The NewsWorthy – February 10, 2026

Host: Erica Mandy
Episode Title: New Epstein Revelations, Brain Training Game & Olympic Medal Mishaps

Episode Overview

Today's episode delivers swift, accessible coverage of major headlines, featuring updates on unreleased Epstein files and Ghislaine Maxwell's demands, the role of AI experts in a high-profile kidnapping case, new scientific findings on brain training and dementia risk, issues with Olympic medals at the Winter Games, and inspiring news from a group of peace-walking Buddhist monks.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Epstein Files: Unreleased Names and Maxwell's Ultimatum

[00:00–02:46]

• Congress Members Examine Unredacted Files:
  For the first time, lawmakers viewed the unredacted Epstein files. Bipartisan lawmakers found at least six additional male names blacked out in the public version, claiming these men were "likely incriminated" in assaults of women and girls.
• Challenge to the Justice Department:
  Legislators challenge the DOJ, suggesting they may reveal the names themselves if action isn’t taken.
  • Quote:
    "They threatened to reveal the names if they have to." — Erica Mandy [00:35]
• Ghislaine Maxwell’s Refusal & Ultimatum:
  Maxwell attended a virtual closed-door deposition but invoked the Fifth Amendment, refusing all questions.
  Maxwell’s lawyer stated she will only reveal "everything she knows" if President Trump grants her clemency.
  • Quote:
    "She will only tell her full story, revealing everything she knows if President Trump grants her clemency." — Erica Mandy [01:47]
  • The lawyer also asserted both President Trump and former President Clinton are innocent in this matter, claiming only Maxwell can explain why.
• Political Reactions:
  While Trump hasn’t decided about pardoning, most lawmakers oppose clemency for Maxwell.

2. Steve Bannon’s Case Dismissal

[02:46–03:30]

• DOJ seeks to dismiss charges against Steve Bannon after his four-month prison sentence for contempt of Congress related to the January 6th committee.
  • The judge must still rule, but typically defers to DOJ decisions.
  • Bannon is expected to have his conviction removed from his record.

3. Savannah Guthrie’s Missing Mother & The Role of AI in Investigations

[03:31–04:48]

• The ransom deadline passed with no sign of Nancy Guthrie, mother of Today Show anchor Savannah Guthrie.
• FBI and authorities are using artificial intelligence experts to analyze ransom notes for authenticity and origins, since AI can now be used to author such messages.
  • Quote:
    "Now messages can be written by AI, adding even more complexity to this investigation." — Erica Mandy [04:26]
• Investigators continue fieldwork, including canvassing and searching physical locations; no major break has been reported.

4. School Shooting in D.C. Suburb

[04:48–05:19]

• A 16-year-old boy survives a shooting at a top-performing D.C. suburb school. The suspect, also 16, is charged as an adult. Motive and details remain undisclosed.

5. San Francisco Teachers Strike

[05:19–06:27]

• First SF teachers strike in nearly 50 years:
  Schools closed for ~50,000 students after union negotiations (raises, healthcare) break down.
• Potential Spread:
  Other California districts (LA, San Diego, Sacramento region) have authorized strikes but haven’t walked out yet.

6. Brain Training Game & Dementia

[06:27–07:45]

• New Study:
  Largest evidence yet that certain brain “training games” reduce dementia risk.
• Details:
  Over 20 years, those doing “Double Decision” training (up to 23 hours over 3 years) cut dementia risk by 25%. The exercise is now available via BrainHQ.
• Expert Note:
  Still, dementia is complex; brain training should accompany other healthy habits (hearing/vision care, exercise, etc.).
  • Quote:
    "It has been found that people can lower, though not eliminate their risk..." — Erica Mandy [07:17]

7. Buddhist Monks’ 2,300-Mile Peace Walk

[07:45–08:48]

• Inspiration Across the Country:
  19 monks and their dog walked from Fort Worth, TX to Washington, D.C., spreading a message of peace and nonviolence.
• Community Reach:
  Walk included daily wisdom sessions and grew in online and in-person followers.
  • Quote:
    "They speak about blocking out the noise of a messy world and finding tranquility." — Erica Mandy [08:16]
• After their D.C. arrival, the monks will return home by bus.

8. Gordie Howe International Bridge: U.S.-Canada Dispute

[08:48–09:51]

• Bridge Completion:
  The long-planned $4.7 billion bridge between Detroit and Windsor, fully funded by Canada, is almost ready.
• Political Tension:
  President Trump threatens to block the opening, demanding new negotiations and compensation for the U.S.
  • The future of the bridge is uncertain, but the project has bipartisan support and was initiated by a Republican governor.

9. Eddie Bauer Bankruptcy & Business Moves

[09:51–10:24]

• The iconic retailer files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the third time. Closures expected, but online operations to continue. The brand faces issues familiar to the retail sector: supply chain, tariffs, declining sales.

10. ChatGPT to Introduce Ads

[10:24–10:59]

• OpenAI Announcement:
  Free and Go plan ChatGPT users will see ads, which may be shaped by chat topics.
  • Advertisers won’t have access to users’ exact histories/personal data.
  • Under-18s won’t see ads.
  • Quote:
    "Ads could be targeted based on the topic of your conversation with the chatbot or past chats." — Erica Mandy [10:49]

11. Winter Olympics: U.S. Medal Wins & Medal Mishaps

[11:00–12:13]

• Team USA Highlights:
  • Women dominate hockey, facing Canada next.
  • Mixed Doubles curling reaches final for the first time; guaranteed silver or gold.
• Medal Mishaps:
  Multiple athletes reported medals physically breaking during celebrations. Notably, Breezy Johnson’s medal "didn't even survive the medal ceremony," snapping during festivities.
  • Quote:
    "Don't jump in them." (Advice from Breezy Johnson to fellow athletes) — Erica Mandy [12:02]
• Organizers are investigating; overall, Norway and Switzerland lead in golds.

12. Trivia Tuesday & Fun Facts

[12:20–end]

• Trivia Tease:
  "Who has won gold in both the Winter and Summer Olympic Games?"
  (Answer on next week’s show.)
• Last Week’s Answer:
  Pope Francis was once a nightclub bouncer, a detail that surfaced in 2013 and contributed to his “common touch” reputation.
  • Quote:
    "The revelation sparked a lot of jokes online, but it also helped explain his reputation as a pope with a common touch..." — Erica Mandy [13:14]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the public interest of the Epstein files:
  "They threatened to reveal the names if they have to." — Erica Mandy [00:35]
• On brain health findings:
  "It has been found that people can lower, though not eliminate their risk..." — Erica Mandy [07:17]
• On Olympic medal mishaps:
  "Don't jump in them." (Advice from Breezy Johnson to fellow athletes) — Erica Mandy [12:02]

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |------------------------------------------------------|------------| | Epstein revelations & Maxwell’s ultimatum | 00:00–02:46| | Steve Bannon’s case dismissed | 02:46–03:30| | Savannah Guthrie’s missing mother & AI investigations| 03:31–04:48| | School shooting in D.C. suburb | 04:48–05:19| | SF teachers strike | 05:19–06:27| | Brain training game & dementia | 06:27–07:45| | Buddhist monks’ peace walk | 07:45–08:48| | U.S.-Canada bridge dispute | 08:48–09:51| | Eddie Bauer bankruptcy | 09:51–10:24| | ChatGPT to include ads | 10:24–10:59| | Winter Olympics medal wins and mishaps | 11:00–12:13| | Trivia Tuesday and Pope Francis fact | 12:20–end |

Tone

True to Erica Mandy’s signature style, the episode maintains an informative, balanced, and conversational tone—quick-paced yet friendly, laced with curiosity, and occasionally lighthearted, even when relaying serious news.

Conclusion

This episode offers a compact, engaging roundup spanning politics, health, tech, education, and feel-good stories. The most impactful segments focus on new revelations in the Epstein case and the intersection of technology and investigations, while lighter moments—like Olympic trivia and monks on a cross-country trek—underscore the show’s commitment to fast, fair, and fun news.