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April 20, 2026

The Plain News — Morning Edition — Monday, April 20, 2026

The Plain News
Monday, April 20, 2026 · Morning Edition · Plain facts, finite edition
This edition uses the same report as the website, in a single-column email that’s easier to read. Read online at https://www.plainnews.co.
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Front Page · U.S.
Businesses can apply for refunds on tariffs
Importers can begin applying for refunds on tariffs that were deemed unlawful by the Supreme Court. The government is required to return $160 billion in collected tariffs.
  • Importers who paid tariffs can apply for refunds starting Monday.
  • The Supreme Court ruled that the tariffs were unlawfully collected.
  • The total amount to be refunded is $160 billion.
Read the original source
More Stories
U.S.
Doctors request Supreme Court to maintain mifepristone restrictions
A group of doctors opposed to abortion filed a request with the Supreme Court to keep restrictions on mifepristone in place. The court faces a deadline to respond.
  • The request was submitted on Tuesday.
  • The deadline for the Supreme Court to act is Wednesday night.
  • Mifepristone is a medication used in abortion procedures.
Original source
U.S.
Trump administration launches tariff refund portal
The Trump administration has initiated a system to refund $166 billion in tariffs. This follows a Supreme Court decision that deemed the levies unlawful.
  • The Supreme Court ruled the tariffs unlawful in 2023.
  • The refund portal is designed to process $166 billion in tariff refunds.
  • The initiative is part of the Trump administration's response to the court ruling.
Original source
U.S.
Virginia voters report confusion over redistricting ballot
Virginia voters have expressed confusion regarding the redistricting vote due to conflicting campaign materials. Election mailers and TV ads have presented contradictory information.
  • Voters reported confusion about the redistricting vote.
  • Campaigns on both sides used conflicting messages.
  • The wording on the ballot was described as vague.
Original source
U.S.
Vance comments on Pope Leo XIV's statement regarding Trump
Vice President JD Vance expressed support for Pope Leo XIV's statement about avoiding public debate with President Trump. This follows recent tensions between the White House and the Vatican.
  • Pope Leo XIV stated he does not want a public debate with President Trump.
  • JD Vance welcomed the Pope's statement.
  • Tensions had recently escalated between the White House and the Vatican.
Original source
World
Ukraine's defense technology sector involved in Iran conflict
Ukraine is promoting its defense technology sector as a contributor to military efforts. The sector focuses on anti-drone technology.
  • Ukraine is developing anti-drone technology.
  • The technology is being utilized in the Iran conflict.
  • Ukraine aims to position itself as a provider of military technology.
Original source
World
North Korea launches ballistic missiles
North Korea launched ballistic missiles from the Sinpo area on Sunday morning. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed the launches.
  • The missiles were launched from the eastern Sinpo area of North Korea.
  • The launches occurred on Sunday morning.
  • South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff reported the incident.
Original source
World
Rat poison found in HiPP baby food in Austria
HiPP issued a warning regarding potential contamination of its baby food products. The company stated that consumption may pose health risks.
  • Police in Austria reported the discovery of rat poison in a jar of HiPP baby food.
  • HiPP advised consumers not to use the affected products.
  • The company is investigating the source of the contamination.
Original source
World
Iranian nuclear scientists killed in strikes
The deaths of Iranian nuclear scientists have raised concerns about nuclear proliferation. Experts indicate potential risks related to material controls.
  • Iranian nuclear scientists were killed in U.S.-Israeli strikes.
  • Experts warn of risks associated with weakened material controls.
  • Concerns have been raised about uranium and expertise reaching the black market.
Original source
World
Humanoid robot completes half-marathon in Beijing
A humanoid robot from Honor finished a half-marathon in 50 minutes and 26 seconds. This time is faster than the current human world record.
  • The robot was developed by Honor, a Chinese smartphone manufacturer.
  • The half-marathon took place in Beijing.
  • The human half-marathon world record is 58 minutes and 23 seconds.
Original source
Business
CEO discusses tariff refund application process
The CEO of a Minnesota baby products manufacturer detailed her experience with the tariff refund application process. The discussion was part of an interview with NPR.
  • The CEO applied for a refund related to tariffs imposed during the Trump administration.
  • The interview was conducted by NPR's Michel Martin.
  • The company is based in Minnesota.
Original source
Business
U.S. government to launch tariff refund portal
The U.S. government will open a portal for companies to request tariff refunds starting Monday. This follows the Supreme Court's decision to strike down most of President Trump's tariffs.
  • The Supreme Court ruled against most of President Trump's tariffs two months ago.
  • Companies can begin requesting refunds through the portal on Monday.
  • The portal will be hosted on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's ACE system.
Original source
Business
Global Leaders Discuss Impact of Iran Conflict
Faisal Islam interviews global leaders regarding the economic implications of the Iran conflict. Their insights reflect concerns about regional stability and economic repercussions.
  • Leaders express concerns about the economic impact of the Iran conflict.
  • Discussions focus on regional stability and its effects on global markets.
  • Economic forecasts may be influenced by developments in the Iran conflict.
Original source
Business
Iran conflict impacts energy and food costs
The conflict in the Middle East has led to increased prices for petrol, household energy, and food. Economic analysts report rising costs due to supply chain disruptions.
  • Petrol prices have increased due to the conflict in the Middle East.
  • Household energy bills are rising as a result of higher fuel costs.
  • Food prices are affected by supply chain disruptions linked to the conflict.
Original source
Business
Montenegro and Albania gain popularity among British tourists
Montenegro and Albania are becoming more popular destinations for British travelers. These locations are seen as alternatives to traditional tourist spots.
  • Montenegro and Albania are reported to be rising in popularity for British tourists.
  • Travel trends indicate a shift towards less crowded destinations.
  • Tourism data shows increased interest in these countries for 2026.
Original source
Technology
Claude Mythos AI tool claims to outperform humans in cybersecurity tasks
Claude Mythos is an AI tool developed by Anthropic. The company asserts that it can perform certain hacking and cybersecurity tasks more effectively than humans.
  • Anthropic developed the AI tool Claude Mythos.
  • The tool is claimed to outperform humans in specific cybersecurity tasks.
  • Concerns have been raised in the financial sector regarding the implications of this technology.
Original source
Technology
Texas man charged with attempted murder
A Texas man has been charged with attempted murder following an attack on the home of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. He also faces federal felony charges related to documents advocating violence against AI executives.
  • The man is charged with attempted murder.
  • He faces federal felony charges.
  • Documents advocating for violence against AI executives were found.
Original source
Technology
Global tech outage linked to software update
A significant tech outage affected airlines, banks, casinos, package deliveries, and emergency services worldwide. The outage was traced to a software update from the U.S.-based cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike.
  • The outage impacted multiple sectors globally.
  • The root cause was identified as a software update from CrowdStrike.
  • The event is being described as one of the largest tech outages in history.
Original source
Technology
Booking.com reports security breach affecting customer reservations
Booking.com announced a security breach that led to unauthorized access to customer reservations. The company has implemented changes to customer PINs.
  • Booking.com confirmed a security breach affecting customer reservations.
  • The company changed customer PINs as a protective measure.
  • Booking.com did not disclose the number of affected customers.
Original source
Technology
Government report highlights AI risks
A government report indicates that advanced Artificial Intelligence systems may pose significant risks to human existence. The report calls for U.S. intervention.
  • The report warns of an 'extinction-level threat' from advanced AI systems.
  • Retired Admiral James Stavridis commented on the historical context of technological advancements.
  • The report emphasizes the need for U.S. action regarding AI development.
Original source
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