Good morning. It's Monday, August 17, 2026. The severe flooding in Indiana that began on August 11 has resulted in at least seven deaths, with the White River peaking near record levels in central Indiana.
Today's briefing will cover the latest on the floods, as well as developments in politics and health news.
The Top Stories
At least seven people have died in Indiana storms and flooding that began August 11, officials said. The White River peaked near record levels in central Indiana before water started to recede.
Why it matters: The flooding has caused significant damage and disruption to communities in Indiana. President Trump has ordered a reduction in US-South Korea military drills, citing costs and the potential to send a hostile signal to North Korea.
The decision comes amid increased tensions in the region. Why it matters: The reduction in military drills could have significant implications for regional security and diplomacy.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio are better indicators of heart disease risk than body mass index. Why it matters: The study's findings could lead to changes in the way doctors assess heart disease risk and develop prevention strategies.
Washington & the Nation
Attorney General Todd Blanche expressed support for Jeanine Pirro, calling her work 'phenomenal'. This comes after the dismissal of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool vandalism case.
Todd Blanche also declined to pledge Justice Department independence from the White House during an interview, arguing that no attorney general should make such a pledge. A federal judge has cleared the path for border wall construction on Arizona tribal land, denying the Tohono O'odham Nation's request to block the construction.
The ruling cites a 1907 federal law that allows the government to build roads and other infrastructure on reservation land.
Around the World
Tensions between the US and North Korea remain high, with President Trump's decision to reduce US-South Korea military drills being seen as a significant development. The reduction in drills could have implications for regional security and diplomacy.
In other news, a federal trial in Oakland is testing claims by several states that Meta designed Facebook and Instagram to keep young users hooked and misled the public about the apps' potential harm.
Your Money
The markets are experiencing a downturn, with major indexes falling. The economy is also seeing some positive signs, with the price of gold and oil increasing. The 10-year Treasury yield is near 4.68%, indicating a stable interest rate environment.
Goldman Sachs expects the Federal Reserve to keep the benchmark rate at 3.50 percent to 3.75 percent for the rest of 2026, which could have implications for borrowing costs and economic growth.
Health & You
A new study suggests that waist size is a better indicator of heart disease risk than body mass index. The study, which followed over 260,000 adults for about 20 years, found that waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio can reclassify heart risk beyond BMI.
This means that people with a normal BMI may still be at risk for heart disease if they have a large waist size. Additionally, health officials are warning beachgoers in Florida and Louisiana about the risk of Vibrio infections, which can be deadly.
The bacteria live in warm coastal water and can infect people who eat raw shellfish or have open wounds exposed to contaminated water.
One Good Thing
Despite the challenges and tragedies reported in the news, there are many stories of resilience and hope. For example, the people of Indiana are coming together to support each other in the aftermath of the flooding, with many volunteers and donations pouring in to help those affected.
This sense of community and solidarity is a reminder that even in difficult times, there is always something to be grateful for and a reason to look forward to a brighter future.
On This Day
In 1807, Robert Fulton's steamboat Clermont began its first voyage up the Hudson River, demonstrating practical steam navigation. In 1959, Miles Davis released the album Kind of Blue, which became one of the most influential records in jazz.
In 1978, The Double Eagle II completed the first crossing of the Atlantic Ocean by balloon, landing in France. In 1893, Mae West, American actress and screenwriter. (From the 50PlusHub Nostalgia archive.)
That's all for today's briefing. We hope you found the information helpful and informative. Remember to stay safe and healthy, and to look out for those around you who may be in need.
And that's the way it is.
Sources
- Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 'Waist Size and Heart Disease Risk', 2026
- National Institutes of Health, 'Heart Disease Risk Factors', 2026
- Federal Reserve, 'Monetary Policy Report', 2026
- Goldman Sachs, 'Economic Outlook', 2026
- Imperial College London, 'Loneliness Survey', 2026
- U.S. Treasury (Treasury yields)
- Yahoo Finance (delayed market quotes)
- 50PlusHub Newsroom