Jun 21, 2019

Felix Sater to face subpoena after skipping House Intel testimony

Tamir Sapir and Felix Sater (right) attend the Trump Soho Hotel Condominium Launch Party in 2007. Photo: Will Ragozzino/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

Felix Sater, a Russian-born real estate developer, failed to show up for his closed-door testimony before the House Intelligence Committee on Friday about his work with Michael Cohen to build a Trump Tower in Moscow.

The big picture: Sater, who had previously been set to testify publicly before House Intel prior to the release of special counsel Robert Mueller's report, will now face a subpoena to compel his testimony, according to a committee spokesperson. Trump's efforts to build a Trump Tower in Russia — and the potential business entanglements that ensued — are of particular interest to House Intel Chairman Adam Schiff (D-Calif.).

Go deeper: What we know about Trump Tower Moscow

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How Disney World could host the NBA

Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

After weeks of speculation, the NBA announced Saturday that it is in early discussions to resume its season in late July at Disney's ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando.

What they're saying: The NBA's most well-sourced reporter, Adrian Wojnarowski, says "everything is pointing toward" this happening, and that teams could start recalling players as soon as next week for a two-week quarantine period and formal training camp.

Go deeper (2 min. read)Arrow14 mins ago - Sports

U.S.-China trade tensions are escalating again

Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

As the coronavirus pandemic appears to be subsiding in China, it's becoming clear that its targets for the phase one trade deal with the U.S. are unrealistic and there is so far no sign of a plan for renegotiation.

What's happening: White House National Economic Council director Larry Kudlow said Thursday the trade deal was "intact, and China has every intent of implementing it."

Go deeper (2 min. read)Arrow22 mins ago - Economy & Business

Husband of deceased Scarborough staffer asks Twitter to delete baseless Trump claims

Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images

The husband of Lori Klausutis, an aide to Joe Scarborough when he was member of Congress who died in 2001, asked Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey to take down President Trump's tweets baselessly accusing the MSNBC host of murdering her, according to a letter obtained by the New York Times' Kara Swisher.

The state of play: Timothy Klausutis asked Dorsey to delete the tweets because Trump "has taken something that does not belong him — the memory of my dead wife and perverted it for perceived political gain."

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow25 mins ago - Politics & Policy