The NewsWorthy – High-Stakes Talks, RIP Civil Rights Icon & Psychedelics Show Promise

Host: Erica Mandy
Date: February 18, 2026
Episode Theme:
This episode delivers a fast-paced, concise roundup of major headlines covering global diplomacy, a tribute to Reverend Jesse Jackson, major developments in medical research, a historic environmental crisis, Olympic moments, and shifts in workplace culture. Erica Mandy keeps the tone balanced—fair, informed, and accessible—with quick transitions between breaking stories and deeper insights.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. High-Stakes International Diplomacy

US Negotiators Juggle Iran Nuclear Deal and Ukraine Peace Talks

• [00:30] US diplomats in Geneva are tackling two critical issues: indirect nuclear talks with Iran and renewed talks to end Russia's war in Ukraine.
  • Tension rises as President Trump warns of possible US military action if Iran refuses a deal, prompting Iran's military drills in the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Quote: “There’s already a US Military buildup happening in the Middle East. But Iran has threatened retaliation if attacked, which is a concern for more than a dozen military bases and tens of thousands of troops in the region.” [01:00]
  • Talks with Iran showed some progress but no major breakthroughs; focus remains on nuclear program limits, US sanctions relief, and curbing Iran’s ballistic missile and proxy militia activities.
  • A third round of talks is expected within two weeks.
• [02:00] Parallel negotiations try to broker peace in Ukraine, but positions remain entrenched:
  • Russia demands Ukrainian land (which Ukraine flatly rejects).
  • Ukraine seeks stronger Western security guarantees.
  • Ongoing Russian strikes devastate Ukraine’s power grid, worsening the humanitarian crisis.
  • Quote: “Ukrainian President Zelensky says his country is ready to stop the strikes, saying it does not need war, it needs independence.” [03:00]

2. Domestic Stalemates & High-Profile Investigations

Homeland Security Shutdown

• [03:20] Ongoing partial government shutdown: White House/Democrats at an impasse, affecting pay for hundreds of thousands of Homeland Security staff.
  • TSA unaffected so far, but disaster aid and worker visas could soon face delays.
  • “The longer it drags on, the more likely it is that everyday Americans will start to feel the strain.” [03:40]

Savannah Guthrie’s Mother Missing

• [04:00] Investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance continues:
  • DNA from gloves found near her home yield no criminal database matches; ancestry site testing is next.
  • 40,000–50,000 leads have been fielded.
  • Former law enforcement critique local coordination, but sheriff says focus is “just bringing Nancy home.”

3. Farewell to Reverend Jesse Jackson

Civil Rights Icon Passes Away at 84

• [05:00] The profound legacy of Jesse Jackson is honored nationwide:
  • Family statement: “His unwavering belief in justice, equality, and love uplifted millions. And we ask you to honor his memory by continuing to fight for the values he lived by.”
  • Jackson advocated for nonviolence, democracy, and voting rights; first major Black presidential contender in the 1980s.
  • His work, including voter registration drives, crucially paved the way for Barack Obama.
  • Obama tribute: “Laying the foundation for his own campaign.” [05:50]
  • President Trump’s statement notes Jackson’s differences with Obama but expresses condolences.
  • Memorials grow in Chicago; public observances being planned.

4. Other Major Headlines

Lent Begins for Christians

• [06:50] Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent; many Christians give something up for 40 days as a period of reflection leading to Easter (April 5, which coincides with Passover).

Psychedelics Show Promise for Depression

• [08:00] Clinical trial shows a single dose of DMT rapidly reduces symptoms in adults with moderate to severe, treatment-resistant depression:
  • Effects lasted up to six months with no major long-term side effects.
  • Quote: “If all goes well, this could end up reshaping mental health care.” [08:45]

Bayer Roundup Settlement

• [09:00] Bayer offers $7.25 billion to settle ongoing Roundup weed killer cancer claims, covering cases for the next 21 years.
  • No liability admitted; deal still needs court approval—previous efforts failed scrutiny.
  • Supreme Court review pending; Roundup remains a widely used product.
  • Bayer asserts safety, despite conflicting evidence.

Historic Potomac River Sewage Spill

• [10:00] Hundreds of millions of gallons of raw sewage have spilled into the Potomac, the largest such incident in US history.
  • Blame traded between President Trump and Democratic local officials.
  • President Trump calls on local leaders to request federal help “politely.”
  • Maryland governor responds that the federal government is responsible, as the damaged sewer is overseen by the EPA.
  • Quote: “No matter who’s to blame, it’s a huge issue.” [10:20]

CBS, FCC, and Equal Time Controversy

• [11:10] CBS pulls a Stephen Colbert segment with a Democratic Senate candidate due to new FCC “equal time” rules.
  • Colbert accuses CBS of prioritizing financial motives and the FCC of silencing Trump critics.
  • The unaired interview is available on YouTube.

5. Winter Olympics Highlights

• [12:00] Women's figure skating begins—Team USA’s “Blade Angels” gain pre-competition support from Taylor Swift in a special video.
  • Isabeau Levito stands in third, medal contention.
• [12:40] Men’s speed skating sees the US upset by Italy.
• Mikaela Schiffrin to compete for a medal in Alpine skiing; Men’s hockey faces Sweden.

6. Work Wednesday: The Rise of Career Breaks

• [14:00] More Americans proactively taking extended career breaks—“sabbaticals” or “adult gap years”—for mental health or life resets.
  • 65% of workers have considered taking a career break (MetLife study).
  • Some companies now offer weeks or months of paid/unpaid leave to retain talent; others self-fund breaks via side gigs or savings.
  • “People who have done it say there’s risk but plenty of rewards and it’s possible there could be a day when it’s considered a way of life.” [15:00]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “There’s already a US Military buildup happening in the Middle East. But Iran has threatened retaliation if attacked…” – Erica Mandy [01:00]
• “Ukrainian President Zelensky says his country is ready to stop the strikes, saying it does not need war, it needs independence.” – Erica Mandy paraphrasing Zelensky [03:00]
• “His unwavering belief in justice, equality, and love uplifted millions.” – Jackson family statement [05:10]
• “If all goes well, this could end up reshaping mental health care.” – Erica Mandy on DMT research [08:45]
• “No matter who’s to blame, it’s a huge issue.” – Erica Mandy on the Potomac sewage spill [10:20]
• “People who have done it say there’s risk but plenty of rewards and it’s possible there could be a day when it’s considered a way of life.” – Erica Mandy on work sabbaticals [15:00]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:30: Iran nuclear and Ukraine war talks in Geneva
• 03:20: Homeland Security partial shutdown
• 04:00: Savannah Guthrie’s mother investigation update
• 05:00: Reverend Jesse Jackson’s passing and tributes
• 06:50: Lent begins; Ash Wednesday explained
• 08:00: DMT clinical trial for depression
• 09:00: Bayer Roundup multibillion-dollar settlement
• 10:00: Potomac sewage spill disaster and blame game
• 11:10: CBS equal time policy and Colbert controversy
• 12:00: Olympic highlights and Taylor Swift’s cameo
• 14:00: Work Wednesday—extended career breaks trend

Tone & Style

Erica Mandy’s delivery is brisk but empathetic, providing context where needed, and she often employs direct quotes from newsmakers. She frames stories with attention to both human impact and broader trends, never losing sight of the fast-paced, accessible format.

Summary prepared for listeners who want the day’s key news in under 15 minutes—with balance, humanity, and a touch of fun.