EXCLUSIVE: Transcripts clear Trump campaign on Russia collusion, may raise questions about Schiff, sources say

Democratic Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Adam Schiff of California. (Photo by Jim Lo Scalzo-Pool/Getty Images)

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EXCLUSIVE: Russia probe transcripts show officials came up empty on collusion, may raise questions about Schiff, sources say
Top law enforcement and intelligence officials affirmed they found no evidence of collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia during the 2016 election, senior administration and intelligence community officials told Fox News on Wednesday, citing transcripts of House Intelligence Committee interviews that have been cleared for release.

This would align with the results of former Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation — which found no evidence of illegal or criminal coordination between President Trump, the Trump campaign and Russia in 2016.

However, the numerous transcribed interviews could raise further questions about committee Chairman Adam Schiff’s past statements saying that there was “direct evidence” of collusion.

“Schiff is in panic mode,” a senior administration official told Fox News. Click here for more on our top story.

Other related developments:
- DOJ releases long-awaited Mueller scope memo, revealing the probe went beyond previously known mandate
- Read the scope memo
- Andy McCarthy: Schiff's job was to 'spin' for FBI, intel community and Christopher Steele
- Hannity rips Rosenstein after Mueller scope memo released

Salon owner Shelley Luther holds a citation and speaks with a Dallas police officer after she was cited for reopening her Salon A la Mode in Dallas, Friday, April 24, 2020. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Jailed salon owner's lawyer blasts judge for wanting client to 'bend the knee' over coronavirus shutdown violation
The attorney for the Dallas salon owner who was sentenced to seven days in jail Tuesday for violating a coronavirus business shutdown order slammed the case judge Wednesday and said he wanted her to "bend the knee" in contrition.

Warren Norred told "Tucker Carlson Tonight" on Wednesday that Dallas County Judge Eric Moye sentenced Shelley Luther to jail time for "the actual crime of heresy against the city of Dallas and the oligarchy that decided real criminals could be let out [of jail], but the heretics could go to jail."

Moye offered Luther the chance to avoid jail time by apologizing for being "selfish," paying a fine and keeping her salon shut until Friday, when all salons in the state can reopen with restrictions. Luther declined, telling Moye "if you think the law is more important than kids getting fed, then please go ahead with your decision. But I am not going to shut the salon." Click here for more.

Other related developments: 
- To get all the latest news on coronavirus and more delivered daily to your inbox, sign up here.
- Judge Andrew Napolitano: Does America still have a Constitution during the coronavirus crisis?
- Texas attorney general tells judge to free 'unjustly jailed' salon owner
- Texas Gov. Greg Abbott: 'No one should forfeit their liberty and be sent to jail for not wearing a mask'

Cuomo surprised most NY state coronavirus hospitalizations are people who stayed at home
About two-thirds of New York state’s new coronavirus patients had been sheltering in place at home before seeking medical attention in hospitals, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Wednesday, calling the data "shocking."

“If you notice, 18 percent of the people came from nursing homes, less than 1 percent came from jail or prison, 2 percent came from the homeless population, 2 percent from other congregate facilities -- but 66 percent of the people were at home, which is shocking to us,” Cuomo said during his daily COVID-19 briefing.

The data was taken from a three-day survey of 113 New York hospitals, covering more than 1,200 patients, according to Cuomo. Click here for more.

Other related developments:
-Samaritan's Purse, other workers who came to NY for coronavirus fight must pay state income tax, Cuomo says
- How Cuomo's 'special effort' for nursing homes exacerbated coronavirus cases
- Michigan Gov. Whitmer sued by GOP lawmakers for extending coronavirus state of emergency

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SOME PARTING WORDS

The “Special Report" All-Star panel weighs in on President Trump's decision to keep the White House Coronavirus Task Force going "indefinitely" but shift its focus.

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Fox News First is compiled by Fox News' Bryan Robinson. Thank you for making us your first choice in the morning! Stay healthy, stay safe, and stay positive - we will get through this coronavirus crisis together. We'll see you in your inbox first thing Friday morning.

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