I’ve noticed ABC radio news has standardized the use of “folks” in place of “people” or “Americans”.
Folks is much preferable to the common word ‘guys’ when referring to men and women. It ticks me off when waiters and front desk persons say guys when I am with my wife. “And how are you guys tonite?” “What would you guys like to drink this evening?”
I tell them that my wife is not a guy and they start stuttering an apology. Ignorant idiots!