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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G Herbo Proposes to Taina Williams

G Herbo and his longtime partner, Taina Williams, are leveling up for 2026 … they got engaged over New Year’s Eve! The 31-year-old rapper shared the sweet moment in an Instagram story, showing him getting down on one knee to ask the mother of his…


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Keith Urban Performs at NYE Bash in Nashville Amid Nicole Kidman Divorce

Keith Urban undoubtedly had a difficult year, but he went out on a high note on New Year’s Eve.

The country singer, 58, performed upbeat renditions of his song “Straight Line” and New Radicals’ “You Get What You Give” during New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash on Wednesday, December 31. Urban sported a black shirt and dark jeans while he crooned lyrics from “Straight Line” such as, “I ain’t buyin’ this life’s gotta be such a mother / ‘Cause we kinda got it all when we got each other / You and me used to be like a year-round summer / Let’s go back / Oh, hit the gas.”

The live New Year’s Eve special — which aired on CBS and Paramount+ — was hosted by comedian Bert Kreischer and country music star Hardy and featured additional performances by Jason Aldean, Lainey Wilson, Bailey Zimmerman, Brooks and Dunn, Dwight Yoakam and more.

Urban’s New Year’s Eve outing comes three months after his split from estranged wife Nicole Kidman made headlines in September. One day after the news broke, she filed for divorce, citing “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for their separation. The pair were married for nearly 20 years and share daughters Sunday Rose, 17, and Faith, 15.

All the Clues Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban Were Heading Toward a Split

“They had been quietly separated for a while now but needed time to figure out if they were going to actually divorce,” a source exclusively told Us Weekly in October. “She had faith they could work it out.”

According to the insider, Urban was the one who pulled the plug on his marriage to Kidman, 58.

“This wasn’t Nicole’s decision, and she is devastated,” the source continued. “Her trust was lost, and it was too far gone. Nicole had been trying to get them to work on their marriage and did not want this to get out to the public. She didn’t tell many friends what was really going on with them and was holding this in for months.”

While Urban and Kidman once appeared to be the ideal A-list couple, they were actually spending “a lot of time apart due to work commitments” and living “separate lives” behind the scenes.

“Nicole and Keith were not on the same page,” the insider told Us. “Rumors around town have been circling that they were living apart, were focused on their own projects and that Keith had moved on. They are moving in two different directions, and their worlds are not overlapping as much as they once did. The distance between them had grown more obvious recently.”

Inside Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban’s Divorce: Custody, Reason for Split

Later in October, a source revealed that Kidman was in a “good headspace” amid her divorce from Urban, but “the hardest part” of the situation was “navigating the dynamic with their daughters.”

“The last thing Nicole wanted was a broken family,” the insider told Us, adding that Kidman “raised her daughters to be strong and is leading by example for them.”

As a new single mom, Kidman planned to “focus on creating new traditions with her daughters and keeping their home life as steady and loving as possible.”

Urban, for his part, “has moved on and has been open with Nicole about where he stands,” a source told Us in October, noting that their divorce was a “long time coming.”

Per the insider, “The two had grown apart quietly over time, and by the end, the decision to separate was more about acceptance than surprise.”


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Andy Cohen, Anderson Cooper Detail Ryan Seacrest Texts on New Year’s Eve

Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper closed out 2025 and welcomed 2026 with their annual CNN’s New Year’s Eve Live special.

The Bravo star, 57, and the journalist, 58, cohosted the broadcast from New York City’s Times Square for the ninth consecutive year on Wednesday, December 31.

“Bottoms up: This is tequila!” Cohen declared before doing a shot with Cooper to open the show. Afterward, the cohosts spoke about 2025 highlights, including a trip to Disneyland with their kids and watching Cher perform during an event for Saturday Night Live‘s 50th anniversary.

“Cher called me a couple weeks ago,” Cooper said, to which Cohen replied, “Did she ask for me?”

CNN’s ‘New Year’s Eve Live’: Most Controversial Moments Through the Years

Cooper jokingly recalled Cher saying of Cohen, “How’s that troublemaker?”

The cohosts also mentioned Ryan Seacrest, who hosts Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve on ABC.

“Did Ryan call you … or text you today?” Cooper asked Cohen, who responded, “He texted me, like, yesterday or the day before.”

Cooper said that Seacrest had texted him that morning. In past years, he noted, Seacrest had sent him gifts.

Anderson Cooper Loses It Over Ralph Fiennes’ Take on Demure, Mindful Meme

“Like, a photo of himself?” Cohen asked.

“No,” Cooper said, adding that Seacrest had previously sent him tequila.

The longtime pals also discussed the hit hockey romance series Heated Rivalry, with Cohen telling Cooper, “Of the two of us, you’re Ilya and I’m Shane.”

“What?!” Cooper replied.

Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper Return to Ripping Shots on CNN NYE Special

In addition to Cohen and Cooper’s signature banter, CNN’s New Year’s Eve Live featured performances by Robyn, Shakira, Brandy and Monica, Bryan Adams, Florence + The Machine, Raye, Brandi Carlile, Aloe Blacc, Patti LaBelle and Michelle Williams and special appearances by Stephen Colbert, Amy Sedaris, Rebecca Romijn and Jerry O’Connell, B.J. Novak, Leanne Morgan and Sarah Sherman.

Since Cohen joined the broadcast as Cooper’s cohost in 2017, the CNN New Year’s Eve special has consistently made headlines, perhaps most notoriously when the network banned the duo from drinking after Cohen shaded then-New York City mayor Bill de Blasio and Seacrest during the 2021-2022 show.

“Watching Mayor de Blasio do his victory lap dance after four years of the crappiest term as the mayor of New York — the only thing that Democrats and Republicans can agree on is what a horrible mayor he has been,” Cohen said at the time. “So sayonara, sucka. 2022! It’s a new year because guess what? I have a feeling I’m gonna be standing right here next year, and you know who I’m not going to be looking at dancing as the city comes apart? You!”

Cohen was similarly critical of the Seacrest-hosted Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.

Anderson Cooper Loses It Over Ralph Fiennes’ Take on Demure, Mindful Meme

“If you look behind me, you’ll see Ryan Seacrest’s group of losers performing. … I’m sorry but if you’re watching ABC, you’re watching nothing,” he quipped. “We were doused with confetti from fake Journey on ABC. If it’s not Steve Perry, it doesn’t count! You get it? It’s not Journey! It’s propaganda! It’s propaganda! It’s not Journey! It’s not Journey! No, that was not Journey. Steve Perry is Journey.”

Cohen later apologized to Seacrest, 51, and the two made amends. Cohen and Cooper were still banned from drinking during the 2022-2023 broadcast, but their tequila shots tradition returned the following year.

Prior to the 2025-2026 show, Cooper and Cohen reflected on their favorite memories from their years of cohosting the New Year’s Eve special.

“We can’t talk about New Year’s Eve without talking about your many, many occasions of being in a puddle of giggles,” Cohen told Cooper in a CNN video earlier this month. “I say to people my job is to make you laugh on New Year’s because people love to hear you laugh. And I think God bless you for the work you do all year long. You’re keeping ‘em honest right here on CNN, and this is your time and all of our time to let loose and enjoy.”


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Instantly Elevate Jeans in These 17 Rich Mom Sweaters — Up to 60% Off

If you’re like Us, a sweater and jeans combo is part of your winter uniform — but that doesn’t mean your outfits should be basic (or require a splurge). Thanks to Nordstrom’s Half-Yearly Sale, you can score up to 60% off these 17 luxurious sweaters from Lauren Ralph, Vince Camuto, Free People and more. With these cozy, expensive-looking finds, you’ll appear rich and put together from coffee dates to business meetings.

Nordstrom’s sale event runs now through January 5, but don’t wait until then to shop. The best fashion pieces are disappearing before our eyes. Chunky knits, drapey silhouettes and buttery-soft fabrics are just a few elements to look forward to. Read on to grab a live-in sweater to wear now and all through May!

17 Cozy, Luxe Sweaters on Sale at Nordstrom — Up to 60% Off

1. Luxe Alert: Look like a Hamptons rich mom in this sophisticated cardigan that’s enhanced with gold buttons, a ribbed hem and a chic cape detail — was $109, now $49!

2. Fabric Snob-Approved: If you’re a fabric snob, you’ll adore this fuzzy boatneck sweater. Made with a blend of wool and acrylic, it’s stretchy, warm and breathable — was $90, now $49!

3. Pretty and Playful: Fair Isle sweaters aren’t just for Christmas. At 60% off, this darling CeCe option is flying off the shelves — was $69, now $28!

4. Free People: Give your wardrobe a boho twist with this wear-everywhere cardigan that comes in five colors (and are all on sale) — was $158, now $79!

5. Winter Staple: Turtleneck sweaters never go out of style. This plush BP. number has a slouchy, casual silhouette that we love — was $70, now 38!

I’m a Shopping Writer: These 21 New Year’s Fashion Deals Are Worth It

6. Petite-Friendly: Finally! A cardigan sweater that doesn’t overwhelm petite figures. This sparkle-embellished cardigan is truly for everyone and every winter outfit — was $89, now $60!

7. Oh-So Huggable: This boyfriend-style sweater is visibly soft and fluffy, so be prepared for hugs from everyone you encounter — was $80, now $44!

8. Royal Vibes: Imagine Kate Middleton‘s bow blouse style but in sweater form. This polished tie-neck cardigan should cost thousands — was $69, now $28!

9. Boutiquey Pick: Hundreds of shoppers give this everyday crewneck five stars, noting the trendy exposed seam, relaxed fit and endless color options — was $69, now $35!

10. Flower Girl: This knit cardigan has the cutest flower print that gives it a timeless and slightly groovy appeal — was $79, now $32!

11. Preppy Princess: Channel Nantucket socialite energy in this polo-style sweater that features three-quarter sleeves, front buttons and a spread collar — was $69, now $38!

12. Frills and Fuss: If you love the frilly things in life, this wool-blend sweater has your name on it. Ruffles and pointelle stitching are just two highlights — was $90, now $54!

13. So Splurge-Worthy: Score nearly half off this Fair Isle cardigan that reminds Us of Jennifer Lopez‘s Max Mara version — was $345, now $181!

14. Could Be Cashmere: Need a fail-proof sweater? This scallop-hem wonder delivers for day-to-day wear and special occasions alike — was $68, now $40!

15. Old Money: This wrap and sweater combo gives quiet luxury a new meaning. You’ll look effortlessly European — was $69, now $38!

16. Lounge Day: Sporty and lightweight, this rugby sweater is the perfect layering piece. We love styling it over a tank top and jeans  — was $59, now $32!

17. Timeless Pick: Cashmere fabric makes this elegant V-neck sweater as comfy as it is classy. We’re obsessed with the loose fit that hangs in all the right places — was $149, now $90!

I Used to Shop at Zara — Now, I’m Grabbing These 19 Affordable Lookalikes

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It’s Happening! lululemon’s End-of-Year Sale Includes Bestsellers From $19

If Santa didn’t hear your wishes for a wardrobe full of lululemon, no worries! Thanks to lululemon’s end-of-year deal event, you can score your wishlist items on mega sale. From leggings and sports bras to bags and hoodies, you’ll find everything you need to start a new year in style.

The sale runs from December 24 through December 30, so you have almost an entire week to shop. Still, sizes and styles tend to sell out fast, so if you see your size, snag it!

Whether you’re searching for new loungewear, a Pilates getup or dress pants to rock at work, there’s a deal (or three) with your name on it. Now’s the time to score your new live-in pieces for 2026 and beyond!

Bestselling lululemon Pieces on Sale

1. Rich Mom Alert: This fitted zip-up is designed for gals on the go, whether you’re heading to Pilates, yoga or coffee with the girls — was $128, now $84!

2. The Cutest Capris: Nail the capri trend with these high-rise cropped leggings that seriously feel like butter — was $88, now $59!

3. Rest Day: With a style that’s equally cozy, laid-back and preppy, this half-zip scuba sweater is a winter wardrobe staple — was $128, now $84!

4. Yogi Goals: New Year’s resolutions? This sports bra will support you through all the downward dogs that your yoga goals bring — was $48, now $29!

5. Sporty Chic: Look no further for the easiest everyday long-sleeve that styles perfectly with leggings, sneakers and a baseball cap — was $78, now $54!

21 Rich Mom Lounge Sets Could Totally Be Cashmere — From $22

6. City Girl: Crescent bags always look expensive. This city-inspired pick could totally be designer, and it’s 50% off — was $68, now $34!

7. Office-Friendly: Become the office envy in these classy pintuck pants that feel like loungewear but look so elevated — was $128, now $89!

8. Center of Attention: This vibrant pink tank top is not only stylish, but stretchy and sweat-wicking enough for all types of training — was $58, now $39!

9. Classy Act: This ribbed running top is shockingly sophisticated, so we won’t be surprised if you wear it from the trail to the office (or the other way around) — was $108, now $69!

10. A Must-Have: If you don’t have yoga-ready Align Leggings (or even if you do), let this be your sign to grab a pair at a major discount — was $128, now $69!

11. Fuzzy Luxury: These chic, ultra-plush slide sandals balance cushioning and support for comfortable all-day wear — was $78, now $78!

12. Lazy Sunday: Whether you’re lounging on the couch or walking around the neighborhood, these cinch-waist sweats do it all — was $128, now $79!

13. Organic Cotton: Fabric snobs adore this breathable cotton and elastane T-shirt. It pairs well with jeans, leggings and trousers alike — was $48, now $34!

14. Total Steal: Grab an Everywhere Belt Bag for yourself and a few as birthday gifts this year — was $38, now $19!

15. Year-Round Shorts: Shoppers rave about these lightweight shorts that are suitable for transitional and mild seasons — was $78, now $49!

These Luxe, Zara-Style Sweaters Are on Amazon for Under $35

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