News Wrap: Senate approves short-term renewal of FISA surveillance program.

In our news wrap on Friday, the Senate approved a short-term renewal of a controversial surveillance program used by U.S. spy agencies, millions across the Midwest face the threat of severe storms, and French officials say the 85-year-old widow of a former U.S. soldier has returned to her home country after being held in U.S. immigration centers for more than two weeks.

Jeff Bennett:

Millions across the Midwest are wrapping up a brutal week of summer storms with more extreme weather expected tonight and through the weekend.

Much of the country faces the threat of severe storms extending from the southern border of the United States to the Great Lakes region. That includes Wisconsin, where at least one person died amid what local meteorologists described as unprecedented weather over the past week that included seven confirmed tornadoes and more than 100 severe thunderstorm warnings. Milwaukee set a new April wettest record, and the month is barely halfway through.

The US Senate today approved a short-term renewal of the controversial surveillance program used by US spy agencies.

Senator Katie Britt (R-AL):

Everything is in order, say yes.

man:

Yes.

Senator Katie Britt:

Everyone is opposed, no. The Ai seem to have that. Yes it has that. The bill passed.

Jeff Bennett:

The measure passed by what is known as a voice vote and extends part of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, or FISA, until April 30.

This gives lawmakers more time for negotiations after an attempt to renew the program for five years failed late last night in the House of Representatives. President Trump lobbied lawmakers for an 18-month extension. The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) allows the warrantless collection of foreign communications on US soil. Officials say it is key to stopping terrorism and espionage, but critics have raised privacy concerns.

In California, musician D4vd is being held without bail after being arrested yesterday in connection with the death of a missing teenage girl. The 21-year-old star, whose real name is David Burke, has millions of followers on social media, and he wrote the national anthem for the video game “Fortnite.”

He was the focus of speculation after the decomposing body of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez was found in his car last year. Her family reported her missing in 2024. Police say Burke was arrested on suspicion of murder. They are scheduled to present their case to the Public Prosecution on Monday. His lawyers say he is innocent.

The 85-year-old widow of a U.S. military veteran has returned to her homeland after being detained by U.S. immigration authorities for more than two weeks, French officials said. Marie-Thérèse Rousse’s husband died unexpectedly after they married last year, and she had overstayed her visa.

The French Foreign Minister announced her return earlier today, while also denouncing ICE’s approach.

Jean-Noel Barrot, French Foreign Minister (through translator):

These methods were not acceptable to us. There was violence that worried us, but the main thing is that she has returned to France, and we are completely satisfied.

Jeff Bennett:

Her release comes one day after acting ICE Director Todd Lyons announced he would step down from his position at the end of May. During his tenure, Lyons played a key role in implementing President Trump’s anti-immigration campaign. This included a number of high-profile executive actions, as well as the deaths of Americans Rene Judd and Alex Peretti in Minneapolis. His replacement has not yet been announced.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer rejected calls to resign amid revelations that his former ambassador to the United States, Peter Mandelson, had been appointed to this position despite failed security checks. Speaking to reporters in Paris, Starmer said he was not aware of the error at the time and, in his words, was very angry.

Starmer fired Mandelson last year over his ties to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Mr Starmer is expected to address Parliament on the issue on Monday.

In the business world, QVC’s parent company has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The QVC Group also operates HSN, formerly the Home Shopping Network. The company is struggling amid a surge in online shopping options and live streaming apps like TikTok. QVC says its brands will continue to operate as usual while it undergoes the restructuring process.

Meanwhile, stocks rose on Wall Street today as investors welcomed news of the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped more than 800 points during the day. The Nasdaq added 365 points, or more than 1.5 percent. The S&P 500 finished the week at a new all-time high.

Country music songwriter Don Schlitz has died. His most famous song, “The Gambler”, was recorded by Kenny Rogers in 1978. It went five times platinum and was a major hit for both artists. Schlitz went on to write some of the most enduring songs in country music for legends like Randy Travis and The Gods. In 2012, he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

He is also a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. “His legacy lives on through his music and the many artists and writers he inspired,” the Country Music Association president said today. Don Schlitz was 73 years old.