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The Actual News

Just the Facts, from multiple news sources.

US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

Trump administration begins accepting refunds on over $166bn in tariffs

Trump administration begins accepting refunds on over $166bn in tariffs

April 20, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

The Trump administration has started taking refund claims from businesses for over $166 billion in tariffs after the Supreme Court ruled the tariffs were illegal. A new online system called Cape will handle most claims, but some companies involved in legal disputes must wait.

Key Facts

  • The Supreme Court ruled that President Trump did not have legal authority to impose these tariffs.
  • The tariff refunds total more than $166 billion.
  • Over 3,000 companies, including Skechers, Toyota, and Costco, have sued for refunds.
  • Only companies that directly paid the tariffs, such as importers and large firms, can claim refunds.
  • The online system, Cape, can process about 63% of affected tariff claims now.
  • Some claims involving legal or customs issues cannot be processed yet.
  • Businesses may wait 60 to 90 days from submitting forms to receive refunds.
  • Some companies, like FedEx, plan to pass refunds back to customers through lower prices.
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Guardian World Guardian US Guardian Business
NDIS infiltrated by organised crime gangs using intimidation and threats of violence against Australians

NDIS infiltrated by organised crime gangs using intimidation and threats of violence against Australians

April 20, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Organised crime gangs are using the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to commit fraud, including paying kickbacks and threatening vulnerable participants. Law enforcement warns this activity risks poor care and financial losses in the $50 billion program, prompting government plans to strengthen oversight and reduce scheme growth.

Key Facts

  • Criminal gangs are laundering money and hiding assets through the NDIS by paying cash kickbacks to participants and families.
  • Intimidation and threats of violence are used against vulnerable NDIS participants.
  • Allied health professionals and other intermediaries have helped gangs by preparing false or exaggerated documents for higher payments.
  • Fraud includes false claims, requests made during hospital stays or imprisonment, and claims on expired plans.
  • Large cash withdrawals and asset purchases from NDIS funds aim to hide criminal activity.
  • People from non-English backgrounds and those with disabilities are most at risk.
  • The government plans to introduce stronger provider registration rules and improve data use to combat fraud.
  • The NDIS spending is growing rapidly, with projections to reach $63 billion by 2028-29, leading to planned budget cuts to slow growth.
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Guardian World
Why is Trump cutting energy aid during an oil price shock?

Why is Trump cutting energy aid during an oil price shock?

April 20, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

President Donald Trump's administration is working to end the LIHEAP program, which helps people pay for energy costs. If this happens during a time of rising oil prices, many families may struggle to pay their utility bills and could face having their service cut off.

Key Facts

  • LIHEAP stands for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
  • LIHEAP provides financial help to low-income households for energy bills.
  • The administration plans to stop funding LIHEAP.
  • Oil prices are currently rising, increasing energy costs for consumers.
  • Without LIHEAP, more people might fall behind on energy payments.
  • This could lead to more utility shut-offs.
  • Ending aid may increase hardship for vulnerable families during the energy price rise.
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The Hill
Kash Patel Sues The Atlantic for $250M After 'Erratic' Drinking Allegations

Kash Patel Sues The Atlantic for $250M After 'Erratic' Drinking Allegations

April 20, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Kash Patel, the FBI Director, has filed a $250 million lawsuit against The Atlantic. He says the magazine published false claims that he was often drunk at work, which he denies and says harmed his reputation.

Key Facts

  • Kash Patel is the FBI Director under President Donald Trump.
  • He sued The Atlantic for $250 million over an article published on Friday.
  • The article accused Patel of erratic behavior and drinking while working.
  • Patel claims the allegations are false and made to damage his reputation.
  • The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court of Columbia and is 19 pages long.
  • Patel states he has had successes leading the FBI under President Trump.
  • He says The Atlantic crossed a legal line by publishing fabricated claims.
  • This is an ongoing story, with updates expected.
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Newsweek
Eight children killed in US domestic violence shooting

Eight children killed in US domestic violence shooting

April 20, 2026 • France24

Summary

A man in Shreveport, Louisiana, shot and killed eight children early Sunday, seven of whom were his own. The shooting happened at three locations and left two women seriously injured, including the mother of some of the children.

Key Facts

  • The shooting occurred in Shreveport, Louisiana, in the southern United States.
  • Eight children were killed, seven of them related to the shooter.
  • The incident involved domestic violence.
  • The shooting took place at three different locations.
  • Two women were shot and seriously wounded, one of whom was the mother of some victims.
  • This is the deadliest mass shooting in the U.S. in over two years.
  • The information comes from police and Gun Violence Archive data.
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France24
Patel sues Atlantic over report on job performance, alcohol use

Patel sues Atlantic over report on job performance, alcohol use

April 20, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

FBI Director Kash Patel filed a lawsuit against The Atlantic after it published a report about his job performance and alcohol use. The article reported that Patel was worried about losing his job and was difficult to contact following nights of heavy drinking.

Key Facts

  • FBI Director Kash Patel sued The Atlantic magazine.
  • The lawsuit follows a story titled “The FBI Director Is MIA.”
  • The article claimed Patel feared losing his position.
  • It said Patel was hard to reach after nights of excessive drinking.
  • The story was based on interviews with more than two dozen people.
  • The article was published on a Friday.
  • The lawsuit was filed on the following Monday.
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The Hill
Ketanji Brown Jackson Says She 'Cannot Fathom' New Supreme Court Order

Ketanji Brown Jackson Says She 'Cannot Fathom' New Supreme Court Order

April 20, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson disagreed with a recent Supreme Court decision that overturned a lower court ruling about police stops and searches. The case involved a police officer stopping a driver without clear reason, and the Supreme Court changed the lower court's decision.

Key Facts

  • The case centers on a police stop in Washington, D.C., where two people quickly ran from a car.
  • A police officer ordered the driver, called R. W., to raise his hands and drew his weapon.
  • The D.C. Court of Appeals said the stop violated the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches.
  • The Supreme Court reversed the lower court’s decision.
  • Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson disagreed with the Supreme Court’s decision and wrote a dissent.
  • Justice Sonia Sotomayor said she would not have agreed to hear the case.
  • The main issue is whether police had a reasonable reason to stop the driver.
  • The dissent focused on whether the Supreme Court should have reviewed facts weighed by the lower court.
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Newsweek
Female Uber Driver Refuses To Take Men—Shock Over Their 3-Word Reply

Female Uber Driver Refuses To Take Men—Shock Over Their 3-Word Reply

April 20, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

A female Uber driver in South Carolina shared a story about refusing to take male passengers late at night using Uber’s women-only filter, citing safety concerns. When she told the men "62 million," she was referencing a CNN report about a large audience for harmful online videos, prompting discussion about women’s safety during rides.

Key Facts

  • The female Uber driver uses Uber’s "women riders only" filter and can cancel male passengers after dark without penalty.
  • She refused two men who booked a ride through a woman’s account late at night, saying she does not take men after dark.
  • The men’s three-word reply was "Honestly, that’s valid."
  • "62 million" referred to the number of monthly visits to a pornography site featuring harmful content involving unconscious women, as reported by CNN.
  • Uber introduced the women-only preference nationwide in the U.S. earlier in 2024.
  • The driver highlighted that the feature is for safety, not discrimination, and encouraged women to use it, especially when vulnerable.
  • She explained that her nervous system becomes highly alert when men enter her car due to past experiences and widespread safety concerns for women.
  • The driver provided safety tips like checking license plates and confirming driver identity before rides.
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Newsweek
FBI Director Kash Patel sues The Atlantic over story on alleged drinking, absences

FBI Director Kash Patel sues The Atlantic over story on alleged drinking, absences

April 20, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

FBI Director Kash Patel has filed a defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic magazine. He claims the magazine published a story accusing him of drinking and missing work, and he is asking for $250 million in damages.

Key Facts

  • Kash Patel is the FBI Director.
  • Patel sued The Atlantic on Monday.
  • The lawsuit is for defamation, which means damaging someone's reputation with false claims.
  • The published story accused Patel of drinking and being absent from work.
  • Patel is seeking $250 million in damages.
  • The news was reported by CBS News.
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CBS News
Mother and six children die in Pennsylvania house explosion

Mother and six children die in Pennsylvania house explosion

April 20, 2026 • BBC US

Summary

A mother and her six children died after an explosion and fire destroyed their home in Lamar Township, Pennsylvania. Officials say a propane leak might have caused the explosion, and the fire spread so quickly that firefighters could not rescue the family.

Key Facts

  • The explosion happened at 8:30 a.m. local time on Sunday in Clinton County, Pennsylvania.
  • The mother, Sarah B Stolzfus, was 34 years old.
  • The six children included four boys and two girls, aged 3 to 11.
  • Firefighters found the house fully on fire and could not enter to save the family.
  • A propane leak inside the home is believed to have triggered the explosion.
  • The house was almost completely destroyed and partly collapsed due to the fire.
  • Neighbors heard a loud boom and saw flames quickly engulf the house.
  • Police and fire officials are still investigating the exact cause of the explosion.
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BBC US
Kash Patel's Odds of Being Ousted as FBI Director

Kash Patel's Odds of Being Ousted as FBI Director

April 20, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

FBI Director Kash Patel faces allegations of erratic behavior, which he denies. Prediction markets show growing chances he may leave his job by the end of 2024, although he currently remains in position and defends his record.

Key Facts

  • An article in The Atlantic alleged Patel appeared intoxicated at work and acted erratically.
  • Patel denied these claims and threatened legal action against The Atlantic.
  • Prediction markets estimate a 67% chance Patel could leave by June 30, 2024, and 80% by December 31, 2024.
  • Patel has drawn criticism for sharing investigation details on social media and his role in handling the Jeffrey Epstein case files.
  • Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called on Patel to resign, citing concerns about his fitness to serve.
  • Despite criticism, Patel highlighted FBI achievements under his leadership, including crime reductions and drug seizures.
  • FBI spokesperson Benjamin Williamson also rejected the allegations made in The Atlantic.
  • Patel remains FBI Director and is actively defending his tenure in public interviews.
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Newsweek
Supreme Court To Hear New Case Tied to Same-Sex Couples

Supreme Court To Hear New Case Tied to Same-Sex Couples

April 20, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case involving Catholic preschools in Colorado. These schools claim the state violated their rights by excluding them from a free preschool program because of their policies about LGBTQ+ families.

Key Facts

  • The case is called St. Mary Catholic Parish v. Lisa Roy.
  • Catholic preschools argue it is unconstitutional for Colorado to exclude them from a state-funded preschool program due to their admission policies about LGBTQ+ families.
  • Colorado allows religious schools to join the program only if they follow nondiscrimination laws.
  • The Supreme Court has recently ruled in favor of religious groups in cases involving LGBTQ+ rights.
  • The court's decision could affect laws that protect LGBTQ+ people from discrimination.
  • The Supreme Court announced it would hear the case in its Monday orders list.
  • The case focuses on the conflict between religious rights and LGBTQ+ nondiscrimination rules.
  • This story is developing and updates may come as the case proceeds.
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Newsweek
Neighbors recall "full-blown shootout" as father targeted kids in shooting

Neighbors recall "full-blown shootout" as father targeted kids in shooting

April 20, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

A man named Shamar Elkins in Shreveport, Louisiana, fatally shot eight children early Sunday morning, including seven of his own and one cousin. Police chased and shot Elkins after he fled the scene in a stolen car; the attack began during a domestic dispute and included shooting two women.

Key Facts

  • The shooting happened early Sunday morning in Shreveport, Louisiana.
  • The suspect, Shamar Elkins, killed eight children: seven were his own, and one was a cousin.
  • Elkins also shot two women, including his wife, during a domestic dispute.
  • He fled the scene in a stolen car but died after police shot him during a chase.
  • Neighbors described hearing a "full-blown shootout" and chaos around the home.
  • Police said the shooting was "execution-style," targeting victims as they tried to escape.
  • The gunman and his wife had been arguing about their separation before the shooting.
  • This incident is the deadliest mass shooting in the U.S. in more than two years.
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CBS News
Witnesses in criminal probe of ex-CIA Director Brennan subpoenaed, sources say

Witnesses in criminal probe of ex-CIA Director Brennan subpoenaed, sources say

April 20, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

The U.S. Justice Department is investigating whether former CIA Director John Brennan lied to Congress. Several former intelligence and FBI officials who are helping the investigation were subpoenaed to testify before a grand jury in Washington, D.C.

Key Facts

  • Former senior intelligence and FBI officials are cooperating with a criminal probe into John Brennan.
  • The investigation is about whether Brennan lied to Congress.
  • The witnesses were subpoenaed to appear before a grand jury this week.
  • The subpoenas were issued after Joe DiGenova, an ally of President Donald Trump, was appointed to lead the probe.
  • DiGenova previously worked to overturn the 2020 presidential election results.
  • The witnesses had been scheduled for voluntary interviews but were now required to testify in person.
  • Legal experts say this is an unusual step because such interviews are normally done outside the grand jury.
  • The move may be related to grand jurors being unwilling to indict in politically sensitive cases.
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CBS News
Kash Patel sues the Atlantic over bombshell story detailing allegations of misconduct

Kash Patel sues the Atlantic over bombshell story detailing allegations of misconduct

April 20, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Kash Patel, the US attorney general, has filed a $250 million defamation lawsuit against the Atlantic magazine and reporter Sarah Fitzpatrick. Patel denies allegations of excessive drinking and misbehavior while leading a law enforcement agency, calling the published story false and harmful to his reputation.

Key Facts

  • Kash Patel sued the Atlantic and reporter Sarah Fitzpatrick in US District Court in Washington, D.C.
  • The lawsuit claims the Atlantic published false and damaging claims about Patel’s conduct.
  • Patel’s team says the magazine used anonymous sources who were biased and not credible.
  • The legal claim accuses the Atlantic of “actual malice,” a legal term for knowingly publishing false information about a public figure.
  • Before publication, Patel’s lawyer sent a warning letter threatening legal action.
  • The Atlantic’s editor and reporter stand by the story and say it was well researched.
  • Patel’s spokesperson said other reporters had reported similar rumors about Patel’s behavior.
  • This lawsuit continues a tense and confrontational relationship between the Trump administration and the media.
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Guardian World Guardian US
Kash Patel sues The Atlantic for $250 million over story on alleged drinking

Kash Patel sues The Atlantic for $250 million over story on alleged drinking

April 20, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

FBI Director Kash Patel filed a $250 million defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic magazine over an article that claimed he frequently drinks heavily and often misses work, which Patel says is false. He denies the allegations and this is his second lawsuit related to media reports about his behavior.

Key Facts

  • Kash Patel is the FBI Director.
  • He sued The Atlantic for $250 million, accusing the magazine of publishing false claims about his drinking and absences from work.
  • The lawsuit was filed in Washington, D.C., and names reporter Sarah Fitzpatrick as a defendant.
  • The article alleged Patel drinks to the point of obvious intoxication and misses time-sensitive FBI duties.
  • Patel and the FBI have denied the claims made in the story.
  • The lawsuit lists 17 statements from the article that Patel says are false and defamatory.
  • Patel’s legal team says the claims were made recklessly without proof.
  • This is Patel’s second lawsuit connected to reports about his social life and work habits; he previously sued an MSNBC analyst with a similar claim.
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CBS News
Mother and six children killed in explosion and fire at Pennsylvania home

Mother and six children killed in explosion and fire at Pennsylvania home

April 20, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

A mother and her six children died in an explosion and fire at their home in central Pennsylvania. Authorities are investigating, with a propane leak inside the house considered a possible cause.

Key Facts

  • The incident happened at a home in Lamar Township, Clinton County, Pennsylvania.
  • Seven people died: mother Sarah Stolzfus, age 34, and her six children aged 3 to 11.
  • Firefighters arrived after a report of an explosion and fire but could not enter because the house was fully on fire.
  • The cause is under investigation; a propane leak inside the home may have caused the explosion.
  • Exterior propane tanks outside the house did not explode or cause the fire.
  • Neighbors reported hearing a loud boom and seeing flames quickly engulf the home.
  • The family had moved into the house only a few months before the incident.
  • Children from the family were often seen playing outside by neighbors.
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Guardian World Guardian US
This 4/20, Democrats should take back the lead on legalization

This 4/20, Democrats should take back the lead on legalization

April 20, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

The article suggests that Democrats should regain leadership on marijuana legalization during the 4/20 event. It warns that allowing President Donald Trump to dominate the conversation around this issue would be a missed chance for Democratic progress.

Key Facts

  • The focus is on marijuana legalization debates around April 20, a day associated with cannabis culture.
  • The article emphasizes the importance of political leadership on marijuana laws.
  • It urges Democrats to actively lead the legalization movement.
  • It expresses concern about President Donald Trump gaining influence in this area.
  • The article implies there is a current opportunity for Democrats to shape marijuana policies.
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The Hill
Singer d4vd expected to face murder charge

Singer d4vd expected to face murder charge

April 20, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office plans to charge singer-songwriter d4vd with murder. This is related to the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas, whose body was found in a car owned by d4vd about seven months ago. The 21-year-old musician was arrested last week.

Key Facts

  • The District Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles County will file a murder charge against d4vd.
  • The victim, Celeste Rivas, was 14 years old.
  • Her body was discovered in a car owned by d4vd.
  • The incident happened approximately seven months ago.
  • d4vd is a 21-year-old singer and songwriter.
  • He was arrested recently, last week.
  • The authorities are continuing their investigation.
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CBS News
Supreme Court will hear from religious preschools challenging exclusion from taxpayer-funded program

Supreme Court will hear from religious preschools challenging exclusion from taxpayer-funded program

April 20, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

The Supreme Court will hear a case involving Catholic preschools in Colorado. These schools say the state broke their religious rights by not allowing them to join a taxpayer-funded program because of their student admission rules.

Key Facts

  • The case involves Catholic preschools in Colorado.
  • The schools claim their religious rights were violated.
  • The issue is about being excluded from a state-funded program.
  • The exclusion is due to the preschools’ admission policies.
  • The Supreme Court agreed to hear the case.
  • The appeal comes from St. Mary Catholic Parish.
  • The Trump administration supports the Catholic preschools.
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PBS NewsHour AP News