Tragic news has come out of Minnesota as radio personality Drew Lee died unexpectedly over the weekend. Bring Me The News adds that the cause of death is unknown at the moment. 

Lee’s morning co-host at AM 1130 KTLK, Jon Justice, announced Monday from a hospital room at the University of Minnesota as he recuperates from open-heart surgery. 

“This is the hardest thing that I have ever had to do in my entire radio career,” Justice, co-host of the “Justice and Drew Show,” said. “He was with his wife at the time. I hopefully will be coming home sometime today, but I had asked that I be the one to make this devastating and tragic announcement to you.”

“Drew was my best friend. He was your friend and I don’t need to tell you how special he was. It goes without saying that I’m devastating and he will be tragically missed,” Justice continued. “Everybody here at iHeart is grieving. We ask for your prayers for Drew’s family as they get through this difficult time.”

Lee recently spoke with Barrett News Media’s Jim Cryns, where he touched on various topics, including their show’s reach as they have listeners outside of the Twin Cities.

“We’ve got listeners all over the country, from New York to California,” Lee said. “I find that amazing. Here we are, this little Minnesota-centric show growing an audience at the national level.”

“I’m excited about where we’re going organically. People seem to be gravitating to our content, telling friends about it. I want to see how far we can take this fun little morning show.”

VPR and Vermont PBS are rebranding as the television, radio, and digital platform will now be known as Vermont Public after officially merging last year. Furthermore, this move reflects the cooperative mission of the state’s public media organization.

“Our new name pays homage to our past while signaling a new mission for the future,” President and CEO Scott Finn said in a press release relayed by Radio Insight. 

“Across TV, radio, and digital platforms, we will engage a broader and more diverse audience through stories that bring our community together.”

Over the last year, Vermont Public has researched with the public, staff, and board of directors to understand better the needs, perceptions, opportunities, and challenges for public media in Vermont.

Furthermore, the rebranded name and graphic identity are now live at vermontpublic.org and on its broadcast channels, stations, and digital platforms.

“We’ve been here to engage, inform, and inspire Vermonters for more than fifty years,” according to Marguerite Dibble, the incoming board chair. “And that won’t change. Our core audience will continue to see and hear all the things they love.”

“Their support and loyalty have shaped who we are today. And as the needs of our community evolve, and the media landscape shifts, we want to broaden access for all voices to participate, from every corner of our unique state.”

A war of words erupted on Twitter this weekend between two giants in the media industry. The online war of words between Dave Portnoy and radio host Dan Bongino began after the Barstool founder posted a video reaction Friday following the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

In a video titled, “Emergency press conference,” Portnoy sounded off about the issue which caught the attention of Dan Bongino. “Horrifyingly uninformed and ridiculous take. Embarrassed you would put this out there,” the Fox News host said.

The Supreme Court’s decision does not make abortion illegal nationwide as the decision now is handed back over to the states which can now choose to ban it. However, abortion is now illegal or heavily restricted in at least 11 states.

“This was to be expected, but I still get a kick out of people who have sucked my d**k for a decade straight, invited me on their shows a million times, and now disagree with me on RoeVsWade, and suddenly I’m a p****y and idiot,” Portnoy posted. 

Bongino would respond to the post, saying, “I still get a kick out of defending people like this p—-y against the same lib lunatics he desperately craves the acceptance of. It’s called “principles” chump. Try it sometime. Go put your dog chain back on dips–t.”

“Appears the only people doing that for you are wearing dog callers. Go get your leash chump. Bow wow,” Bongino added.