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
Oct 7, 2026 • 15min
3 Yrs Since Hamas Attack, Political Ads Push Limits & Halloween Costume Trends - Wednesday, October 07, 2026
Cornell faculty challenge university leadership over its handling of rape allegations, while student protests intensify across France. The world marks three years since the October 7 attack amid ongoing war and humanitarian concerns. AI fuels Wall Street records, political ads grow more provocative, raw milk warnings return, and Halloween trends, entertainment mergers, and ultra-competitive banking recruitment round out the news.
Oct 6, 2026 • 15min
Cornell Campus Protests, Possible Plague Case & NBA Goes High-Tech - Tuesday, October 06, 2026
Thousands at Cornell demand reforms to sexual assault procedures as a suspected plague case in Russia sparks international concern. Measles outbreaks hit historic levels, while a Nobel Prize recognizes light-based brain research. Plus, NFL referee suspensions, NBA smart-ball technology, record book bans, a firing-squad decision, and Marvel’s packed movie future.
Oct 5, 2026 • 15min
'I am Jane Doe,' Payments for Seniors & Tom Cruise Flops - Monday, October 05, 2026
The Supreme Court opens a consequential term with climate, rights, and election battles. Cornell faces scrutiny as the woman at the center of a sexual assault case confronts new threats. Other headlines include a missing medical jet, military tensions, a new federal AI force, Medicare payments, a frozen-berry recall, Tom Cruise’s box-office stumble, and early Christmas cheer.
9 snips
Oct 3, 2026 • 22min
Special Edition: Holiday Shopping Deals Start Now
Trae Bodge, a consumer and money-saving expert and founder of the Threadneedle Alley Foundation, shares a smart shopper’s guide to the holiday rush. She explores influencer recommendations, genuine discounts, Prime Day versus Black Friday, AI shopping tools, small businesses, retailer urgency tactics, return policies, and buy-now-pay-later plans.
Oct 2, 2026 • 14min
Mideast Military Buildup, School Choice Tax Break & Music Meets Politics - Friday, October 02, 2026
The U.S. is deploying thousands more troops amid rising Iran tensions, while new ICE rules restrict vehicle pursuits. A reopened Cornell rape case raises fresh questions about consent and accountability. Severe flooding threatens millions, children receive automatic investment accounts, and a new school-choice tax credit sparks debate. Plus, music and politics collide at a major festival, and Caitlin Clark makes Nike history.
Oct 1, 2026 • 15min
Pilot's Midair Attack, Failed Execution & Phone-Free Concerts - Thursday, October 01, 2026
Passengers and off-duty pilots thwart a cockpit attack, while Tennessee halts executions after a lethal injection goes wrong. A warm Pacific wave threatens California’s coast, NASA prepares a speedy space-station mission, and Washington explores mosquito birth control. Plus, Pentagon restructuring, a massive university donation, and the growing push for phone-free concerts.
10 snips
Sep 30, 2026 • 15min
U.S. Exits Iraq, Flood Risk Grows & 50-State Torch Relay - Wednesday, September 30, 2026
U.S. military operations in Iraq formally end amid fears of renewed militant activity and growing Iranian influence. Flooding threatens more than 150 million people as hurricane remnants sweep across much of the country. Also covered: Pentagon cuts, an ICE hiring surge, new weight-loss drugs, AI safety promises, a government chatbot, Six Flags’ retired coaster, and a 50-state Olympic torch relay.
Sep 29, 2026 • 15min
Marines Under Attack, Cornell Case Reopened & MLB Playoffs - Tuesday, September 29, 2026
An undisclosed Iranian attack injures eight U.S. Marines, while prosecutors revive a sexual assault case at Cornell. DNA evidence helps free a Utah death row prisoner, and Title IX rules shift toward accused students. Also: hurricanes threaten flooding, Starship reaches orbit, FBI turmoil deepens, AI safeguards emerge, and MLB’s Wild Card playoffs begin.
6 snips
Sep 28, 2026 • 15min
Air Base Security Scare, Gov't Ad Blitz & VMAs Highlights - Monday, September 28, 2026
Authorities investigate a terror scare near a U.S. air base as tensions with Iran rise. A Northeast storm causes flooding, outages, and travel chaos. Companies probe alarming AI incidents, while taxpayer-funded political ads face scrutiny. Plus, pandas arrive in Atlanta, SpaceX prepares a historic Starship test, heating costs climb, and the VMAs deliver major Taylor Swift, Madonna, and BTS moments.
13 snips
Sep 26, 2026 • 42min
Special Edition: Is Ed Tech Failing Kids?
Victor Lee, a Stanford education researcher focused on AI and K–12 learning, and Jared Cooney Horvath, a neuroscientist and author of The Digital Delusion, debate technology in classrooms. They explore screens, attention, memory, test scores, foundational skills, adaptive tools, and AI literacy. The conversation weighs blanket bans against thoughtful, purpose-driven use of digital learning tools.
