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 February 20, 2026 and a story about potentially funneling foster kids to jail-like facilities. 

 

Credits: 

This is a production of Nashville Public Radio 

Host/producer: Blake Farmer 

Editor: Tony Gonzalez 

Additional support: Mack Linebaugh