Morning Politics | Friday, August 21, 2026
Today’s Deep Dive
Federal Agents Seize Swalwell’s Devices in Sexual Misconduct Investigation
Agents grabbed his devices at a San Francisco airport, then searched his Washington home a day later. Four women have now accused the former congressman, but no charges have been filed. What investigators appear to be looking for, and why the timing matters.
World Politics
Israel Opens Bidding on E1 Settlement as Five Nations Demand a Halt
Israel just opened bidding on more than 1,200 homes in a corridor critics say would split the West Bank in two. Five Western allies want it halted, and the deadline conveniently falls days before Israel’s election. Who benefits from that timing?
Economy & Money
Bessent Presses Treasury Levers to Tame Bond Market Selloff
Scott Bessent has a plan to force long-term interest rates down without waiting on the Fed. Supporters call it prudent debt management. Larry Summers and Elizabeth Warren say it’s something else entirely.
Tech & Power
Australia Passes Law to Force Google and Meta to Pay for News or Face New Levy
Australia’s parliament just told Google and Meta they can pay news publishers directly or hand the money to the government instead. Trump allies are calling it a shakedown of American companies, and House Republicans are floating trade retaliation. Here’s what the levy actually does, and why Canada’s version blew up in Meta’s face.
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