The NewsWorthy – January 20, 2026

Episode: Walkouts Planned, Trump’s Greenland Text & Indiana Makes History

Host: Erica Mandy
Date: January 20, 2026

Overview

Today’s episode covers the major news from politics, global affairs, science, sports, and pop culture – all in under 15 minutes. Erica Mandy walks listeners through protests marking President Trump’s first year back in office, escalating legal battles and unrest in Minnesota, Trump’s controversial texts about Greenland, Indiana football’s historic championship, key findings about Tylenol and autism, a farewell to fashion legend Valentino, and more.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. National and International Walkouts (00:32)

• One year since President Trump returned to office, his administration touts accomplishments: job growth, domestic manufacturing investment, tax cuts, border security, and fairer trade policy.
• Widespread Protests Planned:
  • Critic-organized walkouts set for 2 pm local time in all 50 states and abroad (“Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands and beyond”).
  • Participants are to leave work/school and stop commercial activity, meant as a message "against policies they consider to be unjust and an administration, they say, is overstepping its power, all in a way that shows how much power regular people really have."
  • Additional resistance marches, vigils, and meetups planned nationwide.

2. Minneapolis Unrest: Rights, Immigration, and Escalation (01:45)

• Minnesota remains the “epicenter for America’s unrest” due to the Trump administration’s largest immigration operation.

• Legal Battles:

  • Federal judge’s order: Limits ICE from arresting, detaining, or using force against peaceful protesters (01:52). Includes ban on crowd control methods like pepper spray, tear gas, and stopping cars without just cause.
  • Continued Alleged Violations: Despite the order, reports persist of ICE agents ignoring restrictions, supported by photos, videos, and testimony from Minnesota residents.
  • Administration’s Stance: Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem: “the court order did not change anything” (02:50) and defends ICE’s methods as necessary for safety and order.
  • Justice Dept. claims observing ICE operations can be “threatening” and justifies force as protection against violent attacks; vows to appeal the judge’s order.

• Further Tension:

  • DOJ opens investigation into protest at Minnesota church tied to a pastor who is also acting ICE field director.
  • Attorney General Pam Bondi: Protesters “were intimidating Christians" and "they’ll be met with the full force of federal law” (03:32).
  • DOJ Civil Rights Unit dispatched to Minneapolis.

• Political Fallout:

  • Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Fry and MN Governor Tim Walls call for removal of immigration agents after the fatal shooting of Renee Goode by ICE.
  • The White House accuses them of “whipping rioters into a frenzy” and DOJ investigates for possible illegal interference (04:23).
  • Federal law enforcement and military presence is set to increase (FBI agents, 1,500 army paratroopers on standby).

• Notable Quote:

  • Kurt Signetti, Indiana football coach (on his team’s success): “If you keep your nose down and keep working, anything is possible.” (13:10)

3. US Military Strikes in Syria & Tensions with Iran (05:15)

• US launches more retaliatory strikes in Syria, killing a terrorist linked to previous attacks on Americans.
• Since the attack on US troops, over 100 ISIS targets have been hit and more than 20 ISIS operatives reportedly killed in the past year.
• Continued standoff with Iran:
  • Trump’s “red lines” reiterated – no killing protesters or mass executions.
  • Iran claims thousands dead in their protests, blames US and Israel.
  • Iran threatens “all out war” if the US deploys troops; further military buildup by the US, including two aircraft carriers moving toward the Middle East.

4. Trump’s Greenland Comments & EU Trade Threats (07:15)

• Trump connects Nobel Peace Prize snub to Greenland policy for the first time (07:22).
  • In response to Norway’s PM texting Trump to oppose tariffs, Trump texts back: he’s no longer obliged to “think purely of peace” after not receiving the Nobel Prize.
  • When asked if he’ll use force to seize Greenland, Trump responds “no comment.”
  • Plans 10% tariffs on eight European countries starting next month, escalating to 25% by June.
• Greenland remains semi-autonomous, under Danish and NATO protection, with Europeans determined to keep it that way.

5. World Economic Forum – Davos (08:30)

• “Biggest WEF ever” this year in Davos, Switzerland.
• Attendees: Trump & 5 cabinet members, most G7 leaders, President Zelenskyy, 65 heads of state, and 850 business leaders (including Nvidia & Microsoft CEOs).
• More focus on attendees than agenda, but investors watching for announcements on Greenland, Iran, Venezuela, and central banks.
• Event runs until Friday.

6. Sports: Indiana Makes College Football History (10:15)

• Indiana Hoosiers win the National Championship, defeating Miami Hurricanes 27-21 (10:16).

• Historic turnaround: two years ago, the losingest team in major college football; now only 2nd team since 1894 to go undefeated all season.

• Heroes: QB Fernando Mendoza (first Heisman for Indiana), Coach Kurt Signetti.

• Memorable Quote:

  • Coach Signetti: “If you keep your nose down and keep working, anything is possible.” (13:10)

7. Science: Acetaminophen & Autism Study (11:02)

• Major review finds Tylenol (acetaminophen) not linked to autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability when used as directed during pregnancy.
• Study focused on sibling data, debunking earlier suggestions and rumors—some stoked by Trump and health officials months ago.
• Medical guidance unchanged: Tylenol remains first-line treatment for pregnant women with pain/fever, using lowest effective dose.

8. Additional Headlines

Presidential Pardons (12:25):

• Trump pardons Adriana Camberos (twice convicted for fraud & counterfeit goods), her brother, ex-Puerto Rico governor Wanda Vazquez (campaign finance violation), and others.
• White House claims they're correcting “excessive or politically motivated prosecutions.”

Obituary: Valentino (13:45):

• Legendary designer Valentino dies at 93.
• Remembered for making women “look and feel beautiful.”
• Dressed luminaries like Audrey Hepburn, Princess Diana, and Jackie Kennedy.
• Italian PM calls him “an indisputable maestro of eternal style and elegance.”

Entertainment: Zootopia 2 Breaks Records (14:25):

• Zootopia 2 becomes top-grossing animated film ever ($1.7 billion), driven by overseas markets.
• Shanghai Disneyland adds Zootopia-themed land.
• Speculation about Zootopia 3, but no confirmation.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On protest power:
  "It's meant to be a message against policies they consider to be unjust and an administration, they say, is overstepping its power, in a way that shows how much power regular people really have." (00:47)

• On ICE agents’ actions:
  "On Friday, a judge said the evidence shows ICE agents likely are violating rights, particularly the First Amendment right to peacefully protest and the Fourth Amendment protection against unreasonable stops and arrests." (01:50)

• On court order reactions:
  Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem: "the court order did not change anything" and ICE agents are only needed "to establish law and order and ultimately keep people safe." (02:50)

• On church protest:
  Attorney General Pam Bondi: "the protesters were intimidating Christians, so she said they'll be met with the full force of federal law." (03:32)

• On Greenland and Nobel Peace Prize:
  Trump (via text to Norway's PM): He no longer feels obliged to "think purely of peace" after Nobel snub. (07:22)

• On Indiana’s football miracle:
  Coach Kurt Signetti: “If you keep your nose down and keep working, anything is possible.” (13:10)

• On Valentino:
  Italian Prime Minister: "[An] indisputable maestro of eternal style and elegance." (14:00)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:32 – One year of Trump’s second term; national/global protest plans
• 01:45 – Minneapolis unrest: rights violations, legal conflicts, protest investigations
• 05:15 – US military actions in Syria, Iran tensions
• 07:15 – Trump’s Greenland comments and trade threats
• 08:30 – Davos: World Economic Forum
• 10:15 – Indiana football: national championship and historic turnaround
• 11:02 – Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and autism: new scientific review
• 12:25 – Trump’s latest round of pardons
• 13:45 – Valentino, fashion legend, dies
• 14:25 – Zootopia 2 box office record

Tone & Style Notes

• Erica Mandy keeps the tone brisk, reassuring, and even-handed, weaving in both facts and concise context.
• She offers both administration and critics’ points of view, using direct quotes and summarizing institutional stances.
• The delivery is factual but not dry, and she makes space for moments of empathy (e.g., on shootings or legendary passings) and occasional snippets of inspiration (Coach Signetti’s quote).

Conclusion

This episode gives listeners a rapid yet comprehensive spin through the day's top stories, highlighting major flashpoints in US politics, acute protests and government response, global diplomatic maneuvers, sports history, and noteworthy scientific developments – all with the signature NewsWorthy blend of clarity, fairness, and a dash of personality.