Chasing Side Deals, Flexing Influence: Lewandowski's Power Moves at DHS  —  Kristi Noem's close adviser effectively controlled billions in spending at Homeland Security.  Lewandowski denies seeking business or playing any role in the agency's contracts.  —  Summer Said

What to know about Canada's escalating trade war with the US as Carney retaliates with tariffs  —  Canada struck back at U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday with tariffs on about $20 billion worth of U.S. goods, in response to the latest round of tariffs on Canada.

The AfD's win in Germany is a dark day for Europe.  Time is running out to stop the far right  —  This party is among the most extreme in Europe.  To protect our democracies, liberal parties must urgently change their tactics  —  The far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) …

With Ohio's governorship up for grabs, a toxic race turns violent  —  An alleged assailant forced his way Sunday toward Democratic candidate Amy Acton at a county fair, officials and witnesses said.  Authorities said he was carrying two pistols and a Taser.  —  Summary

American workers are getting the smallest slice of the pie on record  —  Since 2000, the value of the S&P 500 stock index has gained about 600%.  Over the same period, inflation-adjusted worker earnings have climbed just 12.5%.  —  It is now the least rewarding time to be a worker …

Witkoff and Kushner call Kyiv talks ‘substantive’ after Moscow Putin meeting  —  Trump administration envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have described held meetings in Kyiv on Sunday with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as “substantive,” with Witkoff saying he was “very encouraged.”

As Social Security fund runs dry, some Republicans say it's time to raise taxes  —  Raising the payroll tax is gaining traction as a fix — even in the anti-tax GOP — to fend off deep cuts in retirement benefits.  —  Summary  —  For decades, Washington has replayed the same fight over taming …

Republicans blast out ‘free tickets’ offer to save Trump from Dallas convention embarrassment  —  The Texas spectacle later this week could prove to be a misstep for the president if he doesn't get the crowds he wants  —  The Republican National Committee is giving seats away.

What I've Learned About Grief  —  the day after my husband, Charlie Kirk, was shot and killed.  —  The past 24 hours feel like a fever dream as I land in Phoenix from Utah and return home.  I get out of the car, and my kids run into my arms.  They have no idea where I was or what I was doing.

Trump officials strip military language criticizing Confederate memorial  —  A new sign at Arlington National Cemetery omits wording that said the 32-foot bronze statue “mythologized” the Confederacy and gave “sanitized” depictions of slavery.  —  Summary  —  The Trump administration …

Hunter Biden (and His Laptop) Enter the Cryptosphere With New Meme Coin  —  The personal computer that launched a thousand memes will debut this week as a digital token  —  The son of former President Joe Biden is launching a meme coin that takes aim at his family's nemesis, Donald Trump.

Newsom offers hugs in South Carolina  —  With help from Eli Okun, Ali Bianco and Irie Sentner  —  Good Monday morning, and happy Labor Day.  This is Will Steakin.  The Playbook Podcast and Playbook PM are off today for the holiday, but we'll be back in your feeds tomorrow.  Get in touch.