Time Machine

Explore historical news coverage

← Previous Day
Monday, August 17, 2026
Next Day →

News from this day

50 articles
Washington Examiner 10:00 AM

University of Michigan Implements New Grading Policy for First-Semester Students

The University of Michigan will change its grading policy for first-semester students to Pass or No Credit to address mental health concerns. Critics argue that this approach may misinterpret normal academic anxiety and that experiencing disappointment can provide important life lessons. The article also highlights improvements in student mental health at Michigan, questioning the narrative of a mental health crisis.

Washington Examiner 10:00 AM

Polling Inaccuracies Highlight Challenges Ahead of Elections

Recent polling inaccuracies in elections, such as those in Wisconsin and Michigan, have raised concerns about the reliability of polling methods. Factors contributing to these inaccuracies include difficulties in estimating voter turnout and the composition of the electorate. Efforts to improve polling accuracy are ongoing, but recent failures may impact public willingness to participate in surveys.

The Atlantic 10:00 AM

Lindsay Clancy's Trial Raises Questions on Legal Insanity and Mental Illness

Lindsay Clancy is on trial for the murder of her three children, with her defense arguing she was not guilty by reason of insanity due to postpartum psychosis. The jury will decide if she was mentally ill enough at the time of the murders to avoid a life sentence. The case highlights the complexities of legal definitions of insanity compared to clinical understandings of mental illness.

The Daily Beast 09:49 AM

Putin's Military Festival Canceled Amid Ongoing Drone Attacks

The Spasskaya Tower International Military Music Festival in Russia has been canceled, marking only the second time in its history that the event will not take place. This decision follows a series of drone attacks on Moscow and reflects a broader trend of event cancellations amid ongoing military tensions with Ukraine.

Axios 09:40 AM

Increase in Social Meetups Among Young People in the U.S.

A rise in social meetups among young people in the U.S. reflects a desire for in-person connections amid a loneliness epidemic. Activities such as chess, birdwatching, and silent reading clubs are becoming popular, with significant increases in related events reported. Additionally, there is a growing trend of organizing events aimed at fostering romantic connections outside of dating apps.

Axios 09:30 AM

Prescription Drug Prices Decline Significantly

Prescription drug prices in the U.S. have fallen by 0.8% in July and are down 3.1% year-over-year, the largest annual decline in over sixty years. This decrease is attributed to various factors, including agreements between pharmaceutical companies and the Trump administration, as well as Medicare negotiations under the Inflation Reduction Act. However, many Americans still face challenges affording their medications.

The Daily Beast 09:21 AM

Impersonation Incident Involving Trump's Chief of Staff and U.K. Prime Minister

An impersonator of White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles exchanged messages with U.K. Prime Minister Andy Burnham, prompting concerns about a potential security breach. The incident has raised alarms at the British Embassy, and it follows a previous impersonation case that led to an FBI investigation.

Axios 09:20 AM

Democratic Establishment Faces Challenges in Defining Its Vision

The centrist Democratic group Third Way has raised concerns about the party's lack of a clear vision as it faces challenges from democratic socialists ahead of the 2028 elections. While some members acknowledge the need to connect with working-class voters, there is debate over the party's direction and tone, particularly in response to the influence of figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. The outcome of the upcoming elections will test whether establishment Democrats can present a cohesive identity.

Axios 09:15 AM

Impact of Wildfires on the U.S. Electric Grid Planning

U.S. utilities are adjusting electric grid planning to enhance resilience against wildfires, which are becoming a significant challenge. This year's wildfire season has exceeded the 10-year average, prompting utilities to integrate various data models into their planning. California's proactive measures in wildfire resilience are serving as a model for other states as the U.S. grid undergoes major expansions.

New York Times — World 09:05 AM

Trump Proposes Reducing Military Exercises with South Korea

President Trump has suggested scaling back military exercises with South Korea, citing concerns that they are viewed as hostile by North Korea. This development occurs as North Korea has adopted a more aggressive posture toward the South under Kim Jong-un's leadership.

New York Times — US 09:03 AM

Democratic Socialists Campaign in Florida

On August 16, 2026, State Representative Angie Nixon spoke at a rally for progressive candidates in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Representative Rashida Tlaib from Michigan attended the event.

New York Times — US 09:03 AM

Will Scharf Appointed as White House Counsel

Will Scharf has been appointed as White House counsel by President Trump. His previous experience as the president's personal lawyer may play a role in managing congressional oversight.

BBC — World 09:01 AM

Zambian Opposition Leaders Arrested Following Presidential Election

Following the recent presidential election in Zambia, several key opposition leaders have been arrested by authorities who allege their involvement in an insurrection plot. The leading opposition candidate has reported an attempt on his life related to these allegations.

New York Times — US 09:01 AM

Murder Rates Decline in Baltimore

Baltimore has reported a historic decline in murder rates, marking a shift from its previous high totals. This development is leading to changes in how local authorities and community members respond to violent crime.

New York Times — Politics 09:00 AM

Louisiana Surgeon General Discusses Public Health Legislation

Dr. Evelyn Griffin, the surgeon general of Louisiana, testified in May about a bill that sought to ban mandates for new vaccines and medical interventions in businesses and schools. The discussion highlights ongoing public health policy considerations in the state.

New York Times — US 09:00 AM

Louisiana Surgeon General Discusses Proposed Bill on Vaccine Mandates

Dr. Evelyn Griffin, Louisiana's surgeon general, testified in May about a bill aimed at preventing businesses and schools from mandating new vaccines or medical interventions. The bill reflects ongoing discussions about public health policies in the state.

The Daily Beast 08:02 AM

Scott Jennings Faces Legal Action from Twitch Streamer Hasan Piker

Scott Jennings is facing legal threats from Twitch streamer Hasan Piker after Jennings aired edited clips of Piker on his radio show, making claims of racism. An investigation revealed that Jennings' comments were misleading and taken out of context. Piker plans to take legal action, citing defamation and increased threats to his safety.

Deutsche Welle 07:19 AM

India's testing agency cancels multiple exams, prompting political response

India's testing agency has faced backlash after canceling three exams, adding to the controversy from a previous cancellation of a medical entrance exam. The situation has drawn criticism from opposition leaders, and a separate incident in Bihar has resulted in multiple fatalities from a temple stampede.

Fox News — Latest 07:18 AM

New South Wales to Launch Gun Buyback Program Following Bondi Beach Attack

New South Wales will begin a gun buyback program on November 2, 2026, following a shooting that killed 15 people at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney. The initiative is part of new gun control measures introduced by the government in response to the attack, which involved firearms obtained legally. The program aims to remove firearms from circulation and enhance community safety.

Deutsche Welle 06:49 AM

Study finds link between fatty foods and colorectal cancer risk

A study has found that fatty foods can increase the production of acids in the gut that may promote tumor growth, contributing to the risk of colorectal cancer. This finding highlights additional health risks associated with high-fat diets.

Deutsche Welle 06:42 AM

Evacuations in Monschau as Fire in Belgium Threatens Border

Residents in Monschau, Germany, were evacuated as a significant fire in Belgium threatened to spread across the border. The construction industry may also face challenges due to shipping shortfalls caused by low river water levels.

apnews.com 06:40 AM

Trump Attributes Grass Damage Near WWII Memorial to Vandals

President Trump has claimed that vandals caused damage to the grass near the World War II Memorial, where he hosted a July 4 celebration. This assertion has been met with skepticism, as previous investigations attributed damage to poor construction rather than vandalism. An arrest related to vandalism at the memorial has been made, but it does not pertain to the grass area Trump highlighted.

Al Jazeera English 06:14 AM

Japan's GDP Growth Slows in Second Quarter

Japan's GDP grew by 0.3 percent in the second quarter of 2026, which was below expectations. The slowdown is linked to reduced consumption and capital spending.

Washington Examiner 05:45 AM

Colombian National Sentenced for Fraudulent Voting in U.S. Elections

Carlos Felipe Jaramillo-Grajales, a Colombian national, has been sentenced to three years in federal prison for voting fraudulently in U.S. elections for over 20 years. He used fraudulent documents to claim U.S. citizenship and vote in multiple elections, including the 2020 general election. After serving his sentence, he will be deported from the U.S.

Fox News — Latest 05:33 AM

Trump Attributes Grass Damage on National Mall to Vandals

President Donald Trump has claimed that vandalism is responsible for dead grass on the National Mall near the World War II Memorial, following a 4th of July celebration he hosted. He provided no evidence for his assertion, which has been contradicted by officials in the past. An arrest related to vandalism at the memorial was made recently, but it did not pertain to the grass area Trump mentioned.

Fox News — Politics 05:33 AM

Trump Attributes Dead Grass on National Mall to Vandalism

President Donald Trump has claimed that vandalism is responsible for dead grass on the National Mall near the World War II Memorial. He made the assertion without evidence and criticized officials for dismissing related vandalism cases. Photographs indicate that event infrastructure may have contributed to the grass damage.

BBC — World 05:06 AM

Trump announces reduction of US military drills with South Korea

President Trump has stated that the United States will reduce military exercises with South Korea, linking this decision to his relationship with North Korea's leader. This announcement comes after South Korea chose not to participate in the Iran conflict.

Washington Examiner 04:58 AM

Republican Lawmakers Criticize Fauci Following Comments from Former ABC News Correspondent

Senator Rand Paul and Governor Ron DeSantis have criticized Anthony Fauci following comments from former ABC News correspondent Terry Moran, who claimed Fauci influenced the network's COVID-19 coverage. Moran described his frustration over changes made to a story about the virus's origins, which he felt were incomprehensible. Fauci has faced renewed scrutiny regarding his pandemic response and editorial influence.