Daycare fraud claims; Epstein Files; ACA subsidies : NPR

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Today's top news

Operators of Somali-American day care centers in Minnesota report receiving violent threats and witnessing vandalism. after right-wing YouTuber Nick Shirley posted a video accusations of fraud in their establishments. Following the release of the video, the Trump administration cut federal funding for child care centers not only in Minnesota, but across the country.

• 🎧 Hundreds of thousands of disadvantaged children will be affected by the end of childcare trusts. in 50 states, NPR's Brian Mann reports. Up first. The Department of Health and Human Services press office did not respond to NPR's request for evidence of serious or widespread wrongdoing at the centers. Mary Solheim, a Minnesota child care provider, expressed concern at a press conference that a social media influencer could so fundamentally disrupt the child care system.
• ➡️ Shirley, 23-year-old freelance YouTube journalistfilmed pranks in high school before entering politics. This what should you know about him.

Two weeks after the legal deadline, the Justice Department has failed to release all of Jeffrey Epstein's files in its possession. The few public documents released by the Justice Department contain major changes that appear to go beyond the legal limits. The government also says some of the material published cannot be trusted. Overall lack of transparency fueled the flames of old and new conspiracy theories regarding the life and death of a convicted sex offender.

• 🎧 At the start of the year, many people believe that President Trump is one of the few powerful people who are keeping the public in the dark. on Epstein, says NPR's Stephen Fowler. The White House does not agree with this opinion. Fowler says he'll be watching in the coming weeks to see what will Congress do about the Ministry of Justice's failure to comply with established deadlines, especially since the law does not provide for mechanisms of punishment or enforcement.

Millions of Americans will face higher health care premiums this year because Congress allowed Affordable Care Act subsidies to expire. However, a bipartisan group of senators agreed to a compromise earlier this week renew the ACA's expanded tax breaks and potentially mitigate the impact of rising monthly payments on Obamacare enrollees. Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vermont, warns the bill can only move forward with Trump's help.

Picture show

As the clocks struck midnight in every time zone, people around the world united to ring in 2026. From fireworks in the Sydney sky to the ringing bells of Tokyo, these photos show how different cultures are celebrated the arrival of the new year.

Weekend selection

Check that NPR Watching, reading and listening this weekend:

🍿Movies: 2025 may have passed, but the films from it will remain. NPR critic Bob Mondello narrows down his circle favorite films of the yearsome of which you can see in theaters right now.

📺TV: For many The action takes place in a world where the hivemind unites everyone's thoughts and actions for the collective good. Karolina Vydra joins as Zosia. Here and now at any time To let's talk about the new hit sci-fi show.

📚Books: Love is in the air and on the pages! NPR Books We Love contains many romance novels that can fill your heart with joy. Listen to some recommendationsat least one of yours truly.

🎵Music: NPR music producer Lars Gotrich guides All songs reviewed accept Robin Hilton via stellar year in guitar musicshowcasing everything from Gwenifer Raymond's brash fingerpicking to Vernon Reed's ecstatic edge.

3 things you need to know before your trip

1. After six decades running Berkshire Hathaway, 95-year-old legendary investor Warren Buffett resigned as CEO on Wednesday.
2. A boy in a nearby park noticed Natalie Cook's adopted daughter using a walker and asked why she needed it. Shortly after Cook explained, the boy ran up to the girl to play with her. A sweet moment with an unsung hero left Cook feeling… hopes for her daughter's future.
3. NPR's Nicole Verbeek finally made good on her five-year promise to her husband that they would visit Christmas markets in Europe. In this week's episode of Distant Postcards, she takes us to Vienna Schönbrunn Palace.which she said “was one of the most special.”

This newsletter has been edited Suzanne Nuyen.