When the Emergency Broadcast System was activated on this day in 1971, people thought all-out nuclear war had started. While the system is used more for weather emergencies these days, the FCC takes false alarms very seriously (even on public radio).
Plus, the local news for Feb. 20, 2026, and a story about potentially funneling more foster kids into jail-like facilities.
Credits:
This is a production of Nashville Public Radio.
Host/producer: Blake Farmer
Editor: Tony Gonzalez
Additional support: Mack Linebaugh, LaTonya Turner, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP
On Air - 90.3 WPLN-FM