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Key Headlines Today
Childcare centers run by Somali Americans in Minnesota are facing serious threats and acts of vandalism after a video by right-wing YouTuber Nick Shirley accused them of fraudulent activities. This video has led to the Trump administration’s decision to withdraw federal funding from childcare facilities nationwide, not just in Minnesota. Read more about the situation.
Children paint during an activity break at the ABC Learning Center in Minneapolis on Wednesday. Ben Hovland/MPR News
- 🎧 Funding cuts to childcare programs are expected to affect countless children from low-income families across all states, as NPR’s Brian Mann discusses on Up First. Despite requests, the Department of Health and Human Services has yet to provide evidence of any significant malpractice at these centers. Mary Solheim, a childcare provider, expressed her frustration, saying it’s alarming that an influencer could cause such disruption.
- ➡️ Nick Shirley, a budding YouTube journalist at 23, transitioned from making prank videos during his school days to focusing on political content. Here’s what you should know about his journey.
The Justice Department has yet to fully release the Jeffrey Epstein files, missing the legal deadline by two weeks. The documents made public are heavily redacted, seemingly exceeding legal limits. Moreover, the government advises skepticism regarding the released information. This lack of transparency has further ignited conspiracy theories related to Epstein’s affairs.
- 🎧 There is speculation that President Trump is among those obscuring the truth concerning Epstein, as noted by NPR’s Stephen Fowler. The White House denies this claim. Fowler is keenly observing how Congress addresses the DOJ’s delay since the law lacks enforcement provisions. Find out more.
This year, many Americans will see a rise in healthcare premiums after Congress allowed certain ACA subsidies to lapse. However, a bipartisan team of senators has crafted a compromise to revive enhanced ACA tax credits, potentially offsetting increased costs for Obamacare users. Sen. Peter Welch emphasizes that progress depends on Trump’s support.
Photo Highlights
Revelers 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. Andy Wong/AP
As 2026 dawned, celebrations erupted across the globe, from Sydney’s vibrant fireworks to Tokyo’s resonant bell tolls. Discover how different cultures welcomed the new year with these captivating images.
Weekend Suggestions
Wagner Moura in The Secret Agent. Neon
Explore NPR’s weekend recommendations for movies, TV, books, and music:
🍿 Films: Although 2025 is behind us, its movies live on. NPR critic Bob Mondello lists his top films of the year, many still playing in theaters.
📺 TV: Pluribus explores a society connected by a hive mind. Actress Karolina Wydra, who plays Zosia, joins Here & Now Anytime to discuss this hit sci-fi series.
📚 Books: Romance is alive in literature! NPR’s Books We Love offers a selection of love stories to warm your heart. Hear some recommendations, including one from us.
🎵 Music: NPR Music’s Lars Gotrich teams up with All Songs Considered host Robin Hilton to celebrate an outstanding year in guitar music, featuring artists like Gwenifer Raymond and Vernon Reid.
Before You Go
Shareholders pose with a lifesize cardboard cutout of Warren Buffett in 2022, during Berkshire Hathaway’s annual shareholders meeting in Omaha, Nebraska. Chandan Khanna/AFP via Getty Images
- After leading Berkshire Hathaway for six decades, Warren Buffett, 95, has retired as CEO.
- At a local park, a young boy’s interest in Natalie Cook’s foster daughter, who uses a walker, led to a heartwarming play session, leaving Cook hopeful for her daughter’s future.
- NPR’s Nicole Werbeck fulfilled a promise to visit European Christmas markets with her husband. She shares her experience at Vienna’s Schönbrunn Palace, describing it as “among the most special.”
Content curated by Suzanne Nuyen.
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
