Daycare fraud claims; Epstein Information; ACA subsidies : NPR

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As we speak's high tales Somali American childcare heart operators in Minnesota report that they've obtained violent threats and seen vandalism after right-wing YouTuber Nick Shirley posted a video alleging fraud at their institutions. Following the video's launch, the Trump administration reduce federal funding to childcare facilities, not simply in Minnesota however throughout the nation.

<img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/600x338+0+63/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F32%2F07%2F87aa9def42ce98cdfcfca354b994%2F4a9b69-20251231-abc-learning-center-06-600.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/600x338+0+63/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F32%2F07%2F87aa9def42ce98cdfcfca354b994%2F4a9b69-20251231-abc-learning-center-06-600.jpg" class="img" alt="Children paint during an activity break at the ABC Learning Center in Minneapolis on Wednesday." loading="lazy"/> Youngsters paint throughout an exercise break on the ABC Studying Heart in Minneapolis on Wednesday. Ben Hovland/MPR Information conceal caption

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Ben Hovland/MPR Information 🎧 The disruption of childcare funds will influence lots of of 1000's of kids in low-income households in 50 states, NPR's Brian Mann tells Up First. The Division of Well being and Human Companies press workplace has not responded to NPR's request for proof of great or widespread wrongdoing on the facilities. Mary Solheim, a childcare supplier in Minnesota, voiced dismay at a press convention {that a} social media influencer might disrupt the childcare system so considerably.➡️ Shirley, a 23-year-old impartial YouTube journalist, made prank movies in highschool earlier than he pivoted to politics. That is what it's best to learn about him. Two weeks previous the authorized deadline, the Justice Division has did not launch all the Jeffrey Epstein information in its possession. The few public paperwork the DOJ launched function heavy redactions that seem to exceed the bounds meant by the legislation. The federal government additionally says a few of what was launched should not be trusted. All collectively, the dearth of transparency has fueled the flames of previous and new conspiracy theories relating to the convicted intercourse offender's life and loss of life.

🎧 As we begin the yr, many individuals consider that President Trump is likely one of the highly effective few preserving the general public at midnight about Epstein, NPR's Stephen Fowler says. The White Home disagrees with that notion. Fowler says he's watching within the coming weeks to see what Congress will do concerning the DOJ's failure to satisfy the deadline, particularly because the legislation does not embody punishment or enforcement mechanisms. Hundreds of thousands of Individuals face increased well being care premiums this yr as a result of Congress allowed Reasonably priced Care Act subsidies to run out. Nevertheless, a bipartisan group of senators negotiated a compromise earlier this week to resurrect enhanced ACA tax credit and probably blunt the influence of rising month-to-month funds for Obamacare enrollees. Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., warns that the laws can solely transfer ahead with Trump's assist.

Image present <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2927x1646+0+152/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fcf%2F47%2F85530c8141e3ab839ac9206eba95%2Fap25365640982610.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2927x1646+0+152/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fcf%2F47%2F85530c8141e3ab839ac9206eba95%2Fap25365640982610.jpg" class="img" alt="Reveler use their smartphones to film the falling balloons and confetti as they celebrate the start of 2026 during the New Year countdown event held at a shopping mall in Beijing, early Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)" loading="lazy"/> Reveler use their smartphones to movie the falling balloons and confetti as they rejoice the beginning of 2026 in the course of the New 12 months countdown occasion held at a shopping center in Beijing, early Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. (AP Picture/Andy Wong) Andy Wong/AP/AP conceal caption

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Andy Wong/AP/AP Because the clock struck midnight throughout each time zone, folks everywhere in the globe united to ring in 2026. From Sydney's sky igniting with fireworks to Tokyo's large bell toll, these images showcase how completely different cultures celebrated the arrival of the brand new yr.

Weekend picks <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2000x1125+0+438/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F99%2F2b%2F487eda704fe8995d072b883593f6%2F3bb8ee85-36f9-4590-b0fd-d5852953dee7.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2000x1125+0+438/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F99%2F2b%2F487eda704fe8995d072b883593f6%2F3bb8ee85-36f9-4590-b0fd-d5852953dee7.jpg" class="img" alt="Wagner Moura in The Secret Agent." loading="lazy"/> Wagner Moura in The Secret Agent. Neon conceal caption

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Neon Take a look at what NPR is watching, studying and listening to this weekend:

🍿 Motion pictures: 2025 is perhaps gone, however its films are right here to remain. NPR critic Bob Mondello narrows down his favourite movies of the yr, a few of which you'll be able to catch in theaters proper now.

📺 TV: Pluribus takes place in a world the place a hive thoughts hyperlinks everybody's ideas and actions within the identify of collective good. Karolina Wydra, who performs Zosia, joins Right here & Now Anytime to speak concerning the new hit science fiction present.

📚 Books: Love is within the air, and within the pages! NPR's Books We Love has many romance reads that may fill your coronary heart with pleasure. Hearken to some suggestions, even one from yours actually.

🎵 Music: NPR Music producer Lars Gotrich guides All Songs Thought of host Robin Hilton via a stellar yr in guitar music, showcasing every little thing from Gwenifer Raymond's brash fingerstyle to Vernon Reid's ecstatic shredding.

3 issues to know earlier than you go <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3900x2194+0+213/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F5d%2Fe4%2Feb0528714d4e967dce316286ff28%2Fgettyimages-1240332577.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3900x2194+0+213/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F5d%2Fe4%2Feb0528714d4e967dce316286ff28%2Fgettyimages-1240332577.jpg" class="img" alt="Shareholders pose with a lifesize cardboard cutout of Warren Buffett in 2022, during Berkshire Hathaway's annual shareholders meeting in Omaha, Nebraska." loading="lazy"/> Shareholders pose with a lifesize cardboard cutout of Warren Buffett in 2022, throughout Berkshire Hathaway's annual shareholders assembly in Omaha, Nebraska. Chandan Khanna/AFP through Getty Photos conceal caption

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Chandan Khanna/AFP through Getty Photos After six many years of operating Berkshire Hathaway, 95-year-old legendary investor Warren Buffett stepped down as CEO on Wednesday.A younger boy at a neighborhood park seen Natalie Cook dinner's younger foster daughter utilizing a walker and inquired about why she wanted it. Quickly after Cook dinner defined, the boy ran over to the woman to play along with her. The candy second with the unsung hero left Cook dinner feeling eager for her daughter's future.NPR's Nicole Werbeck lastly made good on a five-year-old promise to her husband that they might go to Christmas markets in Europe. For this week's Far-Flung Postcards, she takes us to Vienna's Schönbrunn Palace, which she says "was among the many most particular." This text was edited by Suzanne Nuyen.