Tuesday morning news: May 16, 2023

Durham report » The FBI "failed to uphold” its mission of loyalty to the law when it launched its Trump-Russia investigation.

That’s the conclusion of special counsel John Durham’s long-awaited report on a yearslong investigation into the Russia probe.

Former U.S. Attorney Brett Tomlin:

BRETT TOMLIN: This really does confirm that this was more an opp than it was a valid investigation driven by reasonable suspicion — that’s the standaRd in order to open an investigation and then probably cause in order to pursue it further.

But the special counsel’s probe found no basis for reasonable suspicion.

The report scolds the FBI for hastily launching a full-scale investigation of Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign relying on questionable leads provided or funded by Trump’s political opponents.

House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan said Monday that he has reached out to Durham to ask him to testify next week.

State Dept. religious freedom report » The State Dept. released its international religious freedom report on Monday. Secretary of State Tony Blinken:

TONY BLINKEN: Governments in many parts of the world continue to target religious minorities using a host of methods, including torture, beatings, unlawful surveillance, and so-called reeducation camps.

China is among the biggest offenders in forcing people into such camps. The report points to potential crimes against humanity in China which is listed as one of 16 countries of particular concern.

The State Department issues the report each year in accordance with federal law.

Zelenskyy » Volodymyr Zelenskyy paid a surprise visit to London on Monday where the Ukrainian president met with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Zelenskyy said the focus of the talks was:

VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY: Urgent support for Ukraine and security I think not only for Ukraine it’s important — for all of Europe.

Sunak promised to send hundreds of air defense missiles and drones to Kyiv.

And he told Zelenskyy:

RISHI SUNAK: This room that we’re standing in, Winston Churchill made many of his famous speeches in WWII from this room. And in this same way today, your leadership, your country’s bravery and fortitude are an inspiration to us all.

Zelenskyy met with Western leaders in Italy, Germany, and France over the weekend … looking to shore up military support from the West.

Iran-Russia » Meantime, at the White House, officials warned that Russia is looking to buy more attack drones from Iran. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby:

JOHN KIRBY: We see that Russia is interested in more advanced versions of those UAVs, more capable and more lethal.

Officials say Russia has used up most of the 400 drones it had previously bought from Tehran.

Trump attacks DeSantis on abortion » Donald Trump is taking aim at a Republican rival for being too pro-life. WORLD’s Mary Muncy has more:

MARY MUNCY: In an interview on Monday, Trump criticized Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for signing a bill that protects babies after six weeks suggesting it was “too harsh.”

When asked if he would support legislation that protects unborn lives starting at six weeks, Trump replied simply, “I’m looking at all options.”

DeSantis is expected to announce a White House bid soon and is Trump’s closest competitor in Republican polls.

For WORLD, I’m Mary Muncy.

Border report / CA terror suspect arrested » Border Patrol officials have apprehended an Afghan male listed on the FBI’s terror watch list near San Diego.

Congressman Darrell Issa:

DARRELL ISSA - He did not intend to be caught, he thought he would get through because the open border policy is now globally understood to be pretty much a free entry for 5 million plus people a year.

Border Patrol says it has encountered 80 individuals on the FBI terror watchlist crossing the southern border this fiscal year.

Meanwhile, some of the many thousands of migrants released inside the United States in recent days may not have to appear in federal court for at least another 10 years. That’s according to a new report from the Washington Examiner, which documented some “I-862 forms revealing notices to appear in court reaching as far into the future as 2033.”

I’m Kent Covington.

Straight ahead: gender ideology is coming between foster kids and parents who want to adopt. Plus, navigating the ins and outs of voluntary adoption law.

This is The World and Everything in It.

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