The NewsWorthy – Monday, February 2, 2026

Episode Title: Nationwide Strike, Famous Names in Epstein Files & Grammys Make History
Host: Erica Mandy
Date: February 2, 2026

Episode Overview

Erica Mandy presents a brisk, balanced roundup of major news events around the United States and internationally. Today’s episode covers new developments in the Minneapolis federal shootings, the ongoing Minnesota immigration crackdown, the release of high-profile Epstein files, significant political updates, historic winter weather, landmark Grammy wins, the closure of the Kennedy Center, and sports milestones. Shorter segments also touch on celebrity tributes, economic news ahead of the Super Bowl, and other essential headlines.

Key News Stories and Discussion Points

1. Civil Rights Investigation: Federal Shooting in Minneapolis

[00:47] – [02:10]

• The DOJ has launched a civil rights investigation into the death of Alex Preddy, shot by federal agents in Minneapolis, but not into an earlier case involving Renee Goode.
• The Justice Department stated the Civil Rights Division steps in only under specific "warranting circumstances," without further detail.
• Video evidence showed Preddy holding only a phone, tackled by officers, with one officer shooting as another removed a gun from his waistband.
• The FBI is now leading the investigation, which marks a change in earlier plans.

"Videos have shown Preddy had only his phone in his hand as officers tackled him...with one removing his gun...as another officer fired shots into his back." — Erica Mandy, [01:14]

2. Immigration Crackdown and Protests in Minnesota

[02:11] – [03:46]

• A federal judge denied an emergency order to halt ICE operations, highlighting the "heartbreaking consequences" of the crackdown.
• Five-year-old Liam Ramos and his father were ordered released from a Texas detention center; they returned home to Minneapolis amid ongoing asylum proceedings.
• Protests erupted nationwide, with mostly peaceful demonstrations, except in Los Angeles and Portland where law enforcement used tear gas and chemicals.
• President Trump announced federal agents will only respond to protests involving requests for help or threats to federal property.

"She wrote in her ruling the crackdown, quote, 'has had and will likely continue to have profound and even heartbreaking consequences.'" — Erica Mandy quoting the judge, [02:47]

3. Journalists Arrested During Anti-ICE Protest

[03:47] – [04:27]

• Don Lemon and Georgia Ford, both reporting at a church protest, were arrested and accused of promoting protesters' messages.
• Widespread criticism from press freedom advocates ensued, emphasizing First Amendment protections.

"Their status as journalists shouldn't let them off the hook...for now both journalists have been released until their next court hearings and say they'll continue reporting." — Erica Mandy, [04:19]

4. Partial Government Shutdown Update

[04:28] – [05:12]

• The Senate passed a spending package, but funding for Homeland Security is delayed for further ICE funding debate.
• House Speaker Mike Johnson is confident of a swift resolution, minimizing any significant impact.

5. Major Release: Jeffrey Epstein Files

[05:13] – [07:00]

• DOJ released over 3 million pages, 2,000 videos, and 180,000 images; extensive but inconsistently redacted.
• Survivors criticized unvetted personal data revealed in the files.
• High-profile names (Trump, Elon Musk, Howard Lutnick, Brett Ratner, Richard Branson, Prince Andrew) appeared in the files with varying degrees of connection.
• DOJ says files don't contain enough evidence for new criminal charges.

"There are thousands of files with references to President Trump…claims were unfounded and false." — Erica Mandy, [05:48]

"Howard Lutnick and billionaire Elon Musk spoke with Epstein about arranging trips to Epstein's private island..." — Erica Mandy, [06:17]

6. Trump’s Pick for Federal Reserve

[07:01] – [07:42]

• Former Governor Kevin Warsh nominated as Federal Reserve Chief; seen as a critic of current Fed policy and advocate for lower interest rates.
• Confirmation faces political resistance while DOJ investigates the current chair.

"Warsh has been a critic of the Federal Reserve. He said US fiscal policy is on a dangerous trajectory." — Erica Mandy, [07:12]

7. Historic Snowstorm Hits North Carolina

[07:43] – [08:30]

• Record-breaking snowfall across all 100 NC counties; 1,000+ crashes, warnings to stay off the roads.
• Unusual snow in Tampa Bay, Florida, and sustained freezing temperatures.

8. Groundhog Day & Accuracy

[08:31] – [08:57]

• Annual tradition: Punxsutawney Phil predicts spring’s arrival. Has only been correct 40% since 1887.

9. In Memoriam: Catherine O’Hara

[08:58] – [09:47]

• Actress Catherine O’Hara dies at 71 after a brief illness.
• Tributes from Macaulay Culkin, Eugene Levy, and major Hollywood figures.

"Mama, I thought we had time. I wanted more." — Macaulay Culkin, quoted by Erica Mandy, [09:23]

10. Kennedy Center Set for Two-Year Closure

[09:48] – [10:25]

• President Trump announced the Kennedy Center’s two-year closure for reconstruction, awaiting approval.
• Performer exodus due to objections over Trump’s changes; financing for renovations reportedly secured.

11. Grammy Awards: Multiple Historic Moments

[10:26] – [11:30]

• Bad Bunny wins Album of the Year, first Spanish-language album ever to do so.
• Bad Bunny’s acceptance: "dedicated [the] award to all the people that had to leave their homeland, their country, to follow their dreams."
• Several artists wore 'ICE OUT' pins and spoke critically of ICE.
• Kendrick Lamar became the most awarded hip-hop artist in Grammy history (27 wins).
• Lifetime Achievement Award to Cher; performance highlights included Justin Bieber’s stripped-down song, and a star-studded In Memoriam medley.

12. Sports Milestones: Tennis Grand Slam History

[11:31] – [12:08]

• Carlos Alcaraz, 22, becomes the youngest man to win all four major tennis titles, beating Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open final.
• Elena Rybakina takes Australian Open women’s title, jumps in ranking.

13. Super Bowl 60: Price Surge

[Money Monday, 13:28]

• Patriots vs. Seahawks: Tickets average more than $8,200; premium seats up to $24,000.
• Hotel and airfare costs also spiking, cheapest way remains watching at home.
• Hosting parties expected to cost about 9% more than last year.
• 127 million viewers anticipated.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “The judge said [the immigration policy] should be under a more orderly and humane policy.” — Erica Mandy, [03:08]
• “Prosecutors say Lemon and Fort were promoting the protesters’ message and even displayed threatening behavior while in the church, saying their status as journalists shouldn’t let them off the hook.” — Erica Mandy, [04:11]
• Bad Bunny’s Grammy dedication:
  “All the people that had to leave their homeland, their country, to follow their dreams.” — Bad Bunny, quoted by Erica Mandy, [10:44]
• “At 22 years old, Carlos Alcaraz is now the youngest man to ever win all four major titles in tennis.” — Erica Mandy, [11:33]
• “I cherished our working relationship, but most of all our friendship. And I will miss her.” — Eugene Levy, quoted by Erica Mandy about Catherine O’Hara, [09:36]

Important Timestamps for Segments

• 00:47 – DOJ investigation in Minneapolis shooting (Alex Preddy)
• 02:11 – Minnesota immigration crackdown & judge ruling
• 03:47 – Journalist arrests at protest
• 04:28 – Government shutdown update
• 05:13 – Epstein file release, powerful names mentioned
• 07:01 – Federal Reserve nomination
• 07:43 – Historic snow in North Carolina & Southeast
• 08:31 – Groundhog Day prediction accuracy
• 08:58 – Catherine O’Hara tribute
• 09:48 – Kennedy Center closure announcement
• 10:26 – Historic Grammy Awards recap
• 11:31 – Tennis Grand Slam, Carlos Alcaraz’s feat
• 13:28 – Super Bowl pricing (Money Monday)

Tone and Style

As ever, Erica Mandy’s style is friendly, concise, and non-alarmist—serious when warranted, but upbeat and relatable throughout.

This summary encapsulates all the main stories with context, notable quotes, and positions of key people. Perfect for listeners who want the gist without missing critical information or the episode’s distinct, approachable vibe.