RNN August 17th 2026

Trump Legal Appeal Denied: The Supreme Court rejected Donald Trump's request to throw out a $5 million jury verdict favoring writer E. Jean Carroll. A separate appeal regarding an $83 million verdict based on immunity claims remains pending. Midwest and Mid-Atlantic Flooding: Heavy rain and flash flooding continue across parts of West Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. South Florida Heat Advisory: South Florida faces heat index values between 105 and 110 degrees, accompanied by an elevated fire risk. Hiker Fatality on Mount Etna: A 29-year-old American tourist from Kansas died after being struck by lightning while hiking on Sicily's Mount Etna.