The Update with Brandon Julien

Hello everyone! We're going into #TheUpdate vault to play one of our many episodes throughout our many years of the show. For today's episode, we go into the world of Year 5 of The Update. When we first started this then-show at WKRB in 2017, the first year had a lot of things going on. Donald Trump's first year in office, mass shootings worldwide, and the Great American Solar Eclipse to name just a few. In Year 5, it was more of the same. There was the Russian war in Ukraine, more mass shootings in America, and the overturning of Roe V. Wade to name just a few that we'll mention. But also, after more than two years out on the road, we made our way to a new studio at UD Team in the summer of 2022. Oh, and one last thing- be on the lookout for some WKRB highlights as we looked back on five years of memories.

Hello everyone! We're going into #TheUpdate vault to play one of our many episodes throughout our many years of the show. For today's episode, we go into the world of Year 5 of The Update. When we first started this then-show at WKRB in 2017, the first year had a lot of things going on. Donald Trump's first year in office, mass shootings worldwide, and the Great American Solar Eclipse to name just a few. In Year 5, it was more of the same. There was the Russian war in Ukraine, more mass shootings in America, and the overturning of Roe V. Wade to name just a few that we'll mention. But also, after more than two years out on the road, we made our way to a new studio at UD Team in the summer of 2022. Oh, and one last thing- be on the lookout for some WKRB highlights as we looked back on five years of memories.

In today's edition of The Update Journal, we'll begin with the crossover that Nickelodeon looked at, thought about for five seconds, and then collectively said, “Yeah… we're not dealing with that headache.” Somewhere in an alternate universe, SpongeBob is hanging out with Timmy Turner, Cosmo is causing property damage, and Mr. Krabs is trying to charge everyone rent—but here in reality, we got ROBBED. Absolutely robbed. And you just know there was one executive in the room like, “This could make us millions,” and another one went, “Or… we do nothing.” And guess which one won.Then, the NBA Playoffs are starting this weekend with the 1st Round. Unforunately, your local broadcasters won't be a part of it as the playoffs are on national TV only for the first time ever. Mike Breen said that it's a bad idea- and you know its bad when the guy who does both local (MSG Network) national broadcasts (ESPN, ABC) says what everyone else is thinking. Then later, it's The Last Word: April — the month where the weather lies to you, your schedule lies to you, and your emotions definitely lie to you. One day it's 75 and sunny, you're outside like “this is it, we made it,” and the next day it's 42 with sideways wind and you're questioning every decision you've ever made. April is basically Mother Nature gaslighting an entire region.So yes… in April, the crossovers don't happen, the calls don't land, and the hope? Oh, the hope shows up… just long enough to disappoint you.In the headlines on #TheUpdate this Friday, The Trump administration has agreed to resume funding a key Manhattan subway project after New York officials sued.On Long Island, a teen was killed, and two people were wounded after gunfire erupted at a barbecue inside a popular park — with two people now in custody, according to authorities and reports.And in Virginia, Former Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, a rising star in the Democratic Party until sexual assault allegations ruined his political fortunes, killed his estranged wife and then himself weeks before a judge's deadline to move out of their family home, according to police and court records.

In today's edition of The Update Journal… New York City has officially entered its “Hey Baby… that'll be $250” era, rolling out an anti-catcalling campaign like it's a parking violation with feelings. And look—I'm not saying it's a bad idea. I'm just saying… some of the oldest New Yorkers have been doing this since before the subway had air conditioning. If you're gonna enforce this, you better come with receipts… and maybe a whistle… and definitely backup.Meanwhile, in the desert, I have cracked the case that Big Cartoon doesn't want you to know: the Road Runner is not the victim—he's the CEO. That's right. The Wile E. Coyote has been unknowingly beta-testing defective products for years while ACME sits back collecting data like it's Silicon Valley with feathers. You think it's a coincidence nothing ever works? Please. That bird is running a full-blown corporate sabotage operation and nobody in the desert has filed a complaint.And in today's honorable mention: Apple fans saw a leaked iPhone Fold “dummy model” and collectively said, “Yeah… no.” Apparently the same company that gave us the iPod, the iPhone, and the audacity to remove the headphone jack is now testing how far loyalty can stretch before it snaps in half—literally. Somewhere, a Samsung executive is sitting back like, “Oh… now you wanna fold?”So to recap: don't catcall, don't trust cartoons with corporate access, and maybe—just maybe—don't beta test Apple's next identity crisis. Because in this city, anything can happen… and apparently, everything just did.In the headlines on #TheUpdate this Thursday, the heat is on — but not for long! The Big Apple shattered an 85-year-old heat record with sunny, summer-like temperatures that soared to 90 degrees, fit for a day at the beach, meteorologists said.Two NYPD narcotics detectives were placed on modified duty after a viral video captured the pair punching and kicking an arrested man, who turned out to not be the suspect they were looking for after all, cops said.And in Atlanta, a man has been charged in a string of attacks that left two women dead and a man in critical condition, drawing the Trump administration's attention after one victim was identified as a Department of Homeland Security employee who was walking her dog.

In today's edition of The Update Journal… we'll start with a man who looked at contaminated peanuts and said, “Eh… just ship it.” Because nothing says confidence like knowingly sending salmonella into the group chat of America's food supply. Somewhere, a lawyer just felt a disturbance in the force… and immediately started billing by the hour.Then we check in on Mayor Mamdani, now officially 100 days into the job. And like any New Yorker after 100 days, he's learned the basics: the trains are delayed, the complaints are not, and no matter what decision you make… someone on Twitter already hates it. Welcome to the city, Mr. Mayor. There's no manual—just vibes, chaos, and a press conference scheduled in 10 minutes.And finally, it's Tax Day. That magical time of year where we all come together as a nation to say, “Wait… I owe how much?” Nothing builds character quite like watching your bank account get hit with the financial equivalent of a subway door closing on your soul.So whether you're shipping bad decisions, running a city, or just trying to survive the IRS… remember: it's all part of the experience. And by experience, I mean pain with paperwork.In the headlines on #TheUpdate this Wednesday, springtime heat melting the Big Apple is poised to break a nearly 80-year record this week, and New Yorkers are basking in sunshine before cooler weather returns.The 7-month-old girl killed by a stray bullet in Brooklyn was laid to rest in a tiny pink Minnie Mouse casket — as one of her accused killers was hauled to court while insisting, “I didn't do it.”And out in the American West, a California woman said she was raped by Rep. Eric Swalwell in 2018 and now plans to make a report to law enforcement.

In today's edition of The Update Journal, we begin with YouTube Premium now costing $15.99 a month… which is impressive, because not that long ago, that was the price of cable. You know—those 800 channels you didn't watch? Now we've evolved. We pay the same price to avoid ads… on an app that still finds ways to remind you that ads exist. Progress.Then we move to Sparkling Ice… which has officially entered its “why are we still bottling this?” era. Because now—after years of training us to grab those colorful bottles from every corner store in this city—they've introduced drink mixes. That's right. You can now take your own water, pour in a packet, and become the factory. Which raises a very uncomfortable question: did Sparkling Ice just… replace itself? Because once you give people the ability to make your product at home, you're basically saying, “Hey—skip the middleman. Also… we are the middleman.”Finally, today's Honorable Mention—The Masters may be over, but the vibes? Oh, they're lingering. Because now, everyone suddenly wants to make the signature Azalea cocktail like they've been golfing at Augusta their whole lives. Which is hilarious, because the same people mixing vodka, lemonade, and grenadine right now couldn't tell you the difference between a birdie and a bogey five minutes ago.In the headlines on #TheUpdate this Tuesday, a drill rap war between rival Brooklyn housing projects may have been behind the senseless stray-bullet shooting death of a 7-month-old girl, law enforcement sources say.The Trump administration said it will resume flying a rainbow Pride flag on a federal flagpole at the Stonewall National Monument in New York City, reversing course two months after removing the banner from the first national monument commemorating LGBTQ+ history.And in Washington, Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell of California announced he will resign from Congress following sexual assault and misconduct allegations that prompted loud bipartisan calls for him to step down.

In today's edition of The Update Journal… we're dealing with three very different realities colliding at the exact same time—and none of them asked for permission.First, Pillsbury said “you know what this country needs right now?” Not lower prices, not peace and quiet—S'mores rolls. Because nothing says stability like waking up at 6am on your first day back and stress-eating something that tastes like a campfire and poor decisions. Somewhere, a nutritionist just fell to their knees in a Whole Foods.Meanwhile, the World Cup is coming to town, and New York said, “Great! Let's cancel summer while we're at it.” Concerts? Maybe. Food festivals? Good luck. Your cousin's birthday party in the park? Denied. But don't worry—you can still stand shoulder-to-shoulder with 80,000 people watching a match you barely understand while paying $14 for a bottle of water. Summer vibes… with restrictions.And then there's today—the first day back after Spring Break. That magical moment where your alarm clock feels personal, your commute feels longer, and your brain is still somewhere between “vacation mode” and “I might quit and open a smoothie stand.” You realize very quickly… that this was the last long break until June. Yeah. Let that sit with you. Because if there's one thing we've learned… reality always comes back. It just usually doesn't bring snacks.In the headlines on #TheUpdate this Monday, dramatic video shows a masked gunman fleeing a New Jersey Chick-fil-A after a mass shooting at the restaurant on Saturday night.A maniac who slashed three elderly straphangers at Grand Central Terminal before he was shot dead by cops only kept his machete as protection, according to his friend.And out in the American West, Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell's abrupt exit from the race for California governor left his rivals scrambling to lock down his former supporters in a crowded contest with no clear leader, injecting more turmoil into the campaign to lead the nation's most populous state.

Hello everyone! We're going into #TheUpdate vault to play one of our many episodes throughout our many years of the show. For today's episode, we're doing something a little bit different- a compilation of the best of Year 1 of the show. As I've said numerous times before, Year 1 had a lot going on. The first year of Donald Trump's presidency, the October terror attack on the World Trade Center, and the introduction into the 5pm slot just to name a few. But also, the show sounded different back then- and I sounded different too as I was slowly finding my footing. There was also a rundown glitch that we corrected in Year 2. But despite that glitch, a lot of those shows were really fun and very informative. I hope you'll agree with me.

We've done a lot of episodes throughout our many years of #TheUpdate, but some of them are my personal favorites. Every month, we're going to go into The Update vault and play one episode from my personal list of favorite episodes. I hope you enjoy them as much as i did hosting it.

Hello everyone! We're going into #TheUpdate vault to play one of our many episodes throughout our many years of the show. For today's episode, we go into the world of Year 5 of The Update. When we first started this then-show at WKRB in 2017, the first year had a lot of things going on. Donald Trump's first year in office, mass shootings worldwide, and the Great American Solar Eclipse to name just a few. In Year 5, it was more of the same. There was the Russian war in Ukraine, more mass shootings in America, and the overturning of Roe V. Wade to name just a few that we'll mention. But also, after more than two years out on the road, we made our way to a new studio at UD Team in the summer of 2022. Oh, and one last thing- be on the lookout for some WKRB highlights as we looked back on five years of memories.

Hello everyone! We're going into #TheUpdate vault to play one of our many episodes throughout our many years of the show. For today's episode, we go into the world of Year 5 of The Update. When we first started this then-show at WKRB in 2017, the first year had a lot of things going on. Donald Trump's first year in office, mass shootings worldwide, and the Great American Solar Eclipse to name just a few. In Year 5, it was more of the same. There was the Russian war in Ukraine, more mass shootings in America, and the overturning of Roe V. Wade to name just a few that we'll mention. But also, after more than two years out on the road, we made our way to a new studio at UD Team in the summer of 2022. Oh, and one last thing- be on the lookout for some WKRB highlights as we looked back on five years of memories.

Hello everyone! We're going into #TheUpdate vault to play one of our many episodes throughout our many years of the show. For today's episode, we go into the world of Year 5 of The Update. When we first started this then-show at WKRB in 2017, the first year had a lot of things going on. Donald Trump's first year in office, mass shootings worldwide, and the Great American Solar Eclipse to name just a few. In Year 5, it was more of the same. There was the Russian war in Ukraine, more mass shootings in America, and the overturning of Roe V. Wade to name just a few that we'll mention. But also, after more than two years out on the road, we made our way to a new studio at UD Team in the summer of 2022. Oh, and one last thing- be on the lookout for some WKRB highlights as we looked back on five years of memories.

Hello everyone! We're going into #TheUpdate vault to play one of our many episodes throughout our many years of the show. For today's episode, we go into the world of Year 5 of The Update. When we first started this then-show at WKRB in 2017, the first year had a lot of things going on. Donald Trump's first year in office, mass shootings worldwide, and the Great American Solar Eclipse to name just a few. In Year 5, it was more of the same. There was the Russian war in Ukraine, more mass shootings in America, and the overturning of Roe V. Wade to name just a few that we'll mention. But also, after more than two years out on the road, we made our way to a new studio at UD Team in the summer of 2022. Oh, and one last thing- be on the lookout for some WKRB highlights as we looked back on five years of memories.

Hello everyone! We're going into #TheUpdate vault to play one of our many episodes throughout our many years of the show. For today's episode, we go into the world of Year 5 of The Update. When we first started this then-show at WKRB in 2017, the first year had a lot of things going on. Donald Trump's first year in office, mass shootings worldwide, and the Great American Solar Eclipse to name just a few. In Year 5, it was more of the same. There was the Russian war in Ukraine, more mass shootings in America, and the overturning of Roe V. Wade to name just a few that we'll mention. But also, after more than two years out on the road, we made our way to a new studio at UD Team in the summer of 2022. Oh, and one last thing- be on the lookout for some WKRB highlights as we looked back on five years of memories.

Hello everyone! We're going into #TheUpdate vault to play one of our many episodes throughout our many years of the show. For today's episode, we go into the world of Year 5 of The Update. When we first started this then-show at WKRB in 2017, the first year had a lot of things going on. Donald Trump's first year in office, mass shootings worldwide, and the Great American Solar Eclipse to name just a few. In Year 5, it was more of the same. There was the Russian war in Ukraine, more mass shootings in America, and the overturning of Roe V. Wade to name just a few that we'll mention. But also, after more than two years out on the road, we made our way to a new studio at UD Team in the summer of 2022. Oh, and one last thing- be on the lookout for some WKRB highlights as we looked back on five years of memories.

Hello everyone! We're going into #TheUpdate vault to play one of our many episodes throughout our many years of the show. For today's episode, we go into the world of Year 5 of The Update. When we first started this then-show at WKRB in 2017, the first year had a lot of things going on. Donald Trump's first year in office, mass shootings worldwide, and the Great American Solar Eclipse to name just a few. In Year 5, it was more of the same. There was the Russian war in Ukraine, more mass shootings in America, and the overturning of Roe V. Wade to name just a few that we'll mention. But also, after more than two years out on the road, we made our way to a new studio at UD Team in the summer of 2022. Oh, and one last thing- be on the lookout for some WKRB highlights as we looked back on five years of memories.

Hello everyone! We're going into #TheUpdate vault to play one of our many episodes throughout our many years of the show. For today's episode, we go into the world of Year 5 of The Update. When we first started this then-show at WKRB in 2017, the first year had a lot of things going on. Donald Trump's first year in office, mass shootings worldwide, and the Great American Solar Eclipse to name just a few. In Year 5, it was more of the same. There was the Russian war in Ukraine, more mass shootings in America, and the overturning of Roe V. Wade to name just a few that we'll mention. But also, after more than two years out on the road, we made our way to a new studio at UD Team in the summer of 2022. Oh, and one last thing- be on the lookout for some WKRB highlights as we looked back on five years of memories.

Somehow, in the span of one episode, we'll manage to cover a man who didn't leave but also apparently doesn't exist anymore, a breakfast item that now requires a warning label, and a “vacation” that starts on April Fool's Day… which feels less like a break and more like a setup.First, PIX11 would like you to believe nothing has changed with Mr. G—just don't ask questions, don't look too closely, and definitely don't acknowledge the giant meteorologist-shaped absence in the room. Totally normal. Completely fine. Nothing to see here.Meanwhile, Pop-Tarts looked at their already questionable life choices and said, “What if we just… doubled down?” Enter the Super Stuffed era—because regular amounts of sugar clearly weren't doing enough damage. At this point, one of these might qualify as both breakfast and a near-death experience.And finally, Spring Break is here… on a Wednesday… on April Fool's Day… right before a 10-day stretch that guarantees you'll forget what your responsibilities even look like. By the time we come back, we'll all be groggy, confused, and wondering who approved this schedule in the first place.In other words: nothing makes sense, everything feels slightly suspicious, and honestly… that tracks.In the headlines on #TheUpdate this Wednesday, a jury will soon decide the fate of a man charged in the 2024 shooting death of an NYPD officer, considering a case that briefly became a focal point during President Trump's campaign to reclaim the White House.Four people connected to a company hired by New York City to operate homeless shelters for migrants were arrested Tuesday as part of a federal public corruption investigation that is also examining a City Council member and a top aide to Gov. Hochul.And in Washington, a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to suspend construction of a $400 million ballroom it demolished the East Wing of the White House to make space for, barring work from proceeding without congressional approval.

Hello everyone! We're going into #TheUpdate vault to play one of our many episodes throughout our many years of the show. For today's episode, we go into the world of Year 5 of The Update. When we first started this then-show at WKRB in 2017, the first year had a lot of things going on. Donald Trump's first year in office, mass shootings worldwide, and the Great American Solar Eclipse to name just a few. In Year 5, it was more of the same. There was the Russian war in Ukraine, more mass shootings in America, and the overturning of Roe V. Wade to name just a few that we'll mention. But also, after more than two years out on the road, we made our way to a new studio at UD Team in the summer of 2022. Oh, and one last thing- be on the lookout for some WKRB highlights as we looked back on five years of memories.

In today's edition of The Update Journal, we explore three very different ways things fall apart… and somehow all of them feel extremely avoidable.First, Calypso drops drink mixes that feel less like a product and more like a “this probably shouldn't be allowed” experiment. It's a cheat code for your taste buds—and possibly a self-destruct button for their entire business model. Because nothing says “long-term strategy” like making it easier not to buy your actual drinks.Then there's Peter Alexander, who spent 22 years at NBC News, apparently waiting for a promotion that was moving at MTA weekend schedule speed. After two decades, zero upgrades, and more missed Fridays than a middle school attendance record, he finally said, “You know what? I'm good.” Honestly, at that point, LinkedIn wasn't a choice—it was a survival instinct.And in today's Honorable Mention: situationships. You know, relationships that aren't relationships… but somehow come with all the stress of one. Experts are now explaining why people stay in them, but let's be honest—you didn't need a study for that. It's called hope, bad timing, and ignoring every red flag like it's background decoration.Three stories, one common theme: whether it's your drink, your job, or your love life—sometimes the smartest move is realizing, “Yeah… this isn't working,” and finally doing something about it.In the headlines on #TheUpdate this Tuesday, an off-duty security guard at a Manhattan shelter was shot near Madison Square Park — and police believe the assailant opened fire over an ongoing clash, law enforcement sources said.Federal prosecutors are investigating whether a New York City Council member and her sister, an aide to Gov. Kathy Hochul, accepted bribes or kickbacks in connection with the appropriation of city funds to a migrant shelter provider, according to a copy of a search warrant obtained by The Associated Press.And frustrating security lines were dwindling at U.S. airports, clearing the worst bottlenecks as Transportation Safety Administration officers began receiving backpay for working during the government shutdown.

In today's Update Journal, we start with a deal so good it has to come with fine print—because apparently you can get your house cleaned for $19 with Homeaglow… and your bank account cleaned out shortly after. Then, Dunkin' enters the chat with powdered drink mixes that feel less like a product and more like a life hack they weren't supposed to release to the public. (Somewhere, a Dunkin' executive is yelling, “Who approved this?!”)And finally, Easter is back—once again asking the important questions: Why are there eggs? Why are they hidden? And why is there a bunny involved in what is, at its core, a religious holiday? We don't have answers… but we do have chocolate, confusion, and a bunny operating on what can only be described as a freelance contract.In the headlines on #TheUpdate this Monday, A Riker's Island inmate died Sunday morning, the second fatality at the city jail in less than a week, officials said. A vicious fire inside a violation-plagued Queens building that killed four people — including a toddler — is now being investigated as a homicide, cops said.And out in the American west, authorities in Los Angeles deployed tear gas near a federal detention center and made dozens of arrests following one of thousands of “No Kings” rallies held this weekend across the United States and in Europe to protest President Trump's actions and the war in Iran.

In this edition of The Update Journal, we begin with a mystery that's somehow more unsettling than your train going express without warning: where exactly did Mr. G go? Because one minute he's giving you the five-day forecast, and the next… he's been replaced like a midseason lineup change nobody asked for. And the explanation? Oh, I don't like it. Not one bit. This feels less like a weather update and more like the opening scene of a true crime documentary: “The Disappearance of Mr. G: Sponsored by Budget Cuts.”Then, in a moment of peak American decision-making, we take on the 9-9-9 Challenge — nine innings, nine beers, nine hot dogs — also known as “how to turn Opening Day into a medical case study.” Because nothing says “I love baseball” like testing the structural integrity of your stomach by the 6th inning and questioning every life choice by the 7th inning stretch. Somewhere, a cardiologist just felt a disturbance in the force.And in The Last Word, the boys of summer are back — the crack of the bat, the smell of the grass, the hope that this is the year… all while the looming CBA expiration creeps in like that one cloud you see on the horizon that ruins the entire beach day. Enjoy the games now, because if history tells us anything, the lawyers of winter are already warming up in the bullpen.In the headlines on #TheUpdate this Friday, an innocent 9-year-old boy was shot and wounded in the crossfire of a suspected gang-related shooting in Brooklyn— and the gunmen are still at large, according to cops and sources.A man was killed and six firefighters were wounded when a five-alarm inferno ripped through a Bronx apartment building, according to FDNY and NYPD officials.And in Washington, the Senate approved Homeland Security funds to pay Transportation Security Administration agents and most other agencies, but not the immigration enforcement operations at the heart of the budget impasse that has jammed airports, disrupted travel and imposed financial hardship on workers.

Hello everyone! We're going into #TheUpdate vault to play one of our many episodes throughout our many years of the show. For today's episode, we go into the world of Year 5 of The Update. When we first started this then-show at WKRB in 2017, the first year had a lot of things going on. Donald Trump's first year in office, mass shootings worldwide, and the Great American Solar Eclipse to name just a few. In Year 5, it was more of the same. There was the Russian war in Ukraine, more mass shootings in America, and the overturning of Roe V. Wade to name just a few that we'll mention. But also, after more than two years out on the road, we made our way to a new studio at UD Team in the summer of 2022. Oh, and one last thing- be on the lookout for some WKRB highlights as we looked back on five years of memories.

Hello everyone! We're going into #TheUpdate vault to play one of our many episodes throughout our many years of the show. For today's episode, we go into the world of Year 5 of The Update. When we first started this then-show at WKRB in 2017, the first year had a lot of things going on. Donald Trump's first year in office, mass shootings worldwide, and the Great American Solar Eclipse to name just a few. In Year 5, it was more of the same. There was the Russian war in Ukraine, more mass shootings in America, and the overturning of Roe V. Wade to name just a few that we'll mention. But also, after more than two years out on the road, we made our way to a new studio at UD Team in the summer of 2022. Oh, and one last thing- be on the lookout for some WKRB highlights as we looked back on five years of memories.

In today's Update Journal, we begin with the MTA proudly unveiling a “better” app experience—by removing the one feature that made it worth opening in the first place. Because nothing says progress like taking away convenience and replacing it with three extra taps and a mild identity crisis.Then, Big Tech finally gets called into the principal's office, as the whole “scroll, tap, repeat until your brain turns into mashed potatoes” business model meets something it hasn't seen in years: consequences. Turns out, you can't just algorithm your way out of accountability. Who knew?And in today's Honorable Mention… a frozen version of a Costco food court favorite is causing outrage because it's “not the same.” Shocking. Absolutely stunning. Next you're going to tell me microwaved pizza doesn't hit like it does at 2am. Also—full transparency—we found this story on Fox News. Yes, that Fox News. So naturally, we're choosing to acknowledge it, judge it quietly, and then pretend we never saw it.In the headlines on #TheUpdate this Thursday, all but four of the passengers injured in Sunday's deadly collision between an Air Canada plane and a fire truck have been released from the hospital, the airline said, as crews began moving the mangled aircraft off the runway at LaGuardia Airport.New York Attorney General Letitia James was hit with two federal criminal referrals Wednesday alleging she may have committed homeowners insurance fraud.And in Washington, The Transportation Security Administration may have to shut down operations at some airports if the budget impasse drags on, the agency's acting head said, even as record wait time for travelers did little to end the standoff over the funding fight in Congress.

In today's Update Journal, we go through the full emotional spectrum—starting with heartbreak, detouring through reality TV chaos, and ending with baseball pretending everything is totally fine.First, NCIS celebrates 500 episodes the only way network television knows how: by absolutely wrecking us emotionally. One minute you're reminiscing, the next minute you're yelling at your TV like it personally betrayed you. Because clearly, that's how anniversaries work now.Then, ABC hands out the final rose… to absolutely no one. The Bachelorette gets canceled, the franchise takes yet another hit, and somewhere, a group of contestants who already bought their blazers are asking, “Wait… so what do we do with these now?”And finally in Brandon's Take this week, baseball is back! Technically. Kind of. One game. Just one. While the rest of the league waits until tomorrow like normal people, we're left trying to convince ourselves that this counts as Opening Day—while also ignoring the giant “looming lockout” cloud hovering like it's part of the pregame show.It's grief, confusion, and denial… all before the second inning.In the headlines on #TheUpdate this Wednesday, one of only two air traffic controllers on duty at LaGuardia Airport cleared a fire truck to cross a runway just 12 seconds before that Air Canada flight touched down, leaving little time to avoid the collision that killed both pilots, federal investigators said.A Manhattan lawyer who stole $4.4 million intended for COVID protective gear — allegedly to fund a romance with his then-CEO girlfriend — tearfully admitted to the craven crime.And in Maryland, a professional cornhole player who's also a quadruple amputee has been accused of fatally shooting a passenger in the front seat of a car he was driving during an argument, authorities say.

In today's edition of The Update Journal, Jeff Probst is entering what feels like his 400th season hosting Survivor, at this point less of a TV personality and more of a permanent island fixture—like the torches, the sand, and contestants making terrible decisions. Meanwhile, over in Queens, the Mets are heading into 2026 with a bold new strategy: “Just get in, and we'll figure it out later,” which is either inspiring… or deeply concerning depending on how much bullpen you've watched.And just when you thought America couldn't unite on anything, a new survey reveals the country's “perfect” fast food combo—proving that no matter how divided we are politically, we can all agree on one thing: if it comes with fries and a drink, we're ordering it… and regretting it 20 minutes later.In the headlines on #TheUpdate this Tuesday, moments after an Air Canada jet collided at high speed with a fire truck at LaGuardia Airport, killing the pilots and hurling a flight attendant from the aircraft, the passengers took their escape into their own hands.A teenager was shot dead inside a public housing complex in Brooklyn, according to police.And armed federal immigration officers in tactical gear moved through terminals at some of the busiest U.S. airports, standing near security lines and checkpoints after President Trump ordered their deployment during a partial government shutdown that has disrupted air travel nationwide.

In today's Update Journal, we begin with a heartfelt tribute to the one and only Howie Rose—the man who didn't just call Mets games, but emotionally prepared us for disappointment like it was a public service. Seriously, his voice is basically the official soundtrack of summer… and mild suffering.Then… we pivot. Hard. Because while we're already emotional, let's talk about the slow, painful, “who approved this?” shutdown of CBS News Radio. An end of an era that I am absolutely, positively not handling well. Respectfully… I'm not. There will be feelings. There may be yelling. The FCC may want to keep a safe distance.And finally—because baseball waits for no one, not even my emotional stability—Opening Day is Wednesday. So naturally, we're talking Yankees. Expectations? High. Pressure? Higher. My sanity? Hanging on by a thread held together with pinstripes and cautious optimism.It's nostalgia, outrage, baseball, and just enough chaos to remind you… yeah, we're back.In the headlines on #TheUpdate this Monday, An Air Canada passenger plane smashed into a rescue truck at LaGuardia Airport — killing two pilots and hospitalizing 41 others in the horrific crash that obliterated the front of the jet and forced the major travel hub to close for most of Monday.A New York state lawmaker slammed America's “clearly broken” immigration system after a Venezuelan migrant was arrested for allegedly gunning down a teenager from his district.And out in the American West, Savannah Guthrie is renewing pleas to neighbors, friends and residents of Tucson, Arizona, to jog their memories in the hopes of sparking new leads in the disappearance of her mother Nancy.

Hello everyone! We're going into #TheUpdate vault to play one of our many episodes throughout our many years of the show. For today's episode, we go into the world of Year 5 of The Update. When we first started this then-show at WKRB in 2017, the first year had a lot of things going on. Donald Trump's first year in office, mass shootings worldwide, and the Great American Solar Eclipse to name just a few. In Year 5, it was more of the same. There was the Russian war in Ukraine, more mass shootings in America, and the overturning of Roe V. Wade to name just a few that we'll mention. But also, after more than two years out on the road, we made our way to a new studio at UD Team in the summer of 2022. Oh, and one last thing- be on the lookout for some WKRB highlights as we looked back on five years of memories.

Hello everyone! We're going into #TheUpdate vault to play one of our many episodes throughout our many years of the show. For today's episode, we go into the world of Year 5 of The Update. When we first started this then-show at WKRB in 2017, the first year had a lot of things going on. Donald Trump's first year in office, mass shootings worldwide, and the Great American Solar Eclipse to name just a few. In Year 5, it was more of the same. There was the Russian war in Ukraine, more mass shootings in America, and the overturning of Roe V. Wade to name just a few that we'll mention. But also, after more than two years out on the road, we made our way to a new studio at UD Team in the summer of 2022. Oh, and one last thing- be on the lookout for some WKRB highlights as we looked back on five years of memories.

Hello everyone! We're going into #TheUpdate vault to play one of our many episodes throughout our many years of the show. For today's episode, we go into the world of Year 5 of The Update. When we first started this then-show at WKRB in 2017, the first year had a lot of things going on. Donald Trump's first year in office, mass shootings worldwide, and the Great American Solar Eclipse to name just a few. In Year 5, it was more of the same. There was the Russian war in Ukraine, more mass shootings in America, and the overturning of Roe V. Wade to name just a few that we'll mention. But also, after more than two years out on the road, we made our way to a new studio at UD Team in the summer of 2022. Oh, and one last thing- be on the lookout for some WKRB highlights as we looked back on five years of memories.

In today's edition of The Update Journal, After what can only be described as the Blizzard Cinematic Universe: Extended Director's Cut—featuring snow, more snow, surprise snow, and a Valentine's Day subplot nobody asked for—we have officially returned to a regularly scheduled program. Yes, we're caught up. Yes, it only took recording episodes like we were cramming for finals. And yes, I'm still emotionally recovering.Meanwhile, over in the world of questionable decision-making, Ashley Madison has apparently decided that “Life's Short. Have an Affair.” needed a glow-up. Because nothing says “trust us now” like a rebrand after your entire premise was chaos. Bold strategy. Let's see if it pays off.And in today's Honorable Mention: a question that proves the internet is both a blessing and a curse—what is hentai? Short answer: it's exactly what you think it is, and also somehow worse. Long answer: maybe don't Google it on a public Wi-Fi network.All that and more, as we celebrate being back on schedule, question humanity just a little bit more, and once again prove that sometimes… ignorance really was bliss.In the headlines on #TheUpdate this Thursday, An NYPD officer who works security at the mayor's residence and City Hall has been suspended after the department says he shot a man in the head while off duty, police say.Luigi Mangione's lawyers asked a judge to postpone his federal trial in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson until early next year and said they will seek to have his state murder trial delayed until September.And out in the American West, Labor rights activist Dolores Huerta revealed she was among women and girls who say they were sexually abused by César Chavez, the widely admired Latino icon who brought to light the struggles of farmhands while leading the United Farm Workers union.

In today's Update Journal, Remember when movies used to respect your bladder and give you a nice, classy intermission to stretch, grab popcorn, and question your life choices at the concession stand? Yeah… those days are long gone—unlike certain umpires who clearly think every pitch is a strike if you squint hard enough and believe in chaos.Because nothing says “global sporting event” quite like a strike call so bad it makes you wonder if the umpire was watching the same game as the rest of us… or just channeling his inner Angel Hernandez and freestyling behind the plate. At this point, the robots aren't coming—they're being begged to show up.And just when the madness reaches peak levels, we shift gears to something that actually makes sense: celebrating Tommie. Because while movies lost intermissions and baseball lost the strike zone, one thing remains perfectly clear—Friday belongs to her, as it should.So sit back (no intermission provided), enjoy the chaos, and try not to argue with the umpire. It won't help.In the headlines on #TheUpdate this Wednesday, Mayor Mamdani's administration wants to stop representing Eric Adams in a lawsuit that alleges the former mayor sexually assaulted a woman more than three decades ago, according to a court filing.The MTA is suing the Trump administration Tuesday, accusing it of breach of contract for withholding almost $60 million in federal funding that was supposed to help build new stations in Manhattan.And in Cleveland, a 7-ton meteor that sped across the sky at 45,000 miles per hour before breaking apart in a thunderous boom startled residents who feared an explosion.

In today's edition of The Update Journal, some people say love is patient. Love is kind. Love will also apparently have you riding the entire length of Manhattan just to transfer to a bus that feels like it's headed to another time zone—because nothing says romance like a full Bx12 Select Bus Service commitment to Bay Plaza.And just when you think the journey is the most chaotic part of your day, along comes Liar's UNO—a game that took regular UNO, looked at it, and said, “You know what this needs? More betrayal.” Because clearly, friendships weren't being tested hard enough already.Meanwhile, across the city, St. Patrick's Day bartenders are gearing up for what can only be described as the Super Bowl of pouring drinks—except instead of a halftime show, it's 16 straight hours of “another round!” and trying to remember who actually ordered what.So whether you're traveling for love, lying over cards, or just trying to survive NYC on one of its most… festive days, just remember: there's no exiting through the gift shop.In the headlines on #TheUpdate this Tuesday, four people — including one child — were killed when a four-alarm inferno ripped through a Queens building, with fire department officials calling it a “tragic day.”A man who spent nearly two decades in prison for a roughly $550 robbery was exonerated and freed, after prosecutors said they now agree he didn't commit the crime.And in Washington, White House chief of staff Susie Wiles has been diagnosed with early stage breast cancer but plans to continue working through her treatment, retaining her place as one of President Trump's closest aides during a period of political turbulence.

On today's Update Journal, we revisit my first contact with Buffalo Wild Wings, where the Garlic Parmesan wings were delicious, the Honey BBQ was respectable, and the Blazin' wings nearly required a call to the fire department. Let's just say one brave soul tried exactly one wing… finished their entire drink… and then stared into the distance like they had just made a terrible life decision.Meanwhile, the lie detector test has determined that daytime TV syndication might officially be cooked, as more shows disappear faster than wings at a table of hungry students. We'll talk about why the old model may finally be running out of steam.And finally, with St. Patrick's Day descending upon New York City, I reveal my personal strategy for survival: avoid Midtown at all costs. Because unless you enjoy shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, green beer, and people who started celebrating at 9 in the morning, the smartest move might be staying home with a Crystal Light mocktail and letting the luck of the Irish work itself out from a safe distance.In the headlines on #TheUpdate this Monday, strong winds are expected to blow through New York City as a cold front moves across the region, bringing with it rain and thunderstorms, according to forecasters.A New Jersey man was arrested for allegedly punching a straphanger during a confrontation on a Penn Station subway platform — with the victim dying hours after the violent clash, authorities said.And out in the American West, about 3,800 workers at one of the nation's largest meatpacking plants were set to strike in Colorado in what union representatives said would be the first walkout at a U.S. beef slaughterhouse since the 1980s.

In this edition of The Update Journal, we pause for a moment to remember a true New York broadcasting legend, Ernie Anastos—a man whose voice, presence, and professionalism helped define what it meant to be a trusted anchor in this city. Around here, we like to think of him as the gold standard… and frankly, the type of broadcaster many of us—including yours truly—aspire to become someday.Then we take a trip down commercial memory lane to revisit one of the most famous lines in advertising history: “You're going to like the way you look… I guarantee it.” If you grew up watching television in the ‘90s or early 2000s, you heard it a thousand times. And somehow, George Zimmer managed to make buying a suit sound less like shopping and more like a personal promise from a very confident uncle.And finally, in The Last Word, we explore the strange, spooky, and occasionally ridiculous lore behind Friday the 13th. Why do people fear it? Where did the superstition come from? And why does it seem like the moment the calendar flips to that date, half the population suddenly thinks walking under a ladder will summon instant doom?It's legends, guarantees, and a little superstition—all in today's Update Journal. Just try not to break a mirror while listening.In the headlines on #TheUpdate this Friday, this superhero should consider investing in a mask. The NYPD chief who went viral for rushing into action to take down two alleged ISIS-inspired botched bombers outside Grace Mansion doesn't want his newfound fame.New York City can ban foie gras sales, a state court ruled— the latest twist in a long-running saga that could clear the delicacy from local French restaurants' menus.And in Virginia, a former Army National Guard member who had spent eight years in prison for attempting to aid the Islamic State opened fire on a classroom at Virginia's Old Dominion University before ROTC students subdued and killed him, authorities said.

Hello everyone! We're going into #TheUpdate vault to play one of our many episodes throughout our many years of the show. For today's episode, we go into the world of Year 5 of The Update. When we first started this then-show at WKRB in 2017, the first year had a lot of things going on. Donald Trump's first year in office, mass shootings worldwide, and the Great American Solar Eclipse to name just a few. In Year 5, it was more of the same. There was the Russian war in Ukrane, more mass shootings in America, and the overturning of Roe V. Wade to name just a few that we'll mention. But also, after more than two years out on the road, we made our way to a new studio at UD Team in the summer of 2022. Oh, and one last thing- be on the lookout for some WKRB highlights as we looked back on five years of memories.

We've done a lot of episodes throughout our many years of #TheUpdate, but some of them are my personal favorites. Every month, we're going to go into The Update vault and play one episode from my personal list of favorite episodes. I hope you enjoy them as much as i did hosting it.

Today in The Update Journal, we begin with a historic moment in culinary exploration: my first ever trip inside Buffalo Wild Wings. That's right. After years of walking past those glowing televisions and the smell of fried ambition in the air, I will finally step through the doors like a rookie entering the big leagues. I'm told there are roughly 47 sauces, half of which are designed to test your pain tolerance and your will to live. We'll see how that goes.Then, from the continuing saga of “Answers on The Weakest Link That Make You Question the Future of Humanity,” we revisit a contestant who was asked which famous TV personality made her first vowel movement in 1982. Now the rest of us at home immediately shouted the correct answer: Vanna White. Simple. Easy. A layup question. The contestant, however, confidently answered… Ellen. Yes. Ellen. Apparently somewhere out there is an alternate universe where Ellen DeGeneres has been casually flipping letters on Wheel of Fortune since the Reagan administration.And finally, in news that may temporarily stop Americans from crying while looking at their bank accounts, McDonald's is preparing a new lineup of menu items for $3 or less. That's right — in this economy, you can still walk into a McDonald's with a couple of dollars and leave with actual food instead of just a napkin and emotional support.So today we've got wings, vowels, and budget burgers—which honestly sounds like the name of a very strange law firm.In the headlines on #TheUpdate this Thursday, newly released surveillance video appears to show a man buying a fuse at a fireworks store days before authorities say he and another man brought homemade bombs to a protest outside Mayor Mamdani's residence.Mayor Mamdani spent his first in-person appearance at his “rental ripoff” hearings appealing to public housing tenants after he was heckled and previously accused of ignoring their plights.And in Washington, the January collapse of a pipe as wide as a car dumped so much sewage into the Potomac River that officials tracked a spike of gut-wrenching bacteria drifting slowly past Washington for weeks, prompting an emergency declaration and federal assistance.

In this edition of The Update Journal, I try to solve a mystery even Scooby-Doo might struggle with: what exactly was The 13 Ghosts of Scooby-Doo, and why does it feel like a fever dream from 1985? Then the tone shifts—just a little—as we look back six years to the day the world basically pressed the pause button, when sports stopped, travel bans began, and suddenly everyone became an amateur epidemiologist. And finally, in Brandon's Take, we'll tackle the great generational divide: snow days. For students, it's a magical winter holiday. For staff? It's “working from home,” which mostly means answering a couple emails while standing in front of the fridge wondering if this technically counts as productivity. Expect nostalgia, mild existential reflection, and the realization that adulthood has completely ruined snow days. ❄️In the headlines on #TheUpdate this Wednesday, Two former NYPD officers who prosecutors say stole a brothel key and then robbed and groped a sex worker are now facing federal charges after their initial state charges were dismissed on a technicality.A Honduran migrant was arrested for randomly shoving two strangers — including an 83-year-old man — onto Upper East Side subway tracks over the weekend, according to authorities.And major storms whipped up tornadoes in parts of Illinois and Indiana that leveled homes, killing at least two people and injuring others, and another round of rain, hail and strong winds made its way through the region, authorities say.

In today's Update Journal, we revisit the cinematic nightmare that united an entire generation: the THX sound. Not the movie. Not the trailers. Just the sound. That deep, metallic “BWAAAAAAAAAA” that shook theater walls, rattled your bones, and made every kid in the audience think the speakers were about to explode. For many of us, it was our first experience with surround sound… and mild emotional trauma.Then we move to The Weakest Link, where a contestant commits what can only be described as a breakfast felony—confusing butterscotch Munchkins and a strawberry Coolatta with Starbucks. Starbucks! That's like walking into Yankee Stadium and asking where the Mets bullpen is. Somewhere, a Dunkin' employee felt a disturbance in the force.And finally, in today's honorable mention, Harry Styles reveals his chaotic “boy dinner” habit—basically a collection of random food items that looks less like a meal and more like what you'd eat at 11:45 p.m. while staring into the fridge with the light on. Naturally, a fast-food chain saw this and said, “Perfect. Let's monetize that.” Because nothing says culinary innovation quite like a celebrity's questionable late-night eating decisions.In the headlines on #TheUpdate this Tuesday, investigators are trying to learn more about two Pennsylvania men accused of bringing homemade bombs to a protest outside the home of Mayor Mamdani.Luxury real estate agents Tal and Oren Alexander and their brother Alon were convicted of sex trafficking for using their vast wealth to drug and rape numerous women they lured into their twisted orbit.And overseas, the widening Iran war has upended oil production and shipping across the Middle East, straining energy supplies worldwide.

In this edition of The Update Journal, we begin with a man who quietly built a media empire while the rest of us were still trying to figure out how to program the VCR. Byron Allen has more channels, production credits, and executive producer tags than a CVS receipt, and if you blink during the credits you might miss the part where he basically owns the entire network.Then we move to one of those late-night TV moments that only happens when you're awake at 2 A.M. watching American Greed, wondering where your life choices went wrong. The episode features a mayor who apparently believed that holding public office meant never having to pay for dinner. Because nothing says “public servant” quite like walking out of a restaurant and sticking the taxpayers—or the waiter—with the bill.And finally, we discuss the Monday after Spring Daylight Saving Time, the one day of the year where the entire country collectively wakes up angry. We lose an hour of sleep, gain an attitude, and suddenly every minor inconvenience feels like a federal offense. Coffee isn't strong enough, alarms feel like personal attacks, and everyone at work looks like they're operating on about three percent battery life.In other words: media empires, midnight scandals, and a nation running on one less hour of sleep. What could possibly go wrong?In the headlines on #TheUpdate this Monday, a device thrown by a counterprotester at an anti-Islam demonstration in New York City on Saturday was confirmed to be an improvised explosive, according to a preliminary police analysis. As the investigation continued, the NYPD said they were looking into a second suspicious device found in the same area of Manhattan's Upper East Side.Four people were shot during a Brooklyn bar brawl, as an eyewitness said one of the victims had his foot blown off.And overseas, Mojtaba Khamenei, a son of Iran's late supreme leader, has been named as the Islamic Republic's next ruler, authorities announced, as Tehran widened its attacks across the Mideast to strike oil and water facilities crucial to its desert sheikdoms.

Somewhere between a 1940s household manual telling wives to always smile and never contradict their husbands, a completely unnecessary on-air confession about childhood cartoon crushes, and the simple fact that we somehow survived weather that felt like living inside a freezer, today's Update Journal went in… several directions.We examine the baffling rules of post-war marriage advice (spoiler: if you tried that today, someone would absolutely get punched), I make an administrative admission that probably should have stayed off the record, and we close things out celebrating the small miracle that we all made it through the tundra outside.In other words: history, humiliation, and hypothermia — all in one episode.In the headlines on #TheUpdate this Friday, a 4-year-old Brooklyn boy who dashed away from his mom was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver, just steps away from a local hospital, police and sources said.A jury in Manhattan federal court started deliberating in a case that could put twins Oren and Alon, 38, and Tal, 39, in prison for the rest of their lives.And in Washington, President Trump fired his embattled Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, after mounting criticism over her leadership of the department, including the handling of the administration's immigration crackdown and disaster response.

In today's Update Journal, we begin with a Weakest Link moment that raises serious questions about the state of breakfast knowledge in America—because apparently not everyone knows where to get a Rootie Tootie Fresh 'N Fruity. (Hint: it's not an ice cream shop.) From there, we travel back to 2008 to investigate Shaggy & Scooby-Doo Get a Clue, a show so strange that many of us are still unsure whether it actually aired or if Cartoon Network collectively hallucinated it. And finally, United Airlines introduces a tough new rule aimed at stopping one of the most blood-boiling passenger habits known to mankind—because nothing brings society together quite like mutual irritation at the airport. In the headlines on #TheUpdate this Thursday, a brazen duo – including one career criminal with dozens of prior arrests – was arrested for allegedly setting a sleeping man on fire inside Penn Station this week, authorities said.A high-ranking Jersey City official running to be a town mayor has been reassigned after humiliating footage showed him using his position to try to get out of a drunk-driving arrest — and admitting to cheating on his wife.And in Rhode Island, Catholic priests preyed on hundreds of children for decades, and were protected by bishops more concerned with the church's reputation than the victims, according to a new report on clergy sexual abuse that echoes findings elsewhere.

In today's Update Journal, a contestant on The Weakest Link proves that sometimes confidence and knowledge are two very different things after naming Big Bird as the U.S. Secretary of State. Somewhere on Sesame Street, Big Bird is now preparing a foreign policy briefing with Cookie Monster handling snacks and Oscar the Grouch in charge of negotiations.Meanwhile, I've discovered a new snack that has him questioning my willpower, my diet, and possibly my life choices. What started as “just trying something new” has quickly turned into the kind of snack obsession where the bag mysteriously empties itself while you're not looking.And in Brandon's Take, we brace for the spring side of Daylight Saving Time—the one where we all lose an hour of sleep and spend the next week wondering why we feel like we got hit by a bus. The clocks jump forward, our patience jumps backward, and coffee suddenly becomes a required life support system.So today: questionable game show answers, questionable snack discipline, and the annual tradition of arguing with the clock. Just another completely normal day around here.In the headlines on #TheUpdate this Wednesday, a federal judge has blocked President Trump's administration's efforts to halt New York's first-in-the-nation congestion fee meant to reduce traffic and pump revenue into the region's aging transit system.The NYPD were searching for two suspects believed to have been involved in an attack near Manhattan's Penn Station when a 37-year-old man was set on fire as he slept.And in Washington, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended her department's immigration enforcement tactics in front of a Senate committee and pushed back against criticism from Democrats who say she wrongly disparaged two protesters killed by federal officers in Minneapolis earlier this year.

In today's episode of “Who Approved This?” — we begin at 8AM, when apparently the only people awake are journalists, my parents flipping through every news channel, and someone standing at a podium choosing absolute violence before breakfast. Because nothing says “good morning” like a press conference before your coffee has even been processed.Meanwhile, in the culinary crime division… Applebee's has unveiled something so aggressively cheesy it should come with a cardiologist on standby. I watched the commercial and could physically hear my arteries filing a complaint with HR. There are things that look fancy… and then there are things that look like they're one melted layer away from requiring a waiver.And just when you think society has peaked? Enter the Great Wolf Lodge Ranch Milkshake — topped with carrots, whipped cream, and crispy chicken. Yes. Ranch. In milkshake form. With poultry garnish. Somewhere, a blender is questioning its life choices.In the headlines on #TheUpdate this Tuesday, the Supreme Court sided with Republicans in ruling that the boundaries of the only GOP-held congressional district in New York City do not not need to be redrawn for the 2026 elections, despite a court ruling that the district is unfair to Black and Hispanic residents.A man who repeatedly drove his car into the Chabad Lubavitch world headquarters in New York City earlier this year pleaded not guilty to federal charges of intentionally damaging religious property.And in Texas, the gunman who opened fire outside a crowded bar and killed three people in an attack that wounded more than a dozen had not been on the radar of authorities, federal and local investigators said.

On this edition of The Update Journal, we explore what happens when one major news story eats the entire broadcast like it skipped lunch — and the rest of the world just quietly waits its turn. Weather? Sports? Local chaos? Never heard of her.Then we pivot to TNT's Rich & Shameless, featuring the “Joe Francis Was A Walking Red Flag” episode — because nothing says cultural reflection quite like revisiting the era when late-night cable ads felt like a fever dream and everyone collectively decided, “Sure, this seems fine.”And finally, the sun comes out… and common sense clocks out. The second temperatures flirt with 70 degrees, jackets disappear, decision-making declines, and the city transforms into a real-time sociology experiment. It's not summer — it's just a preview — but you'd never know that from the way people act.Breaking news, shameless behavior, and the annual 70-degree personality shift. Spring is trying to arrive… and apparently so is chaos.In the headlines on #TheUpdate this Monday, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a major attack by Israel and the United States, Iranian state media confirmed, throwing the future of the Islamic Republic into doubt and raising the risk of regional instability. Meanwhile, here locally, Law enforcement was on high alert for terror attacks at sensitive sites in and around New York City Saturday following a series of US/Israel missile strikes on Iran overnight.In other news, the city is bizarrely using massive potted plants in Queens to prevent illegal parking in front of fire hydrants — only to thwart FDNY trucks and Bravest during emergencies, according to fuming pols and locals.And in Texas, a gunman wearing clothes with an Iranian flag design and the words “Property of Allah” killed two people and wounded 14 early Sunday at a Texas bar, a law enforcement official told The Associated Press. The FBI is investigating the shooting, which erupted a day after the U.S. and Israel launched an attack on Iran, as a potential act of terrorism.

In this episode of The Update Journal, we begin in a place that proudly calls itself “New York's Very Own”… while quietly shipping out actual New Yorkers like it's a clearance sale at a Midtown Duane Reade. Nothing says hometown pride quite like looking around and going, “Wait… who are you people?”Then we pivot to The Weakest Link, where $1 million is technically on the line… in the same way that I am technically in shape. It exists. In theory. Yet somehow, after an hour of dramatic lighting, aggressive British-adjacent sass, and contestants sweating through basic multiplication, we walk away with a grand total of $80,000. Out of a million. That's not a jackpot — that's a modest group project stipend. At this rate, the money isn't being won. It's being gently escorted back to the network vault.And finally, The Last Word — as we begin Year 9 together. Nine years. I started this show as a 19-year-old with a microphone and delusions of grandeur. Now I'm older, slightly wiser, and still yelling about trivia show banking strategies like it's a congressional hearing. We'll reflect, we'll laugh, we'll question our life choices — and we'll keep going.Because if we've learned anything over these eight years, it's this: the money may not bank, the New Yorkers may relocate, but this show? Oh, we're still cashing in.In the headlines on #TheUpdate this Friday, a social media content creator was arrested after the NYPD said he was one of a number of people who pelted officers with snow and ice during a massive snowball fight in Washington Square Park this week.A woman on probation for stowing away on an international flight has been arrested again after sneaking onto a flight from Newark, New Jersey, to Milan, Italy, according to a law enforcement official familiar with the matter.And in Washington, Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told members of Congress that she had no knowledge of Jeffrey Epstein's or Ghislaine Maxwell's crimes, starting off two days of depositions that will also include former President Bill Clinton.

In today's episode of “How Did We Get Here?” we discover that extra crispy chicken outranks an entire starship, thanks to a trivia question on The Weakest Link that sent my producers into a full-blown fact-checking spiral. Apparently, Captain Jean-Luc Picard may command the Enterprise, but Colonel Harland Sanders technically outranks him. Yes. Fried chicken beat Starfleet.Meanwhile, over at Target, the Favorite Day Meyer Lemon Rolled Wafers are back for Easter season, and I am once again asking for accountability. I'm not saying they're addictive. I'm just saying if you see me in the snack aisle whispering “just one more,” mind your business.And as Year 8 of the show quietly packs up its things and prepares to hand the keys to Year 9, we reflect on what we've learned: Never underestimate trivia writers. Never trust seasonal snacks. And never assume this show would've stopped when logic suggested it probably should have.In the headlines on #TheUpdate this Thursday, a massive post-blizzard snowball fight in New York that ended in police officers being pelted is creating a frosty dispute between Mayor Mamdani and his own police department.Hunter College placed a professor on leave days after she sparked massive backlash for making “abhorrent” comments about black students on a hot mic during a virtual meeting.And in Washington, the Justice Department said that it was looking into whether it had improperly withheld documents from the Jeffrey Epstein files after several news organizations reported that some records involving uncorroborated accusations made by a woman against President Trump were not among those released to the public.

In this edition of The Update Journal, we begin with a simple Sunday night question: What exactly is “Roar,” and why does it sound like a network invented by someone who lost a bet? From there, we stumble into The Weakest Link, where trivia dreams go to die and former mayors are apparently rebranded as billionaires.Then comes the Diamond Deck from Wildcard Kitchen—a collection of cards so diabolical it feels less like cooking and more like a culinary hostage situation. “Use an ingredient that starts with Y.” Y? Y what? Yams and yelling are the only acceptable answers. And letting one chef pick another chef's protein while chaos reigns? That's not a twist. That's violence with garnish.And finally, Brandon's Take: why I keep doing this show after nine years, countless blizzards, studio floods, transit meltdowns, and relatives asking if I've considered a “real job.” Logic says I could've stopped. Common sense says I probably should've. But when you love telling stories, roasting television executives, and turning civic dysfunction into content, quitting just doesn't feel right.In the headlines on #TheUpdate this Wednesday, millions across the northeast contended with treks to school and work as they dug out from a major — and in some areas record-breaking — storm that blanketed the region with snow, canceled flights, disrupted transit and killed at least one person. The NYPD are investigating after officers were pelted with snowballs while responding to a massive snowball fight at Washington Square Park in Manhattan. And the city's commuter chaos continued with subway-line suspensions and delays — the day after MTA chief Janno Lieber assured New Yorkers that the agency “is here for you'' and “the system is running.''CUNY's chancellor slammed the “clearly offensive and abhorrent” hot mic comments Hunter professor Allyson Friedman made about black students — but said she was still teaching.And in Washington, President Trump declared during a marathon State of the Union that “we're winning so much” — insisting he'd sparked an economic boom at home and imposed a new world order abroad in hopes it can counter his sliding approval ratings.

As we continue to dig out from the blizzard, we're remote for one more day. So we have some more laughs inside The Update Journal.