In our news wrap Friday, the Senate approved a short-term renewal of a controversial surveillance program used by U.S. spy agencies, millions across the Midwest are facing the risk of severe storms and French officials say an 85-year-old widow of an American military veteran has returned home after being held in U.S. immigration custody for more than two weeks.
Geoff Bennett:
Millions across the Midwest are closing out a brutal week of summerlike storms with even more extreme weather expected tonight and through the weekend.
A huge chunk of the country is facing the risk of severe storms stretching from the southern U.S. border to the Great Lakes. That includes Wisconsin, where at least one person has died amid what local forecasters are calling unprecedented weather this past week that includes seven confirmed tornadoes and more than 100 severe thunderstorm warnings. Milwaukee set a new record for rain in April, and the month is barely halfway over.
The U.S. Senate today approved a short-term renewal of a controversial surveillance program used by U.S. spy agencies.
Sen. Katie Britt (R-AL):
All in favor, say aye.
MAN:
Aye.
Sen. Katie Britt:
All opposed, no. The ayes appear to have it. The ayes do have it. The bill is passed.
Geoff Bennett:
The measure passed by what’s known as a voice vote and extends a part of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, or FISA, until April 30.
That gives lawmakers more time for negotiations after an effort to renew the program for five years failed late last night in the House. President Trump has pressured lawmakers for an 18-month extension. FISA allows for the warrantless collection of foreign communications on U.S. soil. Officials argue it’s key to stopping terrorism and espionage, but critics have raised privacy concerns.
In California, musician D4vd is being held without bail after his arrest 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 created the anthem for the video game “Fortnite.”
He’s been the focus of speculation after the decomposed body of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez was found in his car last year. Her family had reported her missing back in 2024. Police say Burke was arrested on suspicion of murder. They will present their case to prosecutors on Monday. His lawyers say he is innocent.
French officials say an 85-year-old widow of an American military veteran has returned home after being held in U.S. immigration custody for more than two weeks. Marie-Therese Ross’ husband died unexpectedly after they were married last year, and she had overstayed her visa.
France’s foreign minister announced her return earlier today, while also denouncing ICE’s approach.
Jean-Noel Barrot, French Foreign Minister (through interpreter):
These were not methods that were acceptable for us. There was violence that concerned us, but the essential thing is that she is back in France, and we are completely satisfied.
Geoff Bennett:
Her release comes a day after ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons said he will step down at the end of May. During his tenure, Lyons played a key role in carrying out President Trump’s immigration crackdown. That included a number of high-profile enforcement actions, as well as the deaths of Americans Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. His replacement has yet to be announced.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is rejecting calls to resign amid revelations that his former Ambassador to the U.S. Peter Mandelson was appointed to the post despite failing security checks. Speaking to reporters in Paris, Starmer said he was unaware of the lapse at the time and is, as he put it, absolutely furious.
Starmer fired Mandelson last year over his ties to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Mr. Starmer is expected to address Parliament about the issue on Monday.
In the business world, the parent company of QVC has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. QVC Group also runs HSN, formerly the Home Shopping Network. The company has been struggling amid a surge in online shopping options and livestreaming apps like TikTok. QVC says its brands will continue operating as usual as it undergoes restructuring.
Meantime, on Wall Street today, stocks shot higher as investors welcomed news about the Strait of Hormuz reopening. The Dow Jones industrial average jumped more than 800 points on the day. The Nasdaq added 365 points, or more than 1.5 percent. The S&P 500 ended the week at a new all-time high.
And country music songwriter Don Schlitz has died. His most famous song, “The Gambler,” was recorded by Kenny Rogers back in 1978. It went five-times platinum and was a crossover 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 Judds. In 2012, he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
He’s also in the Country music Hall of Fame. The head of the Country Music Association said today: “His legacy lives on through his music and the many artists and writers he inspired.” Don Schlitz was 73 years old.
