NPR News: 04-23-2026 9PM EDT

President Trump announced an extension of the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon by three weeks, while expressing optimism for a summit between their leaders in Washington soon. This follows a second meeting of their ambassadors at the White House, where Trump noted the countries' proximity and described a potential agreement as "an easy one." Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted both nations as victims of Hezbollah, and U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee likened the group to "a rough little kid disturbing neighbors who want to get along." Israel currently occupies parts of southern Lebanon amid these tensions.

Surveillance Policy Debate

Lawmakers concerned about privacy are pushing back against Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which permits U.S. intelligence agencies to collect electronic communications of foreign nationals outside the U.S. without a warrant. When those foreigners contact Americans, the Americans' private calls, texts, and emails are incidentally captured. Bipartisan privacy advocates, including both parties, demand that the FBI obtain a warrant before reviewing such data. They blocked an extension of the authority last week. Now, GOP leaders in the House are advancing a modified version, which Oregon Senator Ron Wyden, a prominent Democrat advocating reform, criticized as a "rubber stamp for Trump to spy on Americans