Today in History

August 19, 2026

On Aug. 19, 2010, the last American combat brigade exited Iraq, seven years and five months after a U.S.-led invasion marked the beginning of the Iraq War. Also on this date: In 1692, four men and one woman were hanged after being convicted of witchcraft at Salem in the Province of Massachusetts Bay; the story of one of the men, John Proctor, inspired Arthur Miller’s play “The Crucible.” In 1812, the USS Constitution defeated the British frigate HMS Guerriere off Nova Scotia during the War of 1812, earning the nickname “Old Ironsides.” In 1814, during the War of 1812, ...

Flooding risk remains as storms move from the Midwest to the mid-Atlantic

August 18, 2026

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana residents remained on alert while returning to their flood-ravaged homes Monday as repeated rounds of thunderstorms and heavy rain moved east from the Midwest into the mid-Atlantic and high heat scorched much of the South and Southwest. In central and east central Indiana, emergency operations were still ongoing after days of punishing storms, Gov. Mike Braun said at afternoon news conference, while other areas were shifting to recovery. He said the state had launched a disaster relief fund to provide $5,000 to individuals needing to buy basics such as ...

The ripple effects of the Iran war could threaten education for millions of kids around the world

August 18, 2026

KAMPONG PRAHOK, Cambodia (AP) — Sou Sreynich dreams of becoming a teacher. But she knows she’s far behind. The 13-year-old first entered a classroom at 10, an age when most Cambodian children already have been in school for years. Her mother waited until she was old enough to swim, ...

What to Stream: ‘Outer Banks,’ Anthony Hopkins’ classical album and Anne Hathaway’s 1st 2026 movie

August 18, 2026

The final season of “Outer Banks” and a new album from Anthony Hopkins (yes, Sir Anthony Hopkins) are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you. Also among the streaming offerings worth your time this week, as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists: Weezer’s 20th album, the survival horror game “The Sinking City 2” and “Mother Mary,” which kicked off Anne Hathaway’s incredibly prolific year in theaters. New movies to stream from Aug. 17-23 — Anne Hathaway’s epic year at the movies (which is still going ...

Soap Box Derby

August 18, 2026

AP Photo/Steve Pyle James H. Gronen of Boulder, Col., background, speeds over the finish line at the 36th All-American Soap Box Derby to beat Bret Allen Yarborough of Elk Grove on Saturday, Aug. 18, 1973 in Akron Ohio.

Corgis run, bark and sniff their way to glory at a growing international race

August 18, 2026

VILNIUS, Lithuania (AP) — It’s not all about short-legged speed when 150 corgis gather for an international race celebrating the little dogs. There’s a costume parade, the “smartest nose,” and — of course — the loudest bark. The fifth Corgi Race Vilnius drew dogs and their ...