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
8 snips
Feb 25, 2026 • 15min
"Golden Age of America", Pentagon's AI Ultimatum & Olympic Ratings - Wednesday, February 25, 2026
A rundown of last night’s State of the Union highlights, from economic claims to rare moments of bipartisan agreement. An aviation safety bill’s surprising collapse despite Senate support. A Pentagon ultimatum over AI access to military systems. A huge AI hardware deal reshaping data center plans. An explanation for the Winter Olympics’ surge in viewership.
Feb 24, 2026 • 15min
State of the Union Preview, Stock Market Slide & BAFTAs Backlash - Tuesday, February 24, 2026
A preview of major political theater and who might appear during tonight's address. Concerns about reduced ICE training and risky recruit behavior. Mexico's military moves after cartel violence and restored travel. A high-profile arrest tied to long-running sex-trafficking files. Backlash over an awards broadcast edit. Early spring training updates and experimentations with robot umpires.
Feb 23, 2026 • 15min
Trump's Tariffs Whiplash, Historic Winter Storm & USA's Olympic Milestone - Monday, February 23, 2026
A Supreme Court ruling upends presidential tariff power and sparks a swift new 15% global tariff plan. Tensions rise after Mexico’s top cartel leader is killed, prompting unrest and travel concerns. A life-threatening blizzard threatens major U.S. cities with feet of snow and widespread travel chaos. Team USA finishes the Winter Games with a historic medal haul.
Feb 21, 2026 • 18min
Special Edition: 4 Years of War: How Will Russia's Invasion End?
Dr. Kristina Hook, a conflict management professor who studied Ukrainian-Russian relations firsthand. She breaks down shifting peace-talk signals, what pressures actually influence Putin, and why economic levers and security guarantees matter. Short takes on territorial risks, declining U.S. funding, and Europe's behind-the-scenes role.
Feb 20, 2026 • 15min
British Royal Arrested, Trump Promotes Pesticide & Celebrating Failure - Friday, February 20, 2026
A royal arrest tied to the Epstein files and questions about misconduct. New U.S. policy could put some refugees at risk of detention. Details on pledged funds and troop talk for Gaza reconstruction. A presidential order to boost a pesticide ingredient and release UFO files. Olympic golds, a surprise engagement, and a museum celebrating failure.
10 snips
Feb 19, 2026 • 14min
Trump Considers War, California Snow Disaster & 'Aura Farming' Trend - Thursday, February 19, 2026
Tense reports of possible U.S. strikes on Iran and troop shifts in Syria. The deadliest Tahoe avalanche and an approaching Northeast snow threat. Fallout from newly released Epstein files and courtroom drama over tech and teen mental health. A viral Gen Alpha trend called "aura farming" and quirky news like the boneless wings ruling.
Feb 18, 2026 • 15min
High-Stakes Talks, RIP Civil Rights Icon & Psychedelics Show Promise - Wednesday, February 18, 2026
A whirlwind of high-stakes diplomacy as the U.S. pursues parallel talks on a Ukraine peace deal and an Iran nuclear agreement. Tributes and national reflections on a prominent civil rights leader. A major Potomac sewage spill triggers political fallout. A clinical trial finds dramatic, rapid effects from a psychedelic drug for severe depression. A surprise celebrity appearance at the Winter Olympics stirs buzz.
8 snips
Feb 17, 2026 • 15min
Partial Gov't Shutdown, Obama's Alien Comment & Team USA Highlights - Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Coverage of a partial Homeland Security funding lapse and which services and workers are affected. The investigation into Savannah Guthrie's missing mother, including a Walmart footage lead. New evidence around Navalny's death and related international reactions. Winter Olympics highs and judging controversies for Team USA. Storms battering California with major snowfall forecasts.
Feb 14, 2026 • 26min
Special Edition: What to Watch (or Skip) this Awards Season
Nick Schager, entertainment critic at The Daily Beast known for sharp film analysis, walks through awards-season buzz and standout Best Picture contenders. He highlights surprising snubs, foreign-language momentum, and how streaming trends and release strategies are reshaping what we watch. He also flags underrated TV and previews big films to watch in 2026.
9 snips
Feb 13, 2026 • 15min
MN ICE Withdrawal, Climate Protection Erased & True Love Tested - Friday, February 13, 2026
The wrap-up covers the winding down of a major immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota and Senate scrutiny over use of force. It flags a looming Homeland Security shutdown and its potential impacts. Reporters highlight new leads in a missing person case and fallout from revelations tied to Jeffrey Epstein. There's also a rollback of a key climate finding, Winter Olympics highlights, and a touching lifelong love story.
