morning! Welcome to the daily briefing. Let’s start today with some news:
- Late-night television has once again gained political attention.
- The projected cost of a new White House ballroom has doubled to $400 million.
- 41 Are bowl games too many for college football?
nicole farato Here, and this morning, I’m wondering if one Christmas tree is enough. On Thursday, we have news you need to know from excerpts from the president’s speech, revelations about robbers using Roblox, and a family who never expected to be homeless.
President Trump launches a blame game in White House speech
President Donald Trump vigorously defended his first 11 months in office in a prime-time White House address, pointing out Americans’ economic worries to Democrats in a combative speech that set the tone for the 2026 midterm elections.
President Trump blamed his predecessor in the White House and immigrants without legal status for the price problem. What he didn’t say: The unemployment rate is slowly rising. His approval rating is declining. Republican lawmakers are increasingly pushing back. His health is attracting attention. Peace deals in Ukraine and Gaza have proven more difficult to achieve than he expected. And the midterm exam will be held in November next year.
USA TODAY Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page writes that President Trump is about to face a new phase of his presidency.
More news you need to know right now
- House Republicans split on Obamacare subsidies With federal aid under the Affordable Care Act set to expire on Dec. 31, potentially raising premiums for millions of people, a health care proposal with broad support is urgently needed.
- Rob Reiner’s children break their silence over their parents’ ‘horrific’ death. Jake and Romy Reiner said in a statement that Rob and Michelle Reiner were “more than just parents, they were best friends.” Meanwhile, the couple’s other son, Nick Reiner, was charged with two counts of first-degree murder with the special circumstance of multiple murders.
- She just wanted to play Roblox with her friends. Then the messages from the predator began. Families across the country have reported incidents of predators using Roblox as a gateway for grooming, which in some cases escalated to sextortion, sexual assault, or kidnapping. Some companies have already sued Roblox, and others are planning to do so.
Let’s take a look
~The President’s Wall of Contempt
President Trump personally denounced his biggest opponent with a new plaque installed at the White House, the latest makeover of the mansion by the president. The shield of President Trump’s biggest Democratic opponent is very similar to the attack President Trump posted on Truth Social, right down to the capitalization of certain words for emphasis.
I want to talk to you about something.
She was a school counselor for 10 years. Currently, five members of her family are homeless.
Jonica Jamison, 38, and her family had been homeless for 14 months. Before that, Jamison had been working as a school counselor for 10 years and was making about $60,000 a year. Her story reflects how many Americans are on the brink of homelessness.
before you go
Have feedback about the daily briefing? Email Nicole at NFallert@usatoday.com.
