Today is Thursday, December 18th. What to know from President Trump's prime time address to the nation

last night, how he rates his first year back in office, and why some say it was the wrong message.

Also, why the U.S. is now suing the U.S. Virgin Islands, who is donating to the so-called Trump accounts

this time, and what a new version of history at the White House shows. Plus, what it could mean

now that federal funding has been cut to the American Academy of Pediatrics,

why the Academy Awards will look very different in a few years,

and how music can be like food for your brain.

Those stories and even more news to know next.

Welcome to The Newsworthy.

All the day's news in less than 15 minutes. I'm Erica Mandy. Thanks so much for being here. Let's do this.

In a rare primetime address from the White House, President Trump gave himself a glowing review of his first year. He spoke about reducing border crossings and bringing down prices

of certain items like eggs and Thanksgiving turkey. And as he's been doing for months, the president

blamed ongoing problems on former President Biden. Trump also had one big new announcement

that his administration would send out a so-called warrior dividend. That's nearly $1,800 going to U.S. service members in the coming

week. The president also backed a proposal to send cash directly to Americans to offset the cost

of health insurance rather than offering subsidies through the Affordable Care Act like Democrats have

been pushing for. Though at this point, it's not clear if either idea has enough support in Congress.

Separately, Trump said in the new year,

he would announce some of the most aggressive housing reform plans in American history, without getting into specifics.

After the speech, a top Republican said it was clear Americans would notice improvements by this time next year.

But Democrats criticized Trump for offering Americans few solutions to their concerns, and some called it not only full of false and misleading statements, but also out of touch at a time when many people are unhappy about the direction the country is going.

Of course, next year is a big one politically, as each party is vying for control of the House and Senate in the midterm elections.

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