Hey Michelle, it feels like 2026.
Really?
It feels like the continuation of a long 2025.
But happy new year to you.
You too.
You too, Michelle.
Now, very quick, before we start the show,
we want to say a big thanks to everyone who donated during NPR's end of year fundraising campaign.
Yes, and thank you also to our NPR Plus supporters.
Yeah, Public Radio is yours, and thanks to you, we're starting the new year strong,
even as the NPR network enters its first full year without federal funding for public media.
Thank you again for your continued support moving into 2020.
2026 and beyond.
2025 is gone and so are pandemic era subsidies for people who rely on the Affordable Care Act.
That means higher monthly bills for millions of people and tough choices about health insurance coverage.
I'm Michelle Martin, that's a Martinez and this is Up First from NPR News.
The Trump administration froze federal child care funding after a right-wing influencer went viral accusing Somali Rande cares of fraud.
Providers are warning the impact could be immediate.
Many of the families at my center are one paycheck away from becoming homeless.
I'm not exaggerating.