The NewsWorthy
Erica Mandy
The day's news made fast, fair and fun – in 15 minutes. Erica Mandy is like a trusted friend who always 'gets' both sides. She's a veteran journalist who was tired of talking heads, alarmist headlines and monotone voices, so she created something different. The NewsWorthy is packed with politics, tech, business and entertainment from a variety of sources -- brought together in one, convenient place (and with a friendly twist). Join the tens of thousands of people already listening each weekday!
Episodes
Mentioned books
12 snips
Mar 9, 2026 • 15min
Iran's New Leader Chosen, Airport Security Issues & Pixar's Hit - Monday, March 9, 2026
A new supreme leader in Iran and regional military strikes reshape diplomatic and security dynamics. Airport security breakdowns and long TSA lines are causing more missed flights. A shooting near a celebrity’s home led to an arrest but no injuries. A surprise box office hit signals a major studio comeback. Oil topping $100 is driving a jump in gas prices.
Mar 7, 2026 • 20min
Special Edition: AI in War – Who Sets the Rules?
Paul Scharre, former defense official and author who studies AI and autonomous weapons, breaks down how AI is reshaping warfare. He discusses the Pentagon-Anthropic standoff, risks of autonomous systems, expanded domestic surveillance, and the geopolitics of chips and Taiwan. Short, urgent takes on human control, supply-chain labeling, and how the public can help shape the rules of war.
Mar 6, 2026 • 15min
New DHS Secretary, Tornado Threats & Britney Spears Arrested - Friday, March 6, 2026
A major shakeup at the agency overseeing immigration policy and the new acting pick that follows. Tensions around U.S. actions in Iran and reports of a school strike. A widespread severe weather threat across the Midwest with tornado risks. Changes to medical school nutrition priorities and a surprising brain-boosting hobby study. A celebrity arrest and sports and daylight saving reminders.
Mar 5, 2026 • 15min
Senate's Vote on War, Murder Suspect Wins Primary & Cheapest Macbook Ever - Thursday, March 5, 2026
Coverage of a widening war with Iran and how multiple nations could be drawn in. A controversial murder suspect wins a local primary while still facing trial. Problems and confusion at early primary polling sites. Approval of a new sodium-cooled nuclear reactor backed by Bill Gates. Preview of Apple's cheapest MacBook and other upcoming product updates.
Mar 4, 2026 • 15min
Iran's New Leader?, Noem Under Pressure & Future of Phones - Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Escalating strikes in the Middle East and expanding U.S. military moves in South America. A tense Senate hearing over homeland security leadership and a landmark conviction tied to a school shooting. Severe storm threats across the central U.S. and early primary results reshaping the midterm landscape. Wild new phone and device concepts unveiled at Mobile World Congress.
8 snips
Mar 3, 2026 • 15min
Mideast Conflict Widens, Clintons' Testimony Videos & Freedom Plane Takes Off - Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Coverage of widening U.S. and Israeli strikes in Iran and the economic and travel fallout that followed. Newly released footage shows congressional questioning of the Clintons about Epstein-related matters. Previews of key primaries in Texas, North Carolina, and Arkansas. A tour transporting rare founding documents, a major Supreme Court privacy ruling in schools, and the start of a big DOJ antitrust trial involving Live Nation.
Mar 2, 2026 • 14min
U.S. Attacks Iran, FBI's Terror Alert & Pentagon's New AI Deal - Monday, March 2, 2026
Breaking news on coordinated U.S. and Israeli strikes that killed Iran's supreme leader and the waves of regional retaliation. Rising concerns about domestic security with a new terror probe and an Austin mass shooting under review. A major Pentagon AI deal sparks industry pushback. Global trade, protests, and energy markets feel the shock.
Feb 28, 2026 • 17min
Special Edition: What's Changed This Tax Season
Andrew Lautz, Director of Tax Policy at the Bipartisan Policy Center, breaks down the major 2025 tax-law changes and who they help. He highlights new deductions, confusion over tip and overtime rules, the revamped child tax credit, and how IRS funding and staffing could affect refunds and services. He also discusses the fallout from Trump’s lawsuit and what Congress might do about IRS modernization.
10 snips
Feb 27, 2026 • 14min
Clintons Testify, Student's Controversial Arrest & Netflix Backs Out - Friday, February 27, 2026
A six-hour testimony and related political fallout make headlines. Military and international tensions flare after a mistaken drone shootdown and regional strikes. A campus arrest and a viral snowball fight raise questions about policing and social media. Hollywood bidding shifts as a major streamer withdraws. Tech, space, and a heartwarming Uber friendship round out the top stories.
7 snips
Feb 26, 2026 • 14min
Crucial Iran Talks, Missing Epstein Files? & Salsa Dancing Surge - Thursday, February 26, 2026
High-stakes nuclear negotiations in Geneva that could shape regional tensions. Conflicting reports about a deadly Florida-Cuba maritime shootout and a U.S. probe. Closed-door testimony and missing files tied to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. Debate over a surgeon general nominee’s views on vaccines and abortion. A pop star moment sparking a global surge in salsa dancing.
