

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

Jan 22, 2026 • 14min
Possible Greenland Deal, ICE's Next Target & Viral 'Buttons' Meme - Thursday, January 22, 2026
Discover the intriguing details of Trump's proposed Greenland framework and his fresh message to world leaders. Learn about ICE's new crackdown in Maine and the complications surrounding it. A massive winter storm is on the horizon, prompting preparations across states. Prince Harry shares emotional court testimony against tabloids, while the Sundance Film Festival celebrates its last Park City edition. Plus, explore the viral '365 Buttons' meme sweeping TikTok with its fun interpretations!

10 snips
Jan 21, 2026 • 14min
MN Police Criticize ICE, Thousand-Mile Storm & Hybrid Creep - Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Local law enforcement in Minnesota pushes back against aggressive ICE tactics, demanding accountability. President Trump stirs global tensions with his controversial remarks about Greenland. A severe winter storm threatens travel across a thousand miles from Texas to the Carolinas. The American Red Cross raises alarms about a critical blood shortage, urging donors to step up. In sports, Carlos Beltrán and Andrew Jones are celebrated as Hall of Fame inductees amid scandal, showcasing resilience and triumph.

Jan 20, 2026 • 15min
Walkouts Planned, Trump's Greenland Text & Indiana Makes History - Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Protests nationwide mark a significant anniversary related to the Trump administration. A judge in Minnesota rules to limit federal agents' actions amid ongoing unrest. President Trump shifts his focus on Greenland, linking it to tariff discussions. Indiana celebrates its historic college football championship, spotlighting star quarterback Fernando Mendoza. A major review clears Tylenol of links to autism, while the world mourns fashion icon Valentino. Plus, Zootopia 2 makes waves at the box office!

Jan 17, 2026 • 15min
Special Edition: Your Rights to Record, Protest, & Speak Out – Explained
David Loy, the Legal Director at the First Amendment Coalition, dives into the intricacies of free speech and recording law enforcement. He clarifies your right to film in public and the legal boundaries that exist. Loy discusses the implications of labeling protests as terrorism and the importance of verbal challenges versus physical interference. He emphasizes that free speech is crucial for democracy, urging a balanced view on officer safety and public rights. His insights provide a vital context in today's heated discourse on civil liberties.

17 snips
Jan 16, 2026 • 15min
'Flames of Chaos,' Basketball Rigging Scheme & Snow in Florida? - Friday, January 16, 2026
Tensions rise in Minnesota as unrest escalates, prompting discussions about potential military involvement. A remarkable gesture from Venezuela's opposition leader to President Trump adds intrigue to the political landscape. American universities face a decline in global research rankings, while a major basketball gambling scandal reveals widespread rigging allegations. In lighter news, a professional pickleball player is making waves, and southern states experience rare snowfall, leaving iguanas in a chilly predicament!

8 snips
Jan 15, 2026 • 14min
More ICE Clashes, Journalist's Home Searched & Verizon Outage - Thursday, January 15, 2026
Tensions rise over potential U.S. military action in Iran, with troop evacuations and global concerns. In Minnesota, clashes between ICE and protesters escalate, leading to a shooting. The FBI conducts a rare home search of a journalist amid concerns over press freedom. In business news, a major luxury retailer files for bankruptcy. A nationwide Verizon outage disrupts communication. Streaming preferences highlight a love for older tracks, while a popular show is driving up hockey interest and gym memberships.

Jan 14, 2026 • 14min
MN Prosecutors Quit, Cancer Survival Milestone & Olympics Tickets Lottery - Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Protests in Minnesota escalate as federal agents face off against demonstrators. In a surprising turn, six federal prosecutors resign over a contentious investigation. President Trump offers unclear support to Iranian protesters amid violence. Exciting news on cancer survival rates shows a significant milestone—70% of patients now survive five years. The ticket lottery for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics opens today, giving fans a chance to secure their place at the event. All this and more packed into ten informative minutes!

9 snips
Jan 13, 2026 • 14min
Minnesota v. ICE, Trans Athletes Reach SCOTUS & Grok's Undressing Scandal - Tuesday, January 13, 2026
Minnesota is taking legal action against the federal government over ICE tactics and video evidence of a fatal shooting complicates the case. The Supreme Court is hearing debates about transgender athletes, which could set a national precedent. Meanwhile, the Trump administration's new pressure on Iran raises concerns for global relations. Controversy also surrounds a social platform using AI to generate inappropriate images. Lastly, Barbie introduces its first doll representing autism, aiming for greater inclusivity.

9 snips
Jan 12, 2026 • 14min
Anti-ICE Protests, Trump's Next Military Action? & Golden Globes Upset - Monday, January 12, 2026
Tensions rise as protests erupt nationwide following the deadly shooting of an ICE agent, showcasing passionate public response. Meanwhile, unrest in Iran prompts discussions of potential U.S. military actions, alongside Trump's controversial threats toward Cuba and Greenland. On the lighter side, the Golden Globes surprise viewers with unexpected wins, including the first-ever award for podcasts. Plus, nurses in New York City prepare for a historic strike, coinciding with updates on Trump's portrait at the Smithsonian and an investigation into the Federal Reserve.

Jan 10, 2026 • 26min
Special Edition: Venezuela, U.S. Power, & What Comes Next
Ambassador Kevin Whitaker, a seasoned U.S. diplomat and expert on Latin American affairs, discusses the international ramifications of Nicolás Maduro's potential arrest. He highlights the unusual precedent this sets for U.S. military intervention in the hemisphere. Whitaker also delves into the complexities of U.S. interests in Venezuelan oil, the challenges of enacting fair elections, and the risks of imposing opposition leaders. He emphasizes the importance of considering the long-term impacts on regional security and global collaborations.


