Trump: 'Economic boom' coming

Plus, checks promised to military members

View online. YOUR MORNING December 18, 2025 Good morning, NewsNation. For more fact-based, unbiased news coverage 24/7 – Download the NewsNation app here >   Did a friend send you this newsletter? Subscribe to this newsletter and more here > Trump says US poised for 'economic boom' in fast-paced Oval address Address: President Donald Trump addressed the nation, touting his administration's accomplishments as he approaches the one-year mark of his second term. As a new poll found his approval rating slipped to nearly its lowest point, Trump said he "inherited a mess." Takeaways >  Economy: Trump pointed to what he described as record employment levels and praised tariffs as instrumental to his economic strategy. The president also said the U.S. is "poised for an economic boom the likes of which the world has never seen." Watch the full address > 'Warrior dividends': Trump announced a "warrior dividend" of $1,776 for every U.S. service member and said military enlistment had reached record levels. What to know > Not mentioned: Trump made no mention of Venezuela, a notable omission given the escalating tensions between Washington and Caracas. During the address, the State Department announced a package of arms sales to Taiwan valued at more than $10 billion. Details > New White House portrait gallery plaques attack Biden, Obama > Wiles says Vance has been a 'conspiracy theorist for a decade' > Trump: Cost of new ballroom may reach $400M > Police seek individual seen near man wanted in Brown University shooting Campus shooting: Nearly a week after a gunman opened fire at Brown University, police in Rhode Island are seeking the public's help identifying an individual who was "in proximity" to a person of interest. Investigators want to identify and speak with the individual shown in new photos. Details > Manhunt: The search for the shooter continues, and authorities have described the attack, which left two students dead, as targeted. Timeline of evidence disclosed by investigators so far > Trump rips Brown University over security cameras after shooting > Neighborhood cameras capture potential shooter's route > Brown University warns against 'harmful doxxing' amid search for gunman > Nick Reiner waives right to quick arraignment; attorneys cite 'complex issues' In court: Nick Reiner, son of actor-director Rob Reiner, will be arraigned in January in connection with the deaths of his parents. He waived his right to a speedy arraignment and will remain in custody without bail. The latest > Charges: Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced that Reiner has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder with special circumstances. He said the office had not yet determined whether they would seek the death penalty. Cause of Reiner deaths revealed > 'Complex and serious issues': Reiner has hired attorney Alan Jackson, whose clients have included Kevin Spacey and Karen Read. "This is a devastating tragedy that has befallen the Reiner family," Jackson said. "There are very, very complex and serious issues." What to know > Reiner family: Jake and Romy Reiner released their first statement since the deaths of their parents, saying the family is in "unimaginable pain" that's experienced "every moment of the day." Read more > Billy Crystal, Albert Brooks, others pay tribute to Rob and Michele Reiner > Deaths of Rob Reiner and wife were preventable: Psychologist > Details emerge in killings of Rob Reiner and wife Michele > Government admits failure by Army pilots in deadly DC plane crash Plane crash: The Justice Department said the U.S. government acknowledges Army helicopter pilots and an air traffic controller failed in their duties during the Jan. 29 midair collision over the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., that killed 67 people. What to know > Liability: In a court filing, the government admitted it owed a duty of care to victims and their families, which it breached, causing the crash. The U.S. said it is liable to plaintiffs legally eligible to recover damages. The amount has not yet been determined. The latest > 'Tragedy could have been avoided': The Senate approved a bill that requires military aircraft to use specific technology to broadcast their locations. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said "tragedy could have been avoided" if the Army Black Hawk had broadcast its location before the crash. Details > Bondi Beach survivors recount 'terrifying' shooting that killed 15 > Texas A&M rabbi's son wounded in Sydney Hanukkah shooting > Bystander shown in videos disarming gunman >  WHAT WE'RE WATCHING 👀 Trump is set to sign the National Defense Authorization Act.  The Labor Department releases inflation data. Trump could sign an executive order as soon as today that would reclassify marijuana as a lower drug classification. Erika Kirk speaks at AmericaFest. TikTok hosts inaugural U.S. awards for online creators. Blue Origin plans to launch the first wheelchair user into space. The Powerball jackpot climbs to $1.5B, the fifth largest in history. Police in Mississippi arrested a woman accused of pushing razor blades into loaves of bread at two Walmart stores. Details > The leaders of an alleged cult-like religious group in California face charges in connection with the deaths of a 4-year-old boy and a missing 40-year-old man. What to know > A second "Mica's Law" bill, named after Mica Miller, has sparked a push for stronger domestic violence protections in South Carolina. The latest > A man is accused of choking a Florida sheriff's K-9 during his arrest. Read more > A New York attorney and her golden retriever are suing the IRS in an effort to get pets classified as legal dependents. Her take > The Pennsylvania State Police is investigating after more than $1 million in gold was stolen from an elderly couple. Details > A mountainside in West Texas could be part of the Trump administration's solution to ending U.S. reliance on countries like China for rare-earth materials that are essential to building missiles, fighter jets and technology. Exclusive look > PE teacher celebrated for her impact on students in and out of the gym TaKesha Watson was a star basketball player in Oklahoma before becoming a physical education teacher. She wants her legacy to be her free shoe closet in the gym for students in need. Read more >   Find a good news story each day in NewsNation's Your Morning newsletter! Subscribe > This NewsNation email is written by Caitlyn Shelton and NewsNation staff. LATEST BUSINESS NEWS Ticketmaster, Live Nation facing lawsuit for alleged overcharging  > Rep. Boebert: Democrats ruined health care system with Obamacare  > FTC, 21 states allege Uber deceived customers on subscriptions  > Bill targets AI trained to hurt, manipulate people  > LATEST CRIME NEWS Police seek individual who was near man wanted in Brown shooting  > Official cause of death revealed for Rob and Michele Reiner  > Reiner family releases first statement after killings  > Nick Reiner waives right to quick arraignment; attorneys cite 'complex issues'   > LET US HEAR FROM YOU! SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK. Feedback | Unsubscribe | About Us   Copyright © 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use   To ensure you receive these emails in the future, please add info@nxsemail.newsnationnow.com to your address book, contacts or list of safe senders.