We’ve heard some wild stories about former Trump business associate Felix Sater over the years. Not only did he try to help Trump build a tower in Moscow; not only did he promise to “get Putin on this program” in order to “get Donald elected” — he also was an FBI informant? And also, supposedly, helped track down Osama bin Laden? And imprison mafiosos? It strained credulity.

A newly surfaced government document confirms that many of these stories are, in fact, true. Matt Shuham writes up the highlights for TPM members.

A number of indicators are suggesting a recession is on the horizon. That, of course, could have a huge impact on the presidential election — especially if the slowdown arrives during or close to autumn 2020.

Happy Friday, August 23. President Donald Trump and his aides are wildly out of step on the economic messaging coming from the White House. Here’s more on that and the other story we’re following.

In Arizona, an key 2020 state, the Republican attorney general is launching a new “election integrity” unit. Among the first hires? A Tea Party voter fraud alarmist.

Happy Thursday, August 22. There has been some movement in the massive 2020 Democratic field. Here’s more on that and the other stories we’re watching.

Investigators with the office of New York Attorney General Letitia James questioned former National Rifle Association President Oliver North on Tuesday, deposing a former NRA official with an axe to grind over the gun group’s strenuous objections.

Happy Wednesday, August 21. President Donald Trump cancelled his trip to Denmark in a fit of pique that the prime minister wouldn’t sell him Greenland. Here’s more on that and the other stories we’re following.

Mark Halperin is staging his rehabilitation through the inimitable Judith Regan.

The two are made for each other, feeding on the outrage generated by the release.

Happy Tuesday, August 20. President Donald Trump’s mild inclination towards gun control measures in the wake of the most recent massacres has already cooled. Here’s more on that and the other stories we’re watching.

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