Daycare Fraud Claims Fallout, Epstein Files Mess, Swiss Nightclub Fire

Somali-run day care centers in Minnesota report threats and vandalism after a viral right-wing video accusing them of fraud prompts federal action with nationwide consequences.
The Justice Department misses its deadline to release the Epstein files, fueling confusion and conspiracy theories as heavily redacted and unreliable documents trickle out.
And Switzerland begins days of mourning after a deadly New Year’s Eve fire rips through a crowded nightclub at a ski resort, killing dozens and injuring many more.

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p class=”readrate”>Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Luis Clemens, Dana Farrington, Miguel Macias, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle.

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p class=”readrate”>It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Kaity Kline and Christopher Thomas.

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p class=”readrate”>We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott. And our technical director is David Greenburg..

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p class=”readrate”>

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p class=”readrate”> Our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor.

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p class=”readrate”>(0:00) Introduction
(01:54) Daycare Fraud Claims Fallout
(05:31) Epstein Files Mess 
(09:27) Swiss Nightclub Fire

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Tragedy strikes Alabama Church: Pastor DaQuarius Green shot dead by wife

ALABMA-(MaraviPost)-A devastating incident has shaken the community of Elba Zion Missionary Baptist Church, where beloved Pastor DaQuarius Green was fatally shot by his wife, Quintaria Massey, in front of their children.

The tragic event occurred on December 30, leaving the congregation and the wider community in mourning.

According to authorities, the shooting was reportedly a result of a domestic incident, with Massey claiming self-defense.

However, the investigation is ongoing, and no charges have been filed against her as yet.

The couple had been experiencing marital problems, which may have contributed to the tragic event.

Pastor Green, 31, was a respected figure in the community, known for his dedication to his faith and family.

His death has sparked an outpouring of grief and tributes from fellow pastors, church members, and the community at large.

“We are heartbroken by the loss of our beloved pastor,” said Elba Zion Missionary Baptist Church in a statement. “We ask that you keep his family and our congregation in your prayers during this difficult time”

The incident has also raised concerns about domestic violence and the importance of seeking help when needed.


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Gabon Government suspends national football team after 2025 AFCON exit

LIBREVILLE-(MaraviPost)-The Gabonese government has taken drastic measures against the country’s national football team following a disastrous exit from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament currently taking place in Morocco.

In a statement broadcast on national television, Gabon’s Minister of Sports, Simplice Désiré Mamboula, announced the immediate suspension of the entire national team, popularly known as The Panthers, until further notice. 

The decision comes after Gabon finished bottom of Group F, losing all three of their group matches.

As part of the shake up, the government dismissed head coach Thierry Mouyouma and dissolved the entire technical and coaching staff, citing poor performance and lack of discipline within the team setup.

The minister also revealed that senior players Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bruno Ecuele Manga, who served as team captain, have been barred from future national team duties.

 Authorities accused the experienced players of failing to provide leadership during the tournament.

Gabon suffered defeats against Cameroon, Mozambique and Ivory Coast, exiting the competition without a single point. 

The poor showing sparked outrage among fans back home, with many calling for accountability and reforms in the country’s football administration.

Government officials described the AFCON campaign as “humiliating” and said the suspension is meant to allow time for reflection and restructuring of national football.


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Mutharika pardons 222 inmates for Christmas, New Year celebrations

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Ministry of Homeland Security announced on January 1, 2026, that President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika has granted pardon to 222 prisoners as part of the 2025 Christmas and New Year festive season amnesty.

The release was authorized under Section 89(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi, which empowers the President to exercise clemency.

In the official statement issued from Capital Hill, Lilongwe, the Ministry said the amnesty targets qualified prisoners who have served half of their sentences.

The beneficiaries include convicted prisoners, the elderly, female inmates, and those who are chronically ill.

The move is intended to provide relief during the festive season and reflects the government’s humanitarian approach to justice.

President Mutharika’s decision aligns with traditional holiday practices in Malawi, where seasonal pardons are used to decongest prisons and offer second chances to eligible inmates.

The general amnesty is also seen as a gesture of compassion toward vulnerable groups within the correctional system, such as the elderly and sick, who may face heightened health risks in prison environments.

The Ministry emphasized that the presidential pardon is part of ongoing efforts to balance justice with mercy, encouraging rehabilitation and social reintegration of former offenders. While the release reduces prison populations temporarily, authorities have assured that public safety will be maintained by focusing on prisoners who have demonstrated good behavior and met legal criteria for early release.

This year’s amnesty follows similar festive pardons in previous years, which have been praised for promoting national unity and humanitarian values during holiday celebrations.

The government hopes the gesture will inspire community support for reintegrating released individuals into society, reducing recidivism through rehabilitation programs.

The announcement has been welcomed by human rights groups and civil society organizations in Malawi, who view the amnesty as a positive step toward prison reform and humane treatment of inmates.

However, some legal experts have called for broader systemic reforms to address overcrowding and conditions in Malawi’s correctional facilities beyond seasonal measures.

The presidential amnesty will be implemented immediately, with the Ministry of Homeland Security coordinating the release process to ensure smooth transitions for the affected prisoners.


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Donald Trump Says Exercise Is Boring, Would Rather Golf

President Donald Trump sees all you gym rats running on your treadmills and he just doesn’t get it … he thinks it’s too boring. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, POTUS remarked, “To walk on a treadmill or run on a treadmill for hours…


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Bobi Wine rails against regime brutality as campaign enters final lap

KAMPALA-(MaraviPost)-Bobi Wine has written on his Facebook page, highlighting the challenges his presidential campaign has faced in Uganda.

The opposition leader stated that his campaign has been met with ongoing brutality and interference from the regime, including intimidation, teargassing, arrests, and attacks on supporters.

Wine claimed that his team has been blocked from accessing towns, main roads, and campaigning in some districts, severely hindering their efforts.

Bobi Wine

Despite these obstacles, Wine emphasized that the reception from the people has been overwhelmingly positive, with millions of Ugandans turning out to welcome him and assert their desire for change.

The opposition leader expressed his determination to reclaim the country and stand for a New Uganda, rallying his supporters to join him in this quest.

Wine’s New Year address has galvanized support for his #ANewUgandaNow campaign, with many calling for a #ProtestVote2026 to bring about change in Uganda.

The hashtag #PeoplePowerOurPower has trended, reflecting the growing momentum behind Wine’s presidential bid.


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