizing CBS and the administration for censorship — and released the full interview as a YouTube exclusive. It exploded, garnering millions of views (reports of 3.8 million to over 7-8 million in days), becoming one of his most-watched segments in months. The clip boosted Talarico's profile in his competitive Senate race and transformed the pressure into free publicity for administration critics.

Kimmel and Colbert

This echoes earlier backfires:

• Don Lemon saw a sharp online surge after his late-January 2026 arrest tied to a Minnesota church protest over immigration raids (charged with others amid claims of intimidation). Many viewed it as politically motivated pressure on journalism, leading to hundreds of thousands of new Instagram followers and YouTube subscribers, amplifying his independent content.
• Jimmy Kimmel experienced a ratings bonanza in September 2025 after ABC temporarily suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! over controversial remarks related to right-wing figures. The return episode drew massive viewership — around 6 million+ viewers (triple his average) — and tens of millions of YouTube views on the monologue. Kimmel jokingly thanked Trump for the boost, underscoring how backlash drives interest.

The Wrap analysis describes these as part of a broader counterproductive pattern: Trump's direct criticisms, license revocation threats, or FCC actions (often targeting perceived partisan content while sparing conservative outlets) rally supporters around targeted hosts, attract free-speech sympathy, and turn suppression into digital-era marketing gold via YouTube and social clips.

In today's controversy-driven media landscape, such strategies risk alienating wider audiences, reinforcing overreach narratives, and inadvertently aiding opposition figures' traction.

Trump Wants Susan Rice Off Netflix Board

President Donald Trump on Saturday demanded that Netflix immediately fire board member Susan Rice or "pay the consequences," escalating political tensions around the streaming giant amid its pursuit of a major corporate acquisition.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump labeled Rice — a former national security adviser to Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, as well as U.N. ambassador — a "racist, Trump Deranged" "political hack" with "no talent or skills." 

He questioned her compensation and role on the board, writing: "Netflix should fire racist, Trump Deranged Susan Rice, IMMEDIATELY, or pay the consequences. ... HER POWER IS GONE, AND WILL NEVER BE BACK. How much is she being paid, and for what???"

Trump's outburst followed recent comments by Rice on the "Stay Tuned with Preet Bharara" podcast, where she warned that corporations, news organizations, law firms, and other entities that "take a knee" to Trump, meaning align with or bend to his demands, potentially breaking norms or laws in the process, should not expect Democrats to "forgive and forget" if the party regains power in future elections, such as the 2026 midterms or 2028 presidential race. She suggested an "accountability agenda" could follow for those prioritizing short-term self-interest over broader principles.

Trump amplified a message from right-wing activist Laura Loomer, who framed Rice's remarks as a veiled threat of political retaliation against companies and individuals supporting him.

The demand comes at a sensitive time for Netflix, which is reportedly engaged in negotiations or a bidding process to acquire assets from Warner Bros. Discovery in a potential blockbuster media deal reportedly valued in the tens of billions. Such a transaction would require regulatory approval, including from federal agencies that could be influenced under the current administration. Trump has previously voiced opposition to certain media consolidations involving Netflix.

Rice, who first joined Netflix's board in 2018, left during her Biden administration service, and rejoined in 2023. She serves on the company's nominating and governance committee.

Neither Netflix nor Rice has publicly responded to Trump's post as of February 22, 2026. The exchange highlights ongoing friction between the Trump administration and entities perceived as aligned with Democratic figures or interests in the entertainment and tech sectors.

What's Making Broadcasters Nervous

The LA Times story Friday explores how FCC Chairman Brendan Carr—a Trump appointee—is reviving and aggressively enforcing the long-dormant equal-time rule for broadcast TV and radio stations. 

The rule requires stations to provide equal airtime to opposing political candidates if one appears on the air. The piece argues that this is creating significant anxiety among broadcasters, as it's seen as a tool to pressure networks perceived as unfair to President Trump.

Key points from the article:

• The tension ties into a recent incident where CBS reportedly blocked or hesitated on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" airing an interview with Texas Democratic U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico, citing concerns over equal-time obligations. Colbert publicly called out his own network for allegedly caving to FCC/regulatory pressure, accusing it of capitulating to "bullies" in the Trump administration. CBS disputed the characterization.

• 

  Brendan Carr

  FCC Chair Carr has pushed to limit or eliminate exemptions that traditionally apply to news programs, interviews, and talk shows (including late-night shows like Colbert's or "Jimmy Kimmel Live!," and daytime ones like "The View"). Critics view this as targeting Trump opponents in media, potentially chilling free speech by making broadcasters wary of booking certain political guests to avoid equal-time demands or license threats.
• Legal experts cited in the story question whether Carr has the authority for such strict enforcement, but broadcasters are reportedly intimidated anyway—fearing regulatory repercussions like license challenges from the FCC.
• Broader context includes earlier FCC actions (e.g., from January 2026) signaling that politician appearances on talk shows might no longer qualify for "bona fide news" exemptions, heightening the stakes for legacy broadcast networks amid Trump's known criticism of late-night TV that mocks him.

The article frames this as part of a larger effort by the administration to influence "legacy media" through regulatory levers, unsettling an industry already facing other pressures.

FCC Intimidates With A Loud Bark, Little Bite

The FCC under Chairman Brendan Carr, is aggressively pushing to enforce the long-dormant "equal-time" rule on daytime and late-night talk shows, sparking investigations, network caution, and heated political debate. However, legal experts and media analysts argue the effort amounts to little more than bluster, with limited real enforcement power or lasting impact.

Despite the noise, the push faces significant hurdles that limit its bite:

• No major rule change occurred — The January guidance restates existing law and precedent rather than imposing new regulations. 
• Broadcasters can still seek declaratory rulings or exemptions if they argue their programs qualify as bona fide news.
• 
  Enforcement is weak:  The FCC's penalties for equal-time violations are typically modest (fines or warnings), and proving partisan motivation or exact comparability is complex and rarely results in severe outcomes.
• Limited scope: The rule applies only to over-the-air broadcast stations (not cable, streaming, or most radio talk shows, which Carr has indicated are not a focus).
• Political theater: Analysts note that much of the publicity, Carr's statements, investigations into high-profile shows, generates headlines and pressure on networks but is unlikely to force widespread changes in programming.

In short, while the FCC's rhetoric and selective actions create headlines and force some caution among broadcasters ahead of future election cycles, the equal-time push lacks the legal teeth or practical leverage to fundamentally reshape talk shows or political coverage on television. It appears designed more for political signaling than substantive regulatory overhaul.

Nora O'Donnell's Star May be Rising At CBS News

Nora O'Donnell

CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss is seriously considering Norah O'Donnell for an expanded role on 60 Minutes following Anderson Cooper's decision to step away from a proposed larger presence on the iconic program.

According to a report from Oliver Darcy's Status newsletter, Weiss had initially pushed to give Cooper a bigger footprint on 60 Minutes as part of contract renewal talks. Cooper declined, opting to exit his correspondent role entirely after two decades, reportedly uncomfortable with the network's perceived "rightward direction" under Weiss.

With that slot open, sources familiar with the discussions told Status that Weiss is now turning her attention to Norah O'Donnell, a longtime CBS News senior correspondent and current 60 Minutes contributing contributor (since 2013). The potential expansion would give O'Donnell more frequent reporting pieces and a higher-profile position on the Sunday broadcast, marking a significant career rebound.

O'Donnell, 52, was previously a major on-air figure at CBS: She co-anchored CBS This Morning (now CBS Mornings) from 2012-2019 and later anchored CBS Evening News until early 2025, when she stepped aside amid leadership shifts (including Tony Dokoupil's promotion to evening anchor). Under prior management, she had been largely sidelined from major anchoring duties but remained active with 60 Minutes segments and other contributions.

Insiders indicate O'Donnell has actively shown support for Weiss's vision, and that internal politicking may be yielding results. As a sign of rising favor, O'Donnell is set to guest host CBS Mornings this week (February 23-25, 2026, per reports from the New York Post and others), while in New York promoting her new book, We the Women: The Hidden Heroes Who Shaped America (co-authored with Kate Andersen Brower). 

P-I Believes Drug Cartel Responsible For Missing Nancy Guthrie

A veteran California private investigator with over 35 years of experience claims that the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC's Today show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, is linked to a cartel-connected "money-making venture."

Bill Garcia, based near Sacramento and known for solving challenging missing persons cases in Southern California, told outlets including Border Report that the abduction likely stems from criminal activity in southern Arizona. He pointed to the Tucson area's role as a high-traffic corridor for drug and money transporting operations, deepening his conviction that the case involves people tied to a cartel. 

However, Garcia emphasized that he believes Guthrie was not taken across the border into Mexico and may still be held within Arizona.Nancy Guthrie was reported missing from her home in the Catalina Foothills area of Tucson on February 1, 2026. 

Authorities, including the Pima County Sheriff's Office and the FBI, have classified the case as a suspected abduction, citing evidence such as tampered doorbell camera footage showing a masked, gloved individual, signs of forced entry or struggle, and indications she did not leave voluntarily. 

The investigation remains active more than three weeks later, with searches expanding to landfills, ongoing interviews, and coordination with Mexican authorities—though officials have repeatedly stated there is no evidence of cross-border involvement or cartel activity in the case.

Multiple law enforcement sources and experts, including former FBI agents and a retired U.S. marshal, have downplayed or dismissed direct cartel links, noting that the abduction methods do not match typical cartel operations. Some analysts argue the theory lacks supporting evidence and may be fueled by the case's high-profile nature and proximity to the border.

Tucson Radio: Family Friend Talks About Guthries' Nightmare

Savannah and Nancy Guthrie

Tucson radio host and longtime family friend Bill Buckmaster described the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie—the 84-year-old mother of NBC's Today show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie—as a "living nightmare" for the Arizona community, particularly Tucson, in recent interviews including those aired on NBC News.

Nancy Guthrie vanished from her home in the Catalina Foothills area of Tucson on the evening of January 31, 2026. Authorities, led by the Pima County Sheriff's Office with FBI assistance, are investigating it as an abduction—she was taken against her will. The case remains active into its fourth week with thousands of tips received, analysis of evidence such as gloves and possible DNA, doorbell camera footage, and other leads under review, but no resolution or major public breakthroughs announced.

Buckmaster compared the collective shock and emotional toll to the 2011 Gabrielle Giffords shooting, highlighting community unity through widespread symbols of support: yellow ribbons on trees, yellow roses, wristbands, and "Bring Nancy Home" signs.

As a veteran Tucson broadcast journalist with decades in radio and TV—currently hosting a program on 1030 The Voice (KVOI) covering news, interviews, and community issues—Buckmaster has a personal tie to the family. He worked with Savannah Guthrie in her early journalism days, likely in the Tucson area before her rise to national prominence, making the ordeal especially poignant.

Buckmaster expressed strong support for the Guthrie family amid their grief, urging the public to avoid speculation and rumors—particularly on social media—and to stop clogging tip lines with unhelpful theories. Instead, he called for providing concrete, actionable information to investigators. 

He praised the sheriff's transparency, based on his long acquaintance, and encouraged trust in law enforcement's detective work and FBI collaboration without premature criticism.

His comments reflect deep community sorrow, a plea for responsible involvement, and faith-rooted optimism that Nancy will be found safely, while underscoring the profound impact on everyone involved. 

The intensive search continues with hundreds of investigators pursuing leads.

CEO Jeff Liberman Exits Entravision

Entravision Communications has parted ways with its longtime President and Chief Operating Officer Jeff Liberman, ending a remarkable nearly 26-year tenure at the Spanish-language media company, according to recent reports and an SEC filing. The departure, described as abrupt in industry coverage, was confirmed by an Entravision spokesperson and marks the close of one of the longest executive runs in U.S. Hispanic radio and media.

Liberman was notified this week that his employment was ending, capping a career with Entravision that began in 2000. His LinkedIn profile lists his role as running through February 2026, aligning with the timing of the news. Liberman joined Entravision when it acquired Latin Communications Group, where he had grown operations from two radio stations to 17 across California, Colorado, New Mexico, and Washington, D.C. He quickly rose to President of Entravision's Radio Division, steering it through national expansion and digital shifts. 

Jeff Liberman

Key achievements under his leadership included launching the Entravision Radio Network, which by 2014 reached 94% of the U.S. Latino market via syndication, and creating Entravision Solutions, a national representation firm to monetize broadcast inventory for partners.

He advanced to Chief Operating Officer in 2012 and was named President and COO in 2017. In that capacity, he oversaw 98 media properties across 31 offices nationwide—including TV affiliates with Fox, The CW, and Univision, plus dozens of Spanish-language radio stations.

Among his notable initiatives were centralizing TV master control operations (saving $1.5 million annually), migrating traffic systems to the cloud for better cybersecurity, launching podcasts and radio programs to drive digital audio growth, directing over 270 weekly newscasts, and supporting digital division expansion through acquisitions and the hiring of a Chief Digital Officer.

Liberman's career in Spanish-language broadcasting dated back to 1974, making his exit a significant transition for Entravision as it navigates an evolving media landscape. No immediate details on a successor or reasons for the separation beyond the parting of ways were specified in public announcements.

Survey: Newsletters Supplement News Consumption

A new Pew Research Center survey reveals that email newsletters remain a niche but notable source of news for Americans, with three-in-ten U.S. adults (30%) saying they get news from them at least sometimes. However, regular or preferred use is limited, and many subscribers do not engage deeply with the content they receive.

According to the just released report, based on a nationally representative survey of 5,153 U.S. adults conducted August 18-24, 2025:

• Only 6% of U.S. adults say they often get news from email newsletters.
• 24% do so sometimes.
• The rest report doing so rarely (26%) or never (43%).

Just 3% of Americans name email newsletters as their preferred platform for getting news, far behind television (34%), news websites or apps (21%), and other pathways like social media or search engines.

Even among those who get news from newsletters at least rarely, engagement appears low: 

• A majority (62%) say they do not end up reading most of the newsletters they receive 
• Most keep their subscriptions modest, with 71% subscribing to fewer than five newsletters
• Only 3% to more than 10, and 16% unsure of the exact number
• 7% of all U.S. adults — report having paid for or donated to a news-focused email newsletter in the past year (via subscriptions, memberships, or other support)

Unlike many digital news platforms where usage skews heavily by age, newsletter consumption shows relative consistency across age groups. However, it is higher among those with college degrees (35% at least sometimes vs. 25% for those with high school education or less), higher incomes, and certain racial/ethnic groups (Black and Asian Americans are more likely than White and Hispanic Americans to use them at least sometimes).

The findings highlight newsletters as a supplementary rather than dominant news pathway in an evolving media landscape, where digital options compete with traditional sources, and many Americans report feeling overwhelmed by news volume overall. The full report is available on the Pew Research Center website.

Amazon Rolls Out Upgraded Alexa+

Amazon has rolled out Alexa+, its significantly upgraded, generative AI-powered version of the Alexa assistant, making it widely available in the U.S. now. This new service transforms the familiar voice assistant into a more intelligent, proactive personal AI companion that's free for Amazon Prime members (or $19.99 per month for non-Prime users), with a limited free tier available via web and app for others.

Key Upgrades and Capabilities

Alexa+ stands out for its enhanced conversational abilities, allowing natural, free-flowing dialogue rather than rigid command-based interactions. You can interrupt, correct yourself mid-sentence, or dive into back-and-forth discussions, making it feel more human-like and intuitive.Powered by generative AI, it handles complex, multi-step tasks and acts as an "agent" to get things done on your behalf. 

Examples include:

• Planning trips, meals, or date nights
• Brainstorming ideas
• Drafting messages or emails
• Summarizing documents
• Creating images
• Managing calendars, to-do lists, and smart home routines
• Providing personalized recommendations and proactive suggestions

It integrates deeply with thousands of services, devices, and partners (like OpenTable, Uber, Ticketmaster), plus Amazon's ecosystem including Echo devices, Fire TV, Fire tablets, Ring doorbells (with new conversational features like handling visitors or deliveries), and even browsers via Alexa.com.

Availability and Access:  Amazon first introduced Alexa+ at its 2025 Devices & Services event on February 26, 2025, as the "next generation" of Alexa. It began with an early access phase (starting around spring 2025 for select users and devices like newer Echo Shows), expanded to browser access in January 2026, and became generally available to all U.S. customers.

Most modern Echo devices support it, though very old models (like 1st-gen Echo Dot) stick with classic Alexa. 

Prime members get unlimited access at no extra cost across voice, app, and web—positioning it as a major Prime perk. Non-Prime users can try limited chat features for free at Alexa.com or in the Alexa app.

Overall, Alexa+ shifts from a simple smart home controller to a versatile, always-improving AI helper designed for everyday planning, problem-solving, and more natural engagement.

R.I.P.: Greg 'Hitman' Williams, Wichita Personality

Greg "The Hitman" Williams, a beloved longtime Wichita radio personality known for his energetic presence on Power 93.5 and KEYN, has died after a months-long battle with stage four cancer. A longtime friend confirmed the news to KAKE News, with his passing occurring early Saturday morning.

Williams was diagnosed with metastatic cholangiocarcinoma—a rare and aggressive bile duct cancer—with extensive metastasis shortly after losing his job. He was laid off in March 2025 during a round of corporate cuts by Audacy, the parent company of the stations where he had worked for 25 years. 

Less than two months later, the devastating diagnosis came, marking a rapid and cruel turn of events in what friends described as a series of heavy blows.

For a quarter-century, Williams was a fixture in Wichita's airwaves, particularly shaping the hip-hop and urban music scene through Power 93.5 (KDGS). His infectious energy, passion for music, deep connection with listeners, and involvement in local events—like charity drives and RiverFest dance parties, made him a mentor and icon to many in the community and beyond. 

A spokesperson from Audacy shared this statement: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Greg ‘The Hitman’ Williams. For more than four decades, Greg was a true Wichita legend, who connected with listeners through his energy, authenticity and genuine love of radio. He had a rare ability to make every broadcast feel personal, and his impact extended throughout our community. We send our heartfelt condolences to Greg’s family, friends and former colleagues during this incredibly difficult time.”

He is survived by his wife, Necol, and their family. Funeral or memorial service details have not yet been released. A GoFundMe campaign had previously been set up to support Williams and his family during his treatment.

Radio History: Feb 23

➦In 1904...Print journalist and CBS Radio correspondent William Lawrence Shirer was born in Chicago (Died – December 28, 1993 at age 89).  He was a journalist and war correspondent. He wrote The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich, a history of Nazi Germany that has been read by many and cited in scholarly works for more than 50 years.

Originally a foreign correspondent for the Chicago Tribune and the International News Service, Shirer was the first reporter hired by Edward R. Murrow for what would become a CBS radio team of journalists known as "Murrow's Boys". He became known for his broadcasts from Berlin, from the rise of the Nazi dictatorship through the first year of World War II (1940). With Murrow, he organized the first broadcast world news roundup, a format still followed by news broadcasts.

➦In 1927...President Calvin Coolidge signed a bill into law that created the Federal Radio Commission, “to bring order out of this terrible chaos.” The president was speaking, of course, of the nation’s then unregulated radio stations. The name was changed to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on July 1, 1934. The FRC regulated radio use in the United States from its creation in 1926 until its replacement by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in 1934.

The Commission was created to regulate radio use "as the public interest, convenience, or necessity" requires. The Radio Act of 1927 superseded the Radio Act of 1912, which had given regulatory powers over radio communication to the Secretary of Commerce and Labor. The Radio Act of 1912 did not mention broadcasting and limited all private radio communications to what is now the AM band.

➦In 1970...Jay Reynolds, who generated huge ratings in PM Drive at WIFE 1310 AM, the market leader at that time in Indianapolis, started at 77 WABC in NYC.

Reynolds did the all-night show for six years - not only the longest consecutive tenure during the station's 21 and a half years with a music format, but nine months longer than the combined time that Charlie Greer spent on the all-night show during his two stints.  He died in March, 1996.

➦In 2010...‘Boss radio’ co-creator Gene Chenault died of non-Hodgkins lymphoma at age 90.

Chenault, who with his business partner, Bill Drake, reshaped rock radio in the 1960s with prepackaged programming that delivered more music and fewer commercials to hundreds of stations, creating an automated format.

The programming, using reel-to-reel tapes of Top 40 hits, was primarily designed by Drake and marketed and syndicated by Chenault. It raised ratings at station after station and brought a certain big-city sound to many small towns.

The new format gave rise to the stock phrases “boss jock” and “boss radio,” which first took hold at 93KHJ in Los Angeles in 1965. (The word boss was derived from California surfer slang for good, as in “That’s a boss wave.”) Within a year KHJ leapt from 12th to first place in the Los Angeles ratings. Its slogan: “Much More Music.”

➦In 2017…Broadcaster Alan Colmes died from cancer at age 66 (Born-September 24, 1950). He was a radio and television host, liberal political commentator for the Fox News Channel, and blogger. He was the host of The Alan Colmes Show, a nationally syndicated talk-radio show distributed by Fox News Radio. From 1996 to 2009, Colmes served as the co-host of Hannity & Colmes, a nightly political debate show on Fox News Channel.